Most success stories celebrate the final result. Few speak about the sleepless nights, the self-doubt, and the courage it takes to try again after failure. Diksha Makkar’s story is not just about securing All India Rank 1 in UGC-NET with a perfect 100 percentile in Public Administration—it is about resilience. A PhD research scholar in the Department of Public Administration at Panjab University, Chandigarh, Diksha achieved this remarkable milestone in her fifth attempt, after three years of continuous preparation. What makes her achievement extraordinary is not just the rank, but the journey behind it.

The Academic Foundation of Excellence

Diksha’s academic journey has always been rooted in dedication. She completed her BA (Honours) from PG Government College for Girls, followed by a Master’s degree from Panjab University. Today, she is pursuing her PhD in Public Administration. Her subject choice reflects a deep understanding of governance, policy, and public systems—areas that demand analytical thinking and conceptual clarity. 

Public Administration in UGC-NET is known for its vast syllabus, theoretical depth, and dynamic relevance to governance. Scoring 100 percentile in such a subject requires not just memory but mastery. As a resident of Ambala, Diksha balanced her academic aspirations with a grounded upbringing. Her father, Rakesh, a businessman engaged in social work, and her mother, Shikha, who supports the family business, created a supportive environment. Her brother Vineesh, who runs a start-up in Bengaluru, represents the entrepreneurial spirit in the family. Together, they formed the backbone of her motivation.

Five Attempts, One Strategy

Clearing UGC-NET is challenging. Securing AIR 1 is exceptional. Doing so after four unsuccessful attempts is inspiring. Diksha openly shared that her first attempt helped her understand the exam pattern. The second attempt saw improvement, but it still was not enough. The third attempt brought discouragement. Each failure tested her confidence. By the fourth attempt, she had nearly decided to quit. The emotional toll of repeated setbacks can make anyone question their capability. However, her PhD supervisor, Dr Bharti Garg, and her family refused to let her give up. Their belief became her strength. On her fifth attempt, she returned with a sharper strategy. She divided her preparation into weekly and monthly targets, ensuring consistent revision. She focused on short-term and long-term goals while avoiding distractions from secondary ambitions. She also took online coaching from Begi Ram of Himachal Pradesh, which added structured guidance to her preparation. This time, discipline met determination, and the result was historic.

The Role of Mentorship and Support

Behind every successful scholar stands a guiding mentor. Diksha acknowledged the constant encouragement of Dr Bharti Garg, whose motivation pushed her to attempt the exam again when she had almost stepped back. Family support also played a crucial role. Success in competitive exams is rarely an individual effort. It is a collective emotional investment. Her parents, friends, and teachers stood by her during moments of doubt. Their encouragement highlights an important lesson: belief from others can reignite belief in oneself. What makes Diksha’s story even more inspiring is her multidimensional personality. She is not just an academic achiever but also a trained Kathak artist.

The Dream Beyond NET

While securing AIR 1 in UGC-NET opens doors to becoming an assistant professor, Diksha’s ambitions stretch further. She aspires to become an IAS officer and plans to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Her academic background in Public Administration provides a strong foundation for civil services. However, she remains clear that if civil services do not materialise, her focus will stay firmly on academics and teaching. This clarity of purpose reflects maturity. She understands that success is not about one exam but about long-term impact. Diksha emphasises the importance of routine, consistency, and goal clarity. She advises students to break preparation into manageable targets and avoid distractions. According to her, focusing on secondary ambitions during intense preparation can dilute results. Each unsuccessful attempt taught her something new. Instead of viewing them as defeats, she treated them as lessons. That mindset ultimately led her to the top.