UPSC success story: How MBBS doctor Dr Ritika Aima cracked UPSC twice to go from IPS to IAS

An MBBS graduate who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination twice, Dr Ritika Aima turned her long-held ambition of becoming an IAS officer into reality after improving her rank from All India Rank (AIR) 186 to AIR 33 in a year, as per a TOI report. After initially securing a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS), she appeared for the examination again and earned a place in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), believing she could contribute more effectively to healthcare through governance and policymaking.

Born and raised in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dr Ritika completed her MBBS from Dr Sushila Tiwari Medical College, Haldwani. Her experience as a medical student shaped her view that while doctors treat individual patients, many healthcare challenges are influenced by policy decisions relating to hospitals, medicines, public health programmes, sanitation, nutrition and medical infrastructure.

Why Dr Ritika Aima chose IAS over a medical career

Dr Ritika said her understanding of the healthcare system inspired her to look beyond clinical practice and pursue public administration. She believed the Indian Administrative Service would allow her to contribute to improving healthcare delivery at a broader level through governance and policymaking.

From IPS officer to IAS officer

Dr Ritika reached the Personality Test stage in one of her earlier UPSC attempts before clearing the Civil Services Examination 2022 with AIR 186, securing a place in the IPS.

Despite achieving success, she chose to appear for the examination again as her goal had always been to join the IAS. She continued with Anthropology as her optional subject, refined her preparation strategy and cleared the Civil Services Examination 2023 with AIR 33.

Her score breakdown was:

• Mains: 804 marks
• Personality Test: 212 marks
• Total: 1,016 marks

The result secured her a place in the IAS, and she was allotted the Gujarat cadre.

Current posting in Gujarat

Dr Ritika Aima is currently serving in the Gujarat cadre as a Supernumerary Assistant Collector in Tapi district. Alongside her administrative responsibilities, she shares insights into UPSC preparation, interview experiences, stress management and handling multiple attempts through her Instagram account.

Advice for UPSC aspirants

Dr Ritika has said that examination results and professional achievements should not become the only measure of success. According to her, success lies in facing life's challenges with hope, resilience and honesty, regardless of the outcome.

She also advises UPSC aspirants to keep a Plan B, saying an alternative career option can reduce pressure and help candidates prepare with greater confidence and clarity.

Dr Ritika's journey reflects her commitment to contributing to healthcare through governance rather than clinical practice. Her decision to reappear for the UPSC examination after joining the IPS was driven by her goal of serving as an IAS officer and working on policy decisions that affect larger communities.

(With inputs from TOI)