Tapasya Parihar, daughter of a humble farmer, cracked the UPSC exam to become an IAS officer. Her refusal to follow the traditional 'Kanyadaan' ritual during her wedding sent a powerful message to society. Learn about her inspiring journey.
Tapasya Parihar UPSC Success Story: The UPSC exam is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in India. Each year, lakhs of aspirants dedicate themselves to its preparation, but only a select few manage to succeed. Among them is IAS officer Tapasya Parihar, who secured an impressive All India Rank of 23. Hailing from a small village in Madhya Pradesh, her journey stands as a powerful source of inspiration for today’s youth. What makes her story even more remarkable is not just her hard-earned success in the UPSC, but also a thoughtful decision she made during her wedding that drew widespread attention.
Who is IAS Officer Tapasya Parihar?
Tapasya Parihar was born on November 22, 1992, in Jova village, Narsinghpur district, Madhya Pradesh. Her father is a farmer, and the family comes from a modest background. She completed her early education at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Narsinghpur. For further studies, Tapasya moved to Pune and earned an LLB degree from ILS Law College. During her law studies, she realized that this career was not right for her. After this, she decided to prepare for the civil services.
IAS Tapasya Parihar's UPSC Rank, Preparation Strategy
IAS Tapasya Parihar started her UPSC preparation with coaching but couldn't clear the exam in her first attempt. Despite this, she didn't give up. The second time, she left coaching and focused on self-study. Making her own notes and working consistently, she cleared the UPSC exam in 2017 and secured an All India Rank of 23. Today, she is a 2017 batch IAS officer serving in the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Making Headlines
In December 2021, Tapasya Parihar married IFS officer Garvit Gangwar. Her wedding attracted national attention, not for its decorations or grandeur, but for a decision that challenged tradition. Tapasya chose not to include the Kanyadaan ritual, a customary practice in Hindu weddings where the father gives away his daughter. By rejecting this ritual, she expressed her belief that a woman is not an object to be given away. Her stance sparked widespread discussion across the country. Many praised her courageous decision, viewing it as a step towards progressive change in society.
The journey of IAS officer Tapasya Parihar serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how great the challenges in life may be, success can be achieved through hard work and self-confidence. Her story also highlights the importance of having the courage to question societal norms and bring about change through one's thoughts and decisions.


