Zirakpur’s Aastha Singh

An SRCC graduate, Aastha Singh has become the first in her family to join the civil services, inspiring many with her success through pure self-study. Aastha Singh, 21 years of age from Peer Muchalla, Zirakpur, has created history by
securing All India Rank 61 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, an exam known for its tremendously difficult reach. Her achievement gained glory in light of the fact that she passed the exam on her first attempt with any coaching, only through self-study.

A Journey of Determination, Not Dependence

Aastha would surely redefine the stereotype that a high score in UPSC is possible only through years of coaching and several attempts. She completed her graduation in Economics (Honours) from one of India’s most reputed colleges, Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), trusting the academic foundation and a strict self-study routine to
bring her dream to reality. Also it made her the first civil servant in her family.

Harayana AETO to UPSC Topper

Aastha has already made her mark in the field by clearing the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) exam in the year 2024, achieving the 31st rank in her first attempt and thereby got appointed as an Additional Excise and Taxation Officer under Haryana Government. But her ambition went much beyond that. Within a few months after joining the state services, she realized her aspirations by setting her eyes on UPSE and achieved them within the same year.

Inspirational Roots and Vision for the Future

From the above humble background, Aastha’s father, Brijesh Singh, works as a manager in a pharmaceutical company at Baddi, and her mother is, homemaker- Shalini Singh. The family comes originally from Uttar Pradesh. Aastha got naturally attracted to public service and governance as she was not at all connected to civil services prior in her family.

According to Aastha, her successes are because of passion and a goal, “I did not follow any coaching institute; I believed in myself and focused on my goal. I hope to work toward women’s empowerment and meaningful development,” she shared.

Inspiring a New Generation of Aspirants

This year, four other women from the tricity region—Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali—also secured positions among the top 300 ranks, making the area proud with their remarkable achievements. Aastha happens to be one among the five candidates who met with this fortune. Her story would shine some hope in the hearts of the young
aspirants, especially for those who cannot afford coaching. With her focused mind and clear-in-the-head intellect, Aastha Singh is not just a topper- she’s a trendsetter.