Ishita also missed the cut in CSE 2021 by just one mark.
Ishita studied in one of Delhi’s premier schools where the majority of students were the offspring of bureaucrats.
Ishita Bhatia’s journey from facing setbacks in multiple competitive exams to achieving her dream of becoming an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer serves as a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative potential of setbacks.
Originally from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, Ishita embarked on her academic journey at the National Institute of Technology, where she pursued a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) from 2015 to 2019. However, her ambitions transcended the confines of circuits and algorithms. With a deep connection to nature and spiritual inclinations, Ishita’s aspirations aligned with the Indian Forest Service.
Despite her technical background, Ishita’s decision to pursue a career in the forest service was fueled by her childhood spent in Delhi, attending one of the city’s premier schools where many of her peers were the offspring of bureaucrats. Her exposure to nature and environmental concerns laid the foundation for her future endeavours.
In a recent interview with Indian Masterminds, Ishita candidly shared her struggles, emphasising the importance of perseverance. Her initial goal was to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, but during her IFS training, she discovered a profound connection with the Indian Forest Service, realizing that it was where she was meant to be.
The path to success was fraught with numerous failures in competitive exams, including UPSC pre-2019 and 2020, RBI grade B 2020, UPSC CAPF 2020, UPSC CDS 2020, ECGC PO 2021, Intelligence Bureau 2021, AAI ATC 2021, HPPSC pre-2021, and CAT 2021. Each setback became an opportunity for self-reflection, prompting Ishita to contemplate whether destiny had a different path for her.
One particularly challenging moment was missing the cut in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021 by just one mark. This setback led to a month-long emotional hibernation, affecting not only Ishita but also her family. However, instead of succumbing to despair, she channelled her resilience and began preparing for IFS Mains within the final two months, opting for two unfamiliar optional subjects.
