Shahnaz Ilyas: IPS Officer Who Appeared For Exam During Pregnancy, Delivered Child Then Went On To Prepare

Shahnaz Ilyas is an example of determination and willpower combined with diligence. She started as a brilliant student and turned into an IT industry professional, enjoying a great family life, and later, there came a moment in her life when she felt the urge to do something for the country.

After her marriage, when she was pregnant and on maternity leave, she didn't choose to rest but studied for two months to appear for the TNPSC prelim exams. Imagine a highly pregnant lady going to the examination centre, but yes, she cracked it in her first attempt.

It was then that she decided to take a chance on UPSC exams. It's this achievement that ignited something within Shahnaz. The only difficulty was to do it while fulfilling her duty of childcare. She studied with all commitment for 8 to 10 hours a day, but her extended family was charged with the responsibility of taking care of the baby.

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Dream come true

Indeed, her journey was not a cakewalk; there were hardships, there were times when she couldn't perform well in the mock tests and used to stroll outside at night. In 2020 after being toiled for two years and working day and night, Shahnaz finally cleared the UPSC exams in the first attempt with AIR 217. If she had to give credit to her greatest source of strength, that would indeed be her self-belief.

She thereupon acquired a position in the prestigious Indian Police Service. As an achiever now, Shahnaz Ilyas feels that no candidate should give up in odd situations. Her story is an inspiration to those who lose hope in circumstances.

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