In a proud moment for Telangana, Ettaboyina Sai Shivani from Warangal has emerged as one of the highest-ranking candidates in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, securing All India Rank 11. Her success has created a wave of celebration across the state, particularly among aspiring civil servants who now see her journey as a beacon of inspiration. Her story is not just about cracking one of the toughest exams in India, but about persistence, purpose, and self-belief.
Early Life and Academic Roots
Born and brought up in Warangal, Shivani comes from a humble and supportive background. Her father works in the health sector, while her mother manages the home. From a young age, Shivani was known for her disciplined lifestyle, sharp intellect, and passion for reading. Her family recalls how she was always curious about governance, current affairs, and social issues—traits that would eventually lead her toward the civil services.
She pursued her B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from IIIT Ongole and graduated in 2022. During her college days, Shivani’s interest in civil services deepened. She actively participated in debates, essay writing competitions, and community outreach programs—experiences that exposed her to real-world problems and ignited her desire to work in administration.
Facing Failure, Fueling Comeback
Like many UPSC aspirants, Shivani’s journey wasn’t a smooth ride. Her first attempt in 2023 did not go as planned—she couldn’t clear the preliminary stage. But instead of letting failure define her, she used it as feedback. She took a short break to reflect, reassess her strategy, and realign her preparation.
With limited financial resources, Shivani relied entirely on self-study. She didn’t attend coaching centers but used a disciplined plan built around free resources, standard books, and mock tests. Her ability to stay focused without external motivation became her greatest strength.
The Preparation Blueprint
Shivani’s preparation strategy was simple but effective. She began her day early and stuck to a strict schedule. Her days were structured around specific subjects, and she maintained a detailed tracker of her daily goals.
She selected Anthropology as her optional subject due to its strong conceptual base and relevance to society and culture. She referred to standard books and supplemented them with online lectures and notes. For General Studies, she relied heavily on NCERTs, newspapers, and government reports.
Shivani practiced daily answer writing and essay writing to build clarity and speed. Mock tests played a crucial role in her journey—she took over 50 full-length tests across both Prelims and Mains.
Mental Health and Mindfulness
Shivani is vocal about the importance of mental health during UPSC preparation. She maintained a healthy balance between studies and self-care. When the pressure felt overwhelming, she turned to hobbies like journaling, singing, reading non-fiction, and practicing yoga.
“UPSC is not just a test of knowledge but also of mental strength,” Shivani says. “I took breaks, had heart-to-heart talks with my family, and stayed away from social media to avoid unnecessary distractions.”
Her calm attitude, ability to manage stress, and consistency helped her stay positive throughout the long preparation phase.
Support System at Home
While Shivani studied in solitude, she never felt alone. Her parents were her emotional backbone. Her father ensured she had a quiet environment to study, while her mother’s warmth and encouragement kept her going.
She says, “There were days when I doubted myself, especially after my first failure. But my parents never let me quit. They believed in me more than I believed in myself.”
Her story also reflects the power of family support in enabling dreams—especially for young women from small towns.
Success in the Second Attempt
In 2025, all her hard work paid off when the results were announced. Shivani had secured the 11th rank in India and emerged as Telangana’s top performer. The news spread like wildfire across Warangal, and soon congratulatory messages began pouring in from every corner of the state.
The moment she saw her name on the list, she was overcome with emotion. “I couldn’t believe it. I refreshed the page multiple times,” she laughed. “When it sank in, I just folded my hands, closed my eyes, and thanked everyone who supported me.”
Message to Aspirants
Shivani is now a role model for many. Her message to fellow aspirants is both practical and heartfelt:
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Be patient and consistent. UPSC is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.
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Don’t be afraid of failure. Use it to bounce back stronger.
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Self-study works if you stay honest and disciplined.
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Ignore the noise and believe in your own preparation.
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Take care of your mind and body. It’s a long journey—mental strength is key.
She also emphasizes that success in UPSC doesn’t require elite backgrounds, coaching classes, or city-based advantages. “If I can do it from Warangal with simple resources, anyone can,” she says.
What’s Next for Shivani
After clearing the interview round with confidence, Shivani is now preparing for her foundation course and eager to begin training as an IAS officer. She dreams of working in rural development, especially in education and women empowerment.
“I want to return to the roots,” she says. “There are many villages in Telangana where children still walk miles to school. I want to change that.”
Her long-term vision is to bring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity into government systems.
Ettaboyina Sai Shivani’s journey from a quiet student in Warangal to one of India’s top UPSC rankers in 2025 is nothing short of inspiring. Her story resonates with thousands of aspirants who may not have access to coaching or elite schools, but have big dreams and strong willpower. Shivani has shown that dedication, discipline, and self-belief are the real keys to cracking the civil services exam.
As Telangana celebrates her achievement, Shivani stands as a proud daughter of the soil—proving once again that no dream is too big when chased with purpose.
