Muzaffarnagar-based Riya Saini has emerged as one of the UPSC CSE 2024 achievers with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) twenty-two. Her success is a testimony to consistent effort, academic clarity, and an unwavering dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Coming from Tanda village in Charthaval, Riya transformed each setback into renewed motivation. Her story stands out not just for the rank, but for the resilience behind it.
Consistent UPSC Preparation and Clear IAS Goal
Riya first cleared UPSC in twenty-twenty-three, securing a position in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) in Lucknow. However, she chose not to settle, as her focus remained firmly on entering the IAS. Her second attempt strengthened her strategy, and in her third attempt, she reached the milestone she always aimed for. With an engineering background and sociology as her optional subject, she adopted a structured study plan — seven to eight hours of focused preparation daily, revision-based notes, and concept clarity across core subjects. She expressed hope of being allocated either the Uttar Pradesh or Maharashtra cadre as she begins the next journey in her administrative career.
Strong Family Support Strengthened Her UPSC Journey
Behind Riya’s success stands a family that encouraged her continuously. Her father Mukesh Kumar, a chief engineer in the Military Engineering Service (MES), was a district topper in nineteen-eighty-three. Her mother Preeti Saini, a homemaker, ensured a disciplined environment and strong emotional support at every stage. Her younger brother Anmol, a national-level lawn tennis player, also played a big role in motivating her. Relatives and family members expressed immense pride — calling her achievement a moment of honor for the entire district.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
Before sharing the list below, it is important to highlight how Riya’s disciplined approach and practical mindset can offer valuable insights for future candidates. She always believed in simplicity over overwhelm — understanding syllabus boundaries, practicing previous questions, and improving through mock evaluation. Here are a few standout strategies that helped her secure a top rank:
- Focus on core subjects and avoid scattered resources
- Maintain a stable routine with a clear vision
- Revision-driven study with balanced writing practice
- Staying calm and learning from previous attempts
- Strong family and mentor support system
Her journey highlights that success in Civil Services depends not just on effort, but also on persistence, purpose, and emotional strength. Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey

