Uma Harathi N (UPSC AIR 3 Rank Holder), Education, DOB, Preparation Strategy

Uma Harathi N cracked the UPSC CSE 2022 with AIR 3. She is a Civil Engineer from IIT Hyderabad. Her smart preparation strategy and perseverance led to her success in the UPSC. Check her biography, educational background, and preparation tips below.

Uma Harathi N is a shining example of hard work, strategic planning, and perseverance. Uma Harathi N secured All India Rank 3 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. She achieved this success in her fifth attempt at the age of 28. Uma is a civil engineering graduate from IIT Hyderabad. Her optional subject in the Mains exam was Anthropology. Her journey shows that hard work, smart strategy, and learning from failures are key to cracking UPSC.

 

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About Uma Harathi N

Uma Harathi IAS biography is an impressive blend of academic excellence, strategic thinking, and social concern. She completed her B.Tech in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad.  Despite her technical background, she chose Anthropology as her optional subject in the UPSC Mains exam, a decision that proved strategic and effective.  She scored a total of 1060 marks in UPSC CSE 2022 and stood out not only for her rank but also for her unique approach to preparation and learning from past mistakes.

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Uma Harathi N (IAS) Date of Birth

Although the exact Uma Harathi date of birth is not publicly available, it is widely reported that she was 28 years old when the UPSC results were announced in May 2023. Based on this, her birth year is likely 1994 or 1995. 

Uma Harathi N Personal Life

Uma Harathi N comes from Huzur Nagar Sitaramnagar Colony in the Suryapet district of Telangana. Her father, Nukala Venkateshwarlu, is a senior police officer and currently serves as the Superintendent of Police in Narayanpet. Her mother is a homemaker, and she has two sisters. Inspired by her father’s career in public service, Uma decided early on to pursue the civil services.

Apart from academics, Uma enjoys yoga, cooking, teaching, and spending time with her pet dog. She believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and often turned to hobbies like badminton to manage UPSC stress. While there’s no official confirmation about Uma Harathi husband, as of now, she has not shared details about her marital status.

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Uma Harathi N Educational Background

Uma Harathi has had a strong academic record since childhood. Here is a look at her education:

• She studied from Class 3 to 10 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Hyderabad.
• For intermediate, she went to Bridge College, Hyderabad, where she earned a state rank.
• She then joined IIT Hyderabad and completed her B.Tech in Civil Engineering.

After graduation, she worked online for six months at a civil services coaching institute, which gave her useful insights into the UPSC exam structure. She also participated in a 15-day Cultural Exchange Program in Japan, showing her interest in learning about different cultures.

Uma Harathi N Professional Background

Before clearing UPSC, Uma Harathi’s main professional experience was her work at a civil services coaching institute. This was shortly after she completed her engineering degree. Although it was for only six months, it gave her a good idea about how students prepare and what strategies work. Instead of continuing in engineering jobs, she chose to focus completely on UPSC, showing her clear goal and determination to become an IAS officer.

Uma Harathi N- UPSC Rank & Preparation Strategy

Uma Harathi N achieved All India Rank 3 (AIR 3) in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022, which is one of the most competitive and prestigious exams in India. Her success is the result of years of dedication, smart strategy, and continuous learning.

1. Strategic Choice of Optional Subject

One of the key factors in Uma Harathi’s preparation was her optional subject – Anthropology. Although she comes from an engineering background, she chose Anthropology because of her interest in human society, culture, and evolution. 

She had taken Geography as her optional subject but later switched to Anthropology after not clearing the Prelims in her fourth attempt. This change was based on self-assessment and adaptability, two important qualities in UPSC preparation.

2. Understanding the Syllabus and Smart Study

Uma Harathi focused on a deep understanding of the UPSC syllabus. She emphasized studying from NCERT books (Class 6 to 12) to build a strong foundation. She did not try to read too many books but instead preferred limited and quality study material. This helped her better revise and understand, which is more important than just collecting information.

3. Practicing Answer Writing

Regular answer writing practice was a major part of her preparation. She practiced previous year question papers and took mock tests to improve her writing speed, content quality, and time management. Writing clear and structured answers helped her score well in the Mains.

4. Revision and Consistency

Uma believed that consistent study and regular revision were key to remembering concepts and facts. She made a study schedule and followed it strictly to cover all subjects. Her disciplined routine helped her stay on track throughout the long preparation process.

5. Using Online Resources

She made use of online coaching and study materials to supplement her self-study. These resources provided her with structure, expert guidance, and test practice. She also discussed topics with peers and learned through group study, which made preparation more effective and less stressful.

6. Staying Updated with Current Affairs

Uma focused on current affairs, which is a vital part of the UPSC exam. She read newspapers, followed reliable online sources, and made short notes regularly. This helped her in General Studies papers and the Interview.

7.  Cracking the Interview (Personality Test)

Uma scored an impressive 187 marks in the UPSC interview (also called the Personality Test). She prepared for this by developing her communication skills, staying aware of social and government issues, and practicing mock interviews. She remained calm, confident, and clear in her responses.

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Uma Harathi N’s UPSC Attempts

Uma cleared UPSC in her fifth attempt. Here’s her journey:

1st & 2nd Attempts: Did not qualify

3rd Attempt: Reached interview but failed due to low Mains score

4th Attempt: Did not clear Prelims

5th Attempt: Cleared all stages and secured AIR 3

After each failure, she reviewed her mistakes and adjusted her strategy. Switching her optional subject from Geography to Anthropology after the fourth attempt was a key decision that contributed to her success.

FAQs

Q1. What was Uma Harathi N’s rank in UPSC 2022?

A: She secured All India Rank 3 (AIR 3) in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2022.

Q2. What optional subject did Uma Harathi N choose?

A: Her optional subject was Anthropology, which she switched to after initially choosing Geography.

Q3. How did she prepare for current affairs?

A: She followed daily newspapers, made short notes, and revised them regularly for both Mains and Interview.

Q4. What resources did Uma use for preparation?

A: She studied from NCERTs, used online platforms, took mock tests, and practiced answer writing consistently.

Q5. How many attempts did it take Uma to clear UPSC?

A: She cleared UPSC in her fifth attempt, showing the importance of perseverance and learning from failures.

Q6. What is her advice to UPSC aspirants?

A: Focus on quality over quantity, be consistent, learn from mistakes, and take care of your mental well-being.