Nandini K R, the UPSC 2016 topper securing All India Rank 1 in the Civil Services Examination, hails from Kolar Gold Field in Karnataka. In her inspiring journey, she attempted the prestigious exam four times before achieving this remarkable feat. Born and raised in Karnataka, Nandini completed her schooling at St. Joseph Convent Girls High School. From a young age, she harbored the dream of becoming an IAS officer.
After completing her graduation in Civil Engineering from MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology in Bangalore, Nandini entered the UPSC arena. In her 2014 attempt, she secured the 849th rank and earned a position in the IRS (Customs and Central Excise). This marked the beginning of her service to the nation as she underwent probation at the National Academy of Customs, Excise, and Narcotics in Faridabad. Her optional subject for the examination was Kannada Literature, reflecting her affinity for literature and her commitment to representing her culture.
Nandini’s family played a crucial role in her journey. Her father, Mr. Ramesh, serves as a teacher in a government school, while her mother, Vimala K V, initially a teacher herself, devoted her career to supporting her children’s education. Nandini’s brother, Thorun Patel, pursued post-graduation at the Indian Institute of Agriculture Research in New Delhi. Despite facing challenges, Nandini’s family has been a constant source of support.
In her 2016 attempt, Nandini secured an impressive 1120 out of 2025 marks, propelling her to the top spot. Her optional subject, Kannada Literature, showcased her dedication to promoting her regional language and culture on a national platform. Notably, she scored 331 out of 500 marks in both optional papers.
Post her success, Nandini K R is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer at the Ballari Zilla Panchayat, contributing to local governance in Karnataka. Her commitment to public service is evident in her choice to give birth to her daughter at the Ballari District Hospital, eschewing a private facility.
Nandini’s personal life includes her marriage to Dr. Rajith, a doctor at Bengaluru Medical College. The couple welcomed their daughter in March 2022. Nandini’s educational background, marked by her excellence in academics, coupled with her dedication to public service, has made her a role model for aspiring civil servants.
Her UPSC preparation strategy emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, regular revision, and effective time management. Nandini encourages aspirants to choose study materials based on their comprehension level, practice mock tests for both prelims and mains, and focus on improving writing speed. She firmly believes that success knows no gender barriers and urges individuals to overcome fear and self-doubt to achieve their goals.
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