Wardah Khan, a dedicated aspirant of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, achieved a remarkable feat by securing All India Rank (AIR) 18 in her second attempt. Known for her diligent preparation and strategic approach, Wardah emerged successful with Sociology as her optional subject. Her journey from a corporate job to cracking one of India’s toughest examinations is an inspiring tale of perseverance and determination.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Wardah Khan |
| Achievement | Secured All India Rank (AIR) 18 in UPSC Civil Services Examination |
| Wardah Khan Service | IFS(Indian Foreign Service) |
| Born/Age/DOB | 15 March 1996, (28 Years Old) |
| Background | – Born and raised in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – B.Com (Hons) from SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi – Worked at KPMG Global in Audit for 8 months |
| Preparation Start | Began UPSC journey in 2021, one year prior to first attempt |
| First Attempt | Unsuccessful in clearing Prelims by a narrow margin in 2022 |
| Second Attempt | Successfully secured AIR 18 in 2024 |
| Optional Subject | Sociology |
| Category | Toppers |
| Marital status | Unmarried |
Wardah Khan Background and Journey
Wardah Khan was Born and brought up in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Wardah completed her schooling locally. She pursued her undergraduate studies in B.Com (Hons) from SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi. After graduating, she briefly worked for 8 months at KPMG Global in the Audit department. However, driven by her passion for civil services, she made the courageous decision to quit her job and dedicate herself full-time to UPSC preparation.
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Wardah Khan UPSC CSE Scorecard
How and When Wardah Khan Started Preparation?
Wardah embarked on her UPSC journey a year before her first attempt in 2021. Enrolling in the online GS foundation course of Vajiram & Ravi, she laid a strong foundation by meticulously studying NCERTs and cultivating the habit of regular newspaper reading. Despite facing setbacks in her first attempt, missing the cutoff by a narrow margin in Prelims, she utilized the experience to identify and rectify her weaknesses.
Wardah Khan Prelims and Mains Strategy
Her preparation strategy for Prelims involved a systematic approach, prioritizing previous year question papers (PYQs) over mock tests and emphasizing conceptual clarity. For current affairs, she relied on sources like The Hindu and Vision monthly magazines, supplementing her notes for revision. Additionally, Wardah diligently practiced CSAT, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the syllabus.
In mains, she focused on in-depth study of standard books and coaching notes, supplementing them with Mains 365 and newspaper insights. Wardah’s answer-writing strategy revolved around concise, pointwise responses, with a blend of definitional and contextual introductions and futuristic conclusions.
Wardah Khan Optional Strategy
Choosing Sociology as her optional subject, Wardah initially self-prepared using resources like Nitin Sangwan’s Essential Socio, Haralambos & Horlborn, and Ritzer. However, recognizing the need for structured guidance, she opted for mentorship at LevelupIAS, which proved instrumental in enhancing both static and current affairs knowledge.
Essay Strategy and Attitude
Recognizing the importance of essay writing, Wardah sought guidance to refine her approach, focusing on structuring and content organization. Beyond academic rigor, she underscores the significance of the right attitude, advocating for honesty, resilience, and solution-oriented thinking.
Wardah Khan’s Excerpts from Interview
In an exclusive interview, Wardah reflects on her journey, expressing gratitude for the support of her family and friends. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief and attitudinal resilience, attributing her success to a nuanced understanding of the UPSC syllabus and rigorous preparation.
Opting for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Wardah’s decision reflects her longstanding interest in diplomacy and international relations. She aspires to contribute to India’s global engagement, inspired by eminent diplomats and leaders in the field.
