Sreeja JS Achieves 57th Rank in Civil Services Exam
Sreeja JS, a 24-year-old from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has secured an impressive 57th rank in the Civil Services Examination on her first attempt, marking a significant milestone in her pursuit of a career in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Completing her graduation and postgraduation in political science from Madras Christian College, Sreeja’s academic journey was supported by her family, particularly her father, Jayakumar, who worked as a daily wage labourer to fund her education. Her mother, Sheeja Kumari, an MA graduate, also played a crucial role in her studies until Class 9.
Sreeja’s determination is evident in her words: “If we dream of reaching the moon, we may at least reach the stars.” Reflecting on her achievement, she stated, “When I got the 57th rank, it felt like I had reached the moon itself.” This sentiment underscores the significance of her accomplishment, especially given the challenges she faced along the way.
Financial hardships were a constant factor in Sreeja’s life, but she remained focused on her goals. She even spent ₹2,500 to enhance her study environment by purchasing white cement and paint to improve her study room. Her brother, JS Jyothish, is currently pursuing a BSc in Physics at Loyola College, Chennai, indicating a family commitment to education.
As Sreeja aspires to join the IFS, she is following in the footsteps of notable figures such as Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Sandhu, a 1988-batch IFS officer, has had a distinguished diplomatic career spanning 40 years, including his recent role as India’s ambassador to the US from February 2020 to January 2024. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring diplomats like Sreeja.
Despite the difficulties she encountered during her preparation, Sreeja credits her father’s unwavering support as a source of strength. “The preparation was difficult. Sometimes you receive low marks in mock tests, and that can be discouraging. But my father always stood by me,” she shared, highlighting the importance of family support in achieving one’s dreams.
Sreeja’s journey to success illustrates the impact of perseverance and community support in overcoming obstacles. As she sets her sights on the IFS, observers are eager to see how her career unfolds in the coming years. Details remain unconfirmed regarding her next steps in the application process for the IFS.
