Sreeja JS has achieved a remarkable 57th rank in her first attempt at the Civil Services Examination, aiming to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Sreeja JS Aims for IFS After Securing 57th Rank in Civil Services Examination
Sreeja JS, a 24-year-old from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the 57th rank in the Civil Services Examination on her first attempt. This accomplishment has fueled her ambition to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), a prestigious career path that many aspire to but few achieve.
Completing her graduation and postgraduation in political science from Madras Christian College, Sreeja’s academic background has laid a solid foundation for her civil services journey. Her success is not just a personal victory; it is a testament to the support she received from her family and community. “When I got the 57th rank, it felt like I had reached the moon itself,” Sreeja remarked, reflecting on her achievement.
Sreeja’s father, Jayakumar, worked as a daily wage labourer, often facing financial hardships to ensure that his daughter could pursue her education. Despite his own limited education, having studied only up to Class 9, he played a crucial role in Sreeja’s academic journey. Her mother, Sheeja Kumari, an MA graduate, also contributed significantly by assisting Sreeja with her studies until Class 9. This familial support was instrumental during her preparation for the Civil Services Examination.
In addition to her parents, Sreeja’s brother, JS Jyothish, is currently pursuing a BSc in Physics at Loyola College in Chennai, indicating a family commitment to education and personal growth. Sreeja’s journey has been marked by challenges, but she credits her village community for their encouragement during her preparation. “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 emotional support that bolstered her resolve.
As Sreeja sets her sights on the IFS, she joins a legacy of distinguished diplomats, including Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Sandhu, a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has had a notable diplomatic career spanning 40 years. He served as India’s ambassador to the US from February 2020 to January 2024, showcasing the potential career path that awaits Sreeja should she successfully navigate the rigorous selection process for the IFS.
While Sreeja’s original dream was to become an IAS officer, her determination to join the IFS reflects her adaptability and ambition. As she embarks on this new chapter, observers are keen to see how her journey unfolds and whether she will achieve her goal of entering the Indian Foreign Service.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific steps Sreeja will take next in her pursuit of the IFS, but her story serves as an inspiration for many aspiring civil servants across the country. With the support of her family and community, Sreeja JS is poised to make her mark in the world of diplomacy.
