Ifs: Sreeja JS Achieves 57th Rank in Civil Services Exam, Aiming for
Sreeja JS Achieves 57th Rank in Civil Services Exam
Sreeja JS has made a remarkable achievement by securing the 57th rank in the Civil Services Examination during her first attempt, with aspirations to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). At just 24 years old, her success story is inspiring many, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Completing her graduation and postgraduation in political science from Madras Christian College, Sreeja’s journey to this significant milestone was marked by determination and hard work. “If we dream of reaching the moon, we may at least reach the stars,” she stated, reflecting her ambitious nature and the challenges she overcame.
Her father, Jayakumar, worked as a daily wage labourer to support her education, while her mother, Sheeja Kumari, an MA graduate, assisted her studies until Class 9. Sreeja’s brother, JS Jyothish, is currently pursuing a BSc in Physics at Loyola College in Chennai. This family background highlights the sacrifices made to enable her educational pursuits.
Initially, Sreeja aspired to become an IAS officer, but her experiences while studying in Chennai shifted her focus towards the IFS. Her preparation involved long hours of self-study and mock tests, which she described as challenging. “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, emphasizing the support she received from her family.
Moreover, Sreeja’s success was bolstered by the encouragement of her village community, which played a crucial role during her preparation. She managed to save 2,500 INR for painting, showcasing her resourcefulness and commitment to her goals.
On the same day as Sreeja’s achievement, Taranjit Singh Sandhu was appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Sandhu, a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has a distinguished career spanning 40 years, including his recent role as India’s ambassador to the US from February 2020 to January 2024. His appointment reflects the ongoing evolution within the Indian Foreign Service.
Sreeja’s journey serves as a testament to the challenges faced by individuals from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing higher education and civil services. As she looks forward to her future in the IFS, observers are eager to see how her story will inspire others and what her next steps will entail. Details remain unconfirmed regarding her immediate plans following this achievement.
