Neha Byadwal has emerged as one of India’s youngest IAS officers after cracking the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination at the age of just 24. Hailing from Chhattisgarh, Neha’s journey is capturing national attention due to her extraordinary discipline—she gave up her mobile phone and stayed off social media for nearly three years to stay focused on her preparation.
Neha cleared the UPSC exam in 2021 with an All India Rank of 569 and a total score of 960 marks. She had previously failed three attempts but chose not to give up. Her fourth attempt proved successful, and she officially joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in August 2022.
A graduate of DB Girls College in Raipur, Neha had topped her university in subjects like History, Economics, and Geography. Known for her simple lifestyle and strict routine, she is now posted as a Joint Magistrate in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh.
In recent interviews, Neha revealed that her decision to disconnect from her phone was crucial to her success. “Distractions are everywhere. I wanted complete focus, so I made a conscious choice to live without a phone,” she said.
At just 24 years old, Neha Byadwal from Chhattisgarh became one of India’s youngest IAS officers by clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2021 with AIR 569. But her journey to the top wasn’t easy — it was marked by silence, sacrifice, and unmatched focus.
Neha, a university topper in History, Geography, and Economics, made three failed attempts before finally succeeding on her fourth. What changed? She took a radical step — she gave up her mobile phone and social media for three years, fully dedicating herself to her UPSC dream.
“I realized that my biggest distractions were digital. I had to choose between scrolling and success,” she said in an interview. Her decision shocked many, but the results spoke for themselves — she scored 960 marks and entered the IAS in 2022.
Now serving as a Joint Magistrate in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh, Neha is being hailed as a role model across India. Her story is not about instant success but consistent efforts, resilience, and deep discipline. She regularly shares tips for aspirants and encourages them to stay focused.
Neha’s message is simple yet powerful:
“You don’t need a smartphone to succeed. You need self-belief, a plan, and the will to keep going.”
Her journey is now being widely shared on social media, with many aspirants calling her a symbol of grit and inspiration. With thousands now following her guidance and strategy, Neha Byadwal is quickly becoming a role model for the next generation of civil servants.
