Success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is rarely a sprint; for most, it is a grueling marathon of resilience. Saima Khan, who secured AIR 165 in the 2023 Examination, embodies this persistence. Currently serving in the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes), Saima is not resting on her laurels. She is once again appearing for the 2025 Interview, setting her sights on the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Her first attempt at the Preliminary exam was unsuccessful due to an unstructured strategy relying on random online resources.
Instead of moving to Delhi, she joined Educrat IAS Academy in Kolkata. This provided the structured guidance and mentorship she needed.
She cleared the Prelims for the first time but faced the heartbreak of failing the Mains. Her mentors were instrumental in motivating her to restart after this dejection.
Shifting her focus to intensive answer writing, she completed 28 Mains mock tests in just 3 months. This game-changer led to her securing AIR 165 and allocation to the IRS (Customs).
Now a veteran candidate, Saima has cleared the Mains once again. She is currently at the Interview stage, aiming to transition from the IRS to the IAS.
Mastering a few standard books through multiple revisions rather than chasing new materials.
Treating the official UPSC syllabus as the ultimate guide for every hour of study.
Non-negotiable mock tests for all three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Utilizing a strong peer group to discuss complex socio-economic issues and maintain motivation.
Despite already being a member of the civil services, Saima is a candidate who is still deeply engaged with her personal growth and public service goals.
Beyond the Books: Her interests are as diverse as her academic background. From writing gratitude journals and listening to socio-economic podcasts to her hobby of cycling, she maintains a balanced perspective. Her leadership experience is equally notable, having served as a School President and volunteered with the Bustee Welfare Association NGO.
Insights from her tenure as a Faculty member at Educrat Academy and her current role as an Officer in the IRS (C&IT).
Leveraging her volunteer experience at the Bustee Welfare Association NGO to discuss grassroots social welfare and urban poverty.
Applying sociological theories to contemporary issues, likely drawing from her published dissertation in the Young Sociologists Journal.
In-depth knowledge of West Bengal (her home state) and Uttar Pradesh (her parental roots in Ghazipur).
Discussing the mental fortitude gained from cycling and the self-reflection practiced through writing gratitude journals.
Saima Khan’s profile reflects a profound blend of academic excellence and battle-tested resilience. Her journey from the classrooms of St. Xavier’s to the elite ranks of the IRS—and now her pursuit of the IAS—showcases a candidate who is persistent, intellectually curious, and deeply committed to public service.
With her specialized background in Sociology and her practical experience in national revenue administration, she embodies the qualities of a modern administrator: empathetic, disciplined, and capable of navigating the complexities of Indian society with both technical precision and human sensitivity.
Educrat IAS provides India’s & Kolkata’s best Mentorship for preparation of all services under Civil Services Examination (CSE). We provide extensive and holistic preparation to a small batch of sincere & dedicated UPSC Civil Servant aspirants who aspire & dream to become a part of the coveted Civil Services.
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