Journey from Working Aspirant to RBI topper: AIR 5 Nidhi’s success story

For RBI Grade B | 8th August 2023 – 10 mins read

“In the competitive world of banking examinations, achieving a top rank is a testament to one’s dedication, consistency, and unwavering focus. And Nidhi Yadav is the living embodiment of these qualities.”

– Anuj Jindal

Right from our childhood, there is a popular lesson which has been taught to us that if you possess determination and zeal within you, then you can achieve the wonders you merely dreamt of!  

However, so often it happens that the ideal future life that we once so passionately believed in our inner self begins to fade compared to the lure of the comfort we seek in our everyday common lives. And that feels familiar right? 

But well, it wasn’t the same with the RBI 2022 Officer Nidhi, who despite of living a comfortable life by working in one of the prestigious jobs in country, believed that she was meant for something better.

With that belief in mind, in 2019 she began her preparation for the one of the most competitive government exams in the country. As the history goes, she managed to crack RBI Grade B with AIR 5 in 2022.  

But was her journey to success as easy as it sounds? 

Not exactly, what makes her story so inspiring for many is that she managed to crack one of toughest exams while working 9 to 5 and being a non – UPSC aspirant.  

So, now let us dive deep into her story and learn about the challenges she overcame and the experiences that shaped her path to success. 

Her Educational Background and Career: Early life before success in RBI

As her father served in the Indian army, Nidhi’s education took place in different cities, mostly in Delhi and Pune. Having completed her B.Tech in computer science in 2017, she began working as a database administrator in an IT company.   

It was during this time that she strongly felt the need to alter the course of her career.  

After quitting her IT job, she embarked on her journey towards government examinations. While her first attempt at the RBI exam in 2019 didn’t yield the desired result, the failure did not deter her.  

She continued her preparation and managed to clear many exams along with way. Finally in the year of 2020, she was appointed as an assistant manager in the SBI.  

Building her strengths by moulding her weaknesses

In her second attempt for RBI Grade B in 2021, Nidhi faced a momentary setback when she narrowly missed to clear Mains exam by just few marks.  

However, rather than dwelling on the disappointment, she took it as an opportunity for introspection and was determined to correct her mistakes.  

After analysing her performance, Nidhi realized that her preparation in Economic and Social Issues (ESI) could be improved.  

Armed with this insight, she decided to focus on government schemes and current affairs to strengthen her knowledge base.

A Non – believer in the motto “All work and no play” 

During her break from preparation, Nidhi appreciated the freedom from the pressure of daily study routines.  

She indulged in some leisure activities, such as binge-watching her favourite series and practicing home-cooked meals.  

This break allowed her to recharge and rejuvenate, ensuring she was ready to dive back into her studies with renewed energy. 

Devising a meticulous strategy for massive success

With a resolve to not repeat her past mistakes, Nidhi devised a rigorous strategy which was a cornerstone to her success.  

Well, a gentle reminder for the reader, she did all this while still working in a job and thereby decided to make use of little time she would be left with.  

She would wake up as early as 6 in the morning and focused on doing multiple revisions for Financial Management (FM), ESI and covering the current affairs thoroughly.  

An interesting anecdote that she shared was the fact she even utilized her office hours to practice descriptive writing and to stay updated with relevant news! 

After coming back home in the evening, along with a dedicated study schedule, Nidhi would take mock tests on a consistent basis to identify her strengths and weaknesses and work on improving them accordingly.  

Small shift in the outlook that changed her life!

Nidhi’s determination to give her last attempt her all was pivotal to her success. Recognizing that her job as a working professional could sometimes make her complacent, she made a conscious decision to treat this attempt as her final opportunity.  

With this mindset, she poured her heart and soul into the preparation, leaving no stone unturned and well, the rest is history.

Her Advice for Aspirants

For working aspirants who are juggling between their job and exam preparation, Nidhi suggests dedicating a substantial amount of time to studying and revising keenly.  

Though the exact duration may vary from person to person, it is crucial to strike a balance between job responsibilities and exam preparation.  

Her story offers valuable insights to working professionals and non-UPSC candidates, showcasing that dreams can be realized with the right mindset and consistent efforts. 

Nidhi Yadav’s journey from a banking aspirant to securing rank five in the RBI exam is a testament to her unwavering dedication and perseverance.  

This inspiring example serves as a reminder that with consistency, determination, and a focused mindset, we truly possess the ability to overcome any challenge which stands on our path to success.  

So, dear friends, let these simple yet golden words enliven you to go after your dreams with all your mind and heart! 

“If there is a will, there is a way!”