Many dream of a glamorous life in the fashion world, but Taskeen Khan’s journey stands out as one of resilience and transformation—from a model to a government officer.
Taskeen grew up with a passion for fashion and beauty, leading her to pursue modeling in her school days. Though not academically exceptional, she excelled in extracurricular activities, becoming a national-level debater, a basketball champion, and a professional model and actor. She even won titles like Miss Dehradun and Miss Uttarakhand, aiming for the ultimate goal of competing in Miss India.
However, financial struggles reshaped her path. Despite qualifying for admission to NIT, Taskeen had to forgo the opportunity due to her family’s inability to afford the fees. Determined to find stability, she redirected her focus toward a career in civil services.
Taskeen’s journey to success was anything but smooth. After earning her B.Sc., she moved to Delhi in 2020 to prepare for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. With the support of free coaching from Jamia Millia Islamia’s entrance program, she poured herself into intense preparation. Yet, she faced repeated setbacks, failing the preliminary exams three times. Her family’s financial difficulties, compounded by her father’s modest pension, added to the challenges.
Despite the obstacles, Taskeen's unwavering determination paid off. On her fourth attempt in 2020, she cleared the UPSC exams with an All-India Rank of 736, earning her a place in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Her remarkable transformation from a model with dreams of stardom to a dedicated civil servant is a testament to perseverance and adaptability.
Today, Taskeen Khan’s inspiring story motivates many, showing that with resilience and hard work, it’s possible to turn challenges into triumphs and carve a path to success against all odds.
