The UPSC Civil Services Examination is considered one of the toughest competitive exams in India and the challenges become even greater for candidates appearing in the Hindi medium.

Kritika Mishra from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has proved that language is never a barrier to success. Coming from a middle-class family, Kritika cleared the UPSC examination in her second attempt, securing All India Rank 66 and emerging as the Hindi medium topper.

Kritika Mishra's journey to becoming an IAS officer is a story of perseverance, patience and smart preparation. As the daughter of a college lecturer, she grew up in an academically inclined environment. However, carving a space for herself in an exam largely dominated by English-medium candidates was far from easy. Her success is credited to a well-planned strategy, unwavering self-belief and strong family support. Along with her achievement, her love story with fellow IAS officer Ankur Tripathi has also drawn widespread attention.

Born and brought up in Kanpur, Kritika completed her early education in the city. Her father, Diwakar Mishra, is a lecturer at Bishambhar Nath Sanatan Dharma Inter College, Chunniganj, Kanpur, while her younger sister Mudita Mishra is pursuing a PhD in Hindi Literature. Kritika graduated in Hindi Literature from Pandit Prithvi Nath College, Kanpur University.

When she decided to prepare for the civil services, many advised her to switch to the English medium. However, Kritika chose to remain firm in her decision and continued her preparation in Hindi medium, proving that confidence in one's strengths matters more than societal pressure.

Success in second attempt

Kritika did not clear the UPSC exam in her first attempt. Instead of giving up, she carefully analysed her shortcomings and refined her approach. She focused extensively on answer-writing for the UPSC Mains and chose Hindi Literature as her optional subject. Her revised strategy paid off when she secured AIR 66 in the UPSC 2022 results, becoming the topper among Hindi medium candidates that year.

Love story that began at Mahakumbh

Kritika Mishra's success story also includes a much-talked-about love story with IAS Ankur Tripathi. The two first met during their foundation course at LBSNAA, Mussoorie and later reconnected during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. After clearing UPSC 2022, Ankur Tripathi from Amethi joined the services as an IPS officer and both underwent training together. In UPSC 2024, Ankur secured AIR 50 and became an IAS officer.