Mona Pruthi: UPSC Rank 1, Strategy, and Journey
Most aspirants believe that to top the UPSC, you must abandon your career and lock yourself in a room for years. Mona Pruthi shattered this myth in 2005. While working as an English lecturer at Delhi University, she didn’t just clear the exam: she conquered it.
After already securing a spot in the IRS during her second attempt, she took the risk of appearing a third time. That decision led her to become the All India Rank 1 holder of the 2005 batch. Her journey is a masterclass in how academic depth and professional discipline can be leveraged for civil services success.
Who Is Mona Pruthi?
Mona Pruthi is a 2005-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre. Born and raised in Faridabad, she represents the perfect blend of academic excellence and steady perseverance.
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Mona Pruthi |
| UPSC Rank | AIR 1 |
| Exam Year | 2005 |
| Service Allotted | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Cadre | Haryana |
| Optional Subjects | English Literature & Sociology |
| Educational Background | M.A. in English, M.Phil |
Mona Pruthi UPSC Marksheet and Score Details
Mona’s success was built on exceptionally high scores in her optional subjects and a very strong performance in the personality test. In 2005, the total marks for the written exam and interview were 2300.
| Paper | Marks Obtained |
| General Studies (I & II) | 316 / 600 |
| Optional I (English Lit) | 373 / 600 |
| Optional II (Sociology) | 362 / 600 |
| Essay | 125 / 200 |
| Written Total | 1176 / 2000 |
| Interview | 228 / 300 |
| Final Total | 1404 / 2300 |
Educational Background and Early Life
Mona grew up in a supportive environment in Faridabad, Haryana. Her father worked as a government officer, providing her with an early glimpse into the world of administration. She was a brilliant student throughout her schooling at Apeejay School.
She pursued her graduation in Economics from the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC). Later, she shifted her focus to English Literature, completing her Master’s and M.Phil from the Delhi School of Economics and Delhi University. Before committing to UPSC, she gained corporate experience at American Express but eventually returned to her passion for teaching.
How Many Attempts Did Mona Pruthi Take?
Mona cleared the Civil Services Examination in her third attempt. Her journey was one of incremental progress and refinement:
- First Attempt: She did not make it to the final list but gained valuable insights into the exam’s vastness.
- Second Attempt: She secured a rank that qualified her for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).
- Third Attempt: While undergoing training for the IRS, she appeared again with better preparation and a calmer mindset, ultimately securing AIR 1.
The shift between her second and third attempts was primarily in her approach to General Studies and the precision of her answers. She realized that while her optionals were strong, she needed to make her GS answers more data-driven.
Mona Pruthi Optional Subject: Why She Chose It and How She Scored
Mona chose English Literature and Sociology. At the time, English Literature was considered a “non-scoring” subject by many. However, Mona believed that mastery over a subject matters more than “market trends.”
As a lecturer, she had a deep command of literary criticism and texts. She didn’t treat the syllabus like a student; she treated it like a scholar. For Sociology, she relied on standard conceptual books to build a foundation that complemented her humanities background.
UPSC Preparation Strategy of Mona Pruthi
Mona did not follow a 16-hour-a-day study schedule. Instead, she focused on “quality hours.” Since she was teaching, she utilized her commute and breaks for revision.
- Current Affairs: She relied heavily on The Hindu and Frontline. She made it a habit to link current events with her Sociology optional.
- General Studies: She focused on NCERTs for basics and used specialized coaching notes for specific sections like Science and Tech.
- Consistency: She maintained a “marathon mindset.” She avoided burnout by keeping a few hours aside for her hobbies, like reading and music.
Books and Resources Recommended by Mona Pruthi
| Subject | Book / Resource |
| History | Bipin Chandra (Modern India) |
| Polity | M. Laxmikanth and DD Basu |
| Economics | Economic Survey and NCERTs |
| English Literature | Original texts and Critical Essays |
| Sociology | Haralambos and Heald (Blue Book) |
Mains Answer Writing Approach
Mona’s answer writing was characterized by clarity and a “teacher-like” explanation style. She avoided using complex jargon in General Studies, preferring to explain concepts in simple, direct English.
In her English Literature papers, she focused on thematic connections across different eras. For aspirants today, handwritten practice remains the gold standard. Using tools like the Answer Evaluator on AnswerWriting.com can help recreate the feedback loop Mona had through her peers. Getting detailed feedback on structure and language ensures that your “Mains” performance isn’t left to chance.
Interview (Personality Test) Experience
Mona’s interview was a conversation about her background. The board asked extensively about her transition from Economics to English Literature and then to the Civil Services. She was also questioned on the relevance of literature in administration.
She maintained that literature teaches empathy and a better understanding of the human condition, which is vital for a bureaucrat. Her high score of 228 reflects her poise and the depth of her personality.
Service and Cadre Allotted to Mona Pruthi
Mona was allotted her home cadre, Haryana. Over the years, she has served in various capacities, including Deputy Commissioner and in departments like Health and Family Welfare. She is known for her approachable nature and efficient administrative style.
Key Lessons Every UPSC Aspirant Can Take from Mona Pruthi
- Play to Your Strengths: Don’t pick an optional because it is “trending.” Pick what you love and know well.
- The Power of Revision: Mona emphasized that reading one book ten times is better than reading ten books once.
- Balance is Key: You can clear UPSC while working a job if you are disciplined with your time.
- Incremental Growth: If you fail or get a lower service, use that experience to plug the gaps in your strategy for the next year.
FAQs About Mona Pruthi
What was Mona Pruthi’s optional subject?
Mona Pruthi opted for English Literature and Sociology as her optional subjects.
How many attempts did Mona Pruthi take to clear UPSC?
She cleared the exam in her third attempt, having previously qualified for the IRS in her second attempt.
Which coaching did Mona Pruthi attend?
While she took guidance for certain GS modules, she primarily relied on self-study and her academic background for her optionals.
What is Mona Pruthi’s current posting?
She is an IAS officer of the Haryana cadre and has served in various senior administrative roles within the state government.
Was Mona Pruthi working during her preparation?
Yes, she was working as a lecturer at Delhi University and later was in training for the IRS during her successful AIR 1 attempt.
What was Mona Pruthi’s rank in UPSC?
Mona Pruthi secured All India Rank 1 in the 2005 Civil Services Examination.