By team abhyaspeeth 
Abhyspeeth Desk
Nagpur : In a world where coaching classes, expensive test series, and metro cities are seen as the only route to cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam, 24-year-old Bhagyashree Naikele from Nagpur has scripted a story of sheer grit, resilience, and self-belief. Without going to Delhi or Pune, and without joining any coaching classes, she secured All India Rank 737 in one of the toughest exams in India – the UPSC CSE.
Bhagyashree hails from Timki, a modest locality in Nagpur. Her journey is marked by challenges, sacrifices, and undeterred determination. After completing her schooling in Nagpur, the family moved to Jaipur for three years due to her father’s job, where she pursued her graduation. Coming from a financially strained background, Bhagyashree worked for two years in digital marketing to support her family. But with a dream to become an IAS officer, her father asked her to quit the job and focus entirely on studies.
She appeared twice for the UPSC exam and couldn’t clear the prelims. But she never gave up. With limited resources, she self-studied from her home in Nagpur, created her own test series, used minimal books and notes, and finally cracked the exam in her third attempt.
Her family’s struggles are heart-wrenching. They live in a rented house in Dighori, and her father, an electrician by profession, often finds it hard to get work. For the past four months, they haven’t been able to pay rent. Bhagyashree didn’t even have a laptop for two years. Her father bought one on EMI, but couldn’t pay the installments, leading to finance company agents threatening to seize it. He pleaded for three more days—and somehow managed to pay and save the laptop.
The family faced social neglect too. Being poor, many relatives didn’t invite them to family functions, which deeply hurt them. But Bhagyashree rose above it all. She couldn’t afford books, so she made the most of what little she had. She didn’t join a library or any study circle to avoid extra expenses. She chose to study in a small room in her house instead.
Clearing the UPSC exam among over 10 lakh aspirants is a huge achievement. This year, Bhagyashree is likely to be allotted IRS (Income Tax). But her dream remains to become an IAS officer, and she is determined to try again.
Yesterday, a felicitation ceremony was held at her home to celebrate her incredible journey. Her parents were also honored for their sacrifices and unshakable support. To ensure she doesn’t face financial obstacles in the future, the Students’ Rights Foundation has decided to support her further preparation.
Bhagyashree’s story is a testament that poverty is not a barrier when passion, discipline, and determination drive you forward. Everyone doesn’t need to crack UPSC—but Bhagyashree’s journey inspires us to dream big, even with limited means, and pursue those dreams with unwavering resolve.