Knowledge of current affairs was important and Sayuma kept herself abreast of national and world affairs on a daily basis. She took just four months to prepare and at the age of 23 she cleared the prestigious exam in the first attempt.

This unusual story of an IAS officer is an example for those students who often complain about their shortcomings and their failures. Being hearing-impaired, this officer not only proves her talent but also dares to take on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge.

Meet Saumya Sharma who secured AIR 9 rank in UPSC 2017 exam. Soumya is a native of Delhi and her parents are medical practitioners. Soumya started losing her hearing when she was 16 years old. Samuya's parents tried everything they could to make her return to normal, but all went in vain. It was a big shock for her but she did not give up hope.

After completing her senior secondary education, Soumya took admission in the prestigious National Law School in the national capital. Soumya attracted media attention when she approached the Delhi High Court demanding reservation for hearing impaired students.

Her dedication and hard work help her crack the exam. She cleared the exam in the general category because she did not opt ​​for the differently-abled category.

Saumya Sharma says that she regularly devotes a fixed time of six hours to prepare for the UPSC exams. Knowledge of current affairs was important and Sayuma kept herself abreast of national and world affairs on a daily basis. She took just four months to prepare and at the age of 23, she cleared the prestigious exam in the first attempt.

She said that UPSC aspirants should not take CSAT papers casually and should do their best as it is a qualifying paper.

Currently, Saumya Sharma is working as the CEO of Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL). She got married to IPS Archit Chandak.