1. Early Life & Academic Excellence
Aishwarya Sheoran was born in 1997 in Churu district, Rajasthan, to a disciplined Army family. Her father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sheoran, serves as Commanding Officer of an NCC battalion in Telangana (m.economictimes.com). Aishwarya had a bright academic record—scoring 97.5% in CBSE Class 12 from Sanskriti School, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi (m.economictimes.com). She secured admission into Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), a top commerce college in India (timesofindia.indiatimes.com).
2. Modelling & Pageantry: Blossoming in Fashion
Simultaneous to her studies, Aishwarya ventured into the modelling world. At age 17, she won the "Delhi Times Fresh Face" contest in 2014, followed by "Miss Clean & Clear Fresh Face" (m.economictimes.com). In 2016, she emerged as a finalist in the prestigious Femina Miss India pageant (m.economictimes.com). She walked in major fashion shows—including Lakmé, Bombay Times, and Amazon Fashion Week—for top designers like Manish Malhotra (timesofindia.indiatimes.com).
3. Civil Services Dream Realized – AIR 93, UPSC 2019
Despite her growing modelling success, Aishwarya remained focused on her childhood dream: clearing the UPSC Civil Services exam. In August 2020, she achieved All India Rank (AIR) 93 in her first attempt, without attending any coaching institute (m.economictimes.com). Known for her disciplined approach, she prepared independently by turning off social media, following standard texts (like Laxmikanth for polity), and practicing mock tests online .
4. Choosing IFS Over IAS – A Purpose-Driven Decision
With AIR 93, she was eligible to opt for Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Yet, she chose the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) instead, motivated by her desire to represent India on the global stage and inspired by her father's service (m.economictimes.com). Recent articles (June 2025) celebrated this decision, stating:
“…she chose the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)… driven by a deeper ambition to serve her country, leading her to pursue a career in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) instead of the more commonly sought Indian Administrative Service (IAS).” (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
5. Career in the Ministry of External Affairs
Following her IFS induction, Aishwarya was posted at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Her diplomatic role includes representing India at international forums, handling cross-border engagements, and promoting India's foreign policy objectives—a critical position aligning with her service mindset .
🧠 The Fake Instagram Accounts Controversy
In August 2020, shortly after her UPSC success made headlines, Aishwarya discovered over 20 fake Instagram accounts using her name and photos (hindustantimes.com). She filed an FIR with Mumbai's Colaba police under Section 66C of the IT Act, citing concerns over potential misuse of her identity (hindustantimes.com). One impersonator's account even amassed 27,000 followers. The police responded by initiating investigations and working with Instagram to take down these accounts (hindustantimes.com).
What It Means
This incident highlighted two important points:
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Identity fraud vulnerability: Public figures—including civil servants—are susceptible to online impersonation and data misuse.
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Legal recourse & awareness: Aishwarya’s prompt FIR filing set a precedent for digitally savvy personality protection.
📰 Recent Coverage & Recognition – June 2025 Update
In June 2025, media outlets like The Economic Times and Business Standard revisited Aishwarya’s story. They emphasized her unconventional path—quitting a possible modelling career, self-studying UPSC without coaching, and opting for IFS over IAS (economictimes.indiatimes.com, en.channeliam.com, m.economictimes.com). The coverage reinforced her image as a disciplined achiever who broke stereotypes, choosing substance over glamour.
✨ Top Interesting Facts
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Academic All-Rounder: 97.5% in Class 12, SRCC graduate.
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Pageant Performer: Finalist at Femina Miss India 2016; earlier won multiple modelling contests.
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UPSC Record: AIR 93 in 2019, first attempt, zero coaching.
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IFS Over IAS: Chose diplomatic service to represent India internationally.
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Digital Safety Advocate: Registered FIR against fake Instagram profiles.
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Self-Made: Prepared via self-study—relying on discipline, mock tests, and core textbooks.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is Aishwarya Sheoran?
A rising Indian diplomat and former model who cracked UPSC in 2019 (AIR 93). Finalist in Femina Miss India 2016; currently an IFS officer.
Q2: Why did she choose IFS instead of IAS?
She wanted to represent India on the global stage, aligning with her father's military values, and saw diplomacy as more fitting for her aspirations (m.economictimes.com, instagram.com, livemint.com, dnaindia.com).
Q3: Did she get coaching for UPSC?
No. She prepared independently—through disciplined self-study, turning off social media, and using core textbooks and mock tests .
Q4: What was her rank in UPSC?
She secured AIR 93 in 2019, on her first attempt.
Q5: What was the Instagram controversy about?
In August 2020, Aishwarya filed an FIR after discovering approximately 20 fake Instagram accounts misusing her photos (timesofindia.indiatimes.com, hindustantimes.com).
Q6: What is she doing now?
Serving as an Indian Foreign Service officer in the Ministry of External Affairs, engaging in diplomatic missions and global representation (m.economictimes.com).
Q7: What’s next for Aishwarya?
Given her dynamic profile and capacity for leadership, she may play key roles at Indian embassies, international negotiations, or global policy advisory positions in the years ahead.
✍️ Conclusion
Aishwarya Sheoran’s transformation—from Delhi’s top student to national beauty pageants, and eventually to the global diplomatic arena—stands as an inspiring journey of grit, integrity, and purposeful ambition. She proves that one doesn't have to choose between glamour and grit; with conviction, one can embrace both.
Her decision to serve India's interests globally through the Indian Foreign Service, her success without coaching, and her readiness to shield her identity in the digital age set her apart. She exemplifies that influence rooted in service and authenticity lasts longer and runs deeper than fleeting fame.
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