Kerala Woman Overcomes Poverty to Secure AIR 57 in UPSC, Aims for IFS
For 24-year-old Sreeja JS from Naruvamoodu village in Thiruvananthapuram, the path to success was paved with significant financial challenges and unwavering personal determination. Her inspiring journey culminated on Friday when the results of the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 were announced, revealing her remarkable achievement of securing All India Rank 57.
A Dream Forged in Childhood
Sreeja's accomplishment is not merely a personal victory; it embodies her profound aspiration to serve India on the global stage. She now sets her sights on joining the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), a childhood ambition she has nurtured for years. "Joining the IFS had been my childhood dream," Sreeja told TOI. "The foreign service gives me the opportunity not only to travel to different parts of the world but also to represent and serve the country in various regions. This is a rare opportunity."
Community Support and Personal Resolve
Her success story is deeply intertwined with the support of her community. During periods of financial difficulty that threatened to derail her preparation, residents of her village stepped forward to provide crucial assistance. "When I faced financial difficulties during my preparation, people from my village came forward to support me," she recounted gratefully, emphasizing that her triumph belongs to her village as much as to herself.
Sreeja's academic foundation was built at Madras Christian College, where she completed both her graduation and postgraduation in political science. Remarkably, the 2025 CSE was her very first attempt, a testament to her focused preparation strategy.
The Grueling Preparation Journey
Her civil services journey began during her college days and was characterized by intense self-study and rigorous mock tests. She faced numerous discouraging moments, particularly when mock test scores were lower than expected. "The preparation was difficult. Sometimes you receive low marks in mock tests, and that can be discouraging," Sreeja admitted.
However, her resolve never wavered. Her primary source of motivation was her father, M Jayakumar, a casual labourer whose daily struggles fueled her perseverance. "My father always stood by me. Every day is a struggle for us, and that kept me going," she said, highlighting how the entire process contributed to her personal growth.
Looking Ahead with Focus
With the examination behind her, Sreeja is now channeling her energy toward the next phase. "Right now, I am focused on completing my training sincerely and becoming the best officer I can be," she stated, demonstrating the same determination that propelled her to this significant milestone. Her story stands as a powerful reminder that with community support and relentless effort, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome on the road to achieving one's dreams.
