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Two residents of Noida have made their mark in the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2023, securing ranks among the top 20 in the country. Wardah Khan, a 24-year-old from Sector 82, clinched the 18th rank, while Akash Verma, 29, from Sector 93, secured the 20th rank in the highly competitive exam.
Wardah Khan, originally from Prayagraj, has been residing in Vivek Vihar colony in Sector 82 since 2021, preparing diligently for the UPSC exams. Overjoyed by her achievement, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “When I started preparing, my goal was simply to qualify, but securing a rank in the Top 20 nationwide is beyond my expectations.” This was her second attempt, having faced disappointment in her first attempt in 2022.
The daughter of a retired government school teacher and the late Mr. Khan, Wardah emphasized the importance of consistency in her study routine. “Studying for 8 to 9 hours daily was essential, but more than the hours, I focused on consistency. I believe in studying every day, even if it’s just a few hours,” she shared. Wardah completed her schooling in Prayagraj with remarkable achievements, and later pursued BCom (Honours) from Delhi University’s Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College.
Leaving a corporate job in 2020 to pursue her civil services dream, Wardah found social media to be a valuable resource. “I used social media wisely, following previous rank holders’ tips and videos. It helped me understand concepts and plan my strategy better,” she added, expressing her interest in the foreign services.
Akash Verma, a resident of Express View Apartments in Sector 93, shared his journey to success. Completing his schooling from Rainbow School in Delhi and later securing a BTech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi, Akash’s path led him to IIM Calcutta for an MBA. Determined to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), he made his fourth attempt at UPSC count.
“In my second attempt in 2021, I was selected for the Indian Defence Estates Service, but I aimed higher for IAS. So, I continued my efforts and finally achieved my goal with the 20th rank in 2023,” said Akash, who is currently undergoing training in Leh at the National Academy Of Defence Financial Management Institute.
Akash’s family, including his father, a general manager with Punjab National Bank, and his mother, a homemaker, have been his pillars of support throughout his journey. Reflecting on his path, Akash mentioned, “Each attempt taught me valuable lessons, and I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the nation.”
Both Wardah Khan and Akash Verma’s remarkable achievements stand as a testament to their dedication and hard work, inspiring aspiring civil servants across the country.
