Sreeja JS Achieves 57th Rank in Civil Services Exam, Aiming for IFS
Sreeja JS, a 24-year-old from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has made headlines by securing the 57th rank in the Civil Services Examination during her first attempt. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her journey towards her dream of joining the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Completing her graduation and postgraduation in political science from Madras Christian College, Sreeja’s academic background has been instrumental in her success. “When I got the 57th rank, it felt like I had reached the moon itself,” she expressed, reflecting on her hard work and dedication. Sreeja’s journey was not without its challenges, as she faced financial hardships that required her family to make sacrifices for her education.
Her father, Jayakumar, worked as a daily wage labourer to support her studies, while her mother, Sheeja Kumari, an MA graduate, provided assistance with her studies until Class 9. Sreeja’s brother, JS Jyothish, is currently pursuing a BSc in Physics at Loyola College in Chennai, showcasing the family’s commitment to education.
In her pursuit of success, Sreeja utilized ₹2,500 to enhance her study environment, purchasing white cement and paint to improve her study room. This investment reflects her determination to create a conducive learning space despite the financial constraints faced by her family. “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 noted, highlighting the support she received from her family during her preparation.
On a broader scale, the Indian Foreign Service has seen significant developments recently, particularly with the appointment of Taranjit Singh Sandhu as the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Sandhu, a 1988-batch IFS officer, has a distinguished diplomatic career spanning 40 years, including his role as India’s ambassador to the US from February 2020 to January 2024. His experience and leadership are expected to influence the future of the IFS.
As Sreeja looks ahead, she remains focused on her aspirations within the IFS, a path that has been pursued by many before her. The journey to becoming an IFS officer is rigorous and competitive, and Sreeja’s success in the Civil Services Examination is a promising start. Observers of her journey are keen to see how she navigates the next steps in her career.
Sreeja’s story is a testament to resilience and determination, shaped by her family’s support and her own hard work. As she prepares for the challenges ahead, the community in Thiruvananthapuram and beyond is rallying behind her, inspired by her achievements and hopeful for her future in the IFS.
