Meet Aishwarya Sheoran: From Modelling to AIR 93 in UPSC but Chose Not to Become IAS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is often described as one of the toughest recruitment tests in India. It demands unwavering dedication, relentless perseverance, and an unyielding spirit. For Aishwarya Sheoran, a former Miss India contestant turned Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, this challenge was not just a test of knowledge but a calling to serve the nation.

Born and raised in Rajasthan, Aishwarya is the daughter of Colonel Ajay Kumar, Commanding Officer of the 9th Telangana NCC Battalion. Her academic brilliance was evident early on, as she scored an impressive 97.5% in her Class 12 board exams at Delhi’s Sanskriti School. She went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, where her passion for modelling took flight.

Aishwarya’s modelling career began with beauty pageants, and she quickly rose to prominence, winning the title of Miss Clean and Clear Fresh Face in 2014. Her crowning achievement came in 2015 when she became a finalist in the Miss India 2016 pageant. Although she didn’t win the title, her journey in the glamour world was nothing short of remarkable.

However, Aishwarya’s heart was set on a different path. Inspired by her father’s military background and her own sense of duty, she decided to leave behind the glitz and glamour of modelling to serve the nation. In 2018, she was accepted into the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore but chose to decline the offer. Instead, she dedicated herself to preparing for the UPSC CSE.

What makes Aishwarya’s story even more inspiring is her decision to rely solely on self-study, eschewing coaching classes. After ten months of rigorous preparation, she cleared the UPSC CSE on her first attempt, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 93. She chose to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) over the IAS or IPS, and today, she serves as a senior officer in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy.

Aishwarya Sheoran’s journey from the runway to the civil services is a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, one can achieve even the most ambitious dreams. Her story continues to inspire countless aspirants across the nation, proving that success is not just about talent but also about purpose and perseverance.