Journalism background, newsroom stint helped realise UPSC dream: AIR 51 Ruchika Jha

NEW DELHI From breaking news to passing the UPSC Civil Services test, Ruchika Jha's journalism background helped her master current events and build a habit of deep thinking and reading. Jha, an electrical engineer, passed the renowned exam on her fifth attempt, ranking 51st. However, it was during her time at the PTI newsroom that she developed a desire to serve the country.

Balancing the rigorous newspaper work with studies was a difficult endeavor, but Jha used her leisure time and weekends to reinforce her foundation. Jha told PTI exclusively that his UPSC journey began in 2020, while he was working as a copy editor for the Press Trust of India. I received my journalism diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and subsequently entered the media sector. While working at PTI, I began to prepare for the civil service.

"The concept of serving my country and working at the grassroots level attracted me. It was difficult to juggle my job and school, but I used my free time and weekends to lay my groundwork," she explained. Jha claimed that her journalism background aided her preparation, as her frequent exposure to news cemented her understanding of current events.