From ambition to IFS: Disciplined routine of JS Sreeja, rank 57 in UPSC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The path to the 57th rank in the Civil Services Examination is rarely a straight line, but for J.S. Sreeja, it was a masterclass in focused determination and strategic refinement. Hailing from Naruvamoodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Sreeja transformed a childhood dream—first envisioned while she was only in the seventh grade—into a concrete reality, securing the title of Kerala topper in her very first attempt. Her success story is not merely a tale of hours spent at a desk, but a testament to how meticulous planning, grit, and the courage to overcome personal hurdles can redefine one's future.

Sreeja’s academic foundation was built through her schooling in Nellimoodu New Higher Secondary School and Pattom St. Mary's School, followed by a rigorous academic trajectory at Madras Christian College in Chennai, where she completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science. It was during these years that she demonstrated her academic mettle by passing the UGC NET, a feat she achieved while still pursuing her postgraduate studies. Yet, her journey was not without its challenges. Upon entering college, Sreeja faced a significant hurdle: a lack of confidence in speaking English. Rather than retreating, she leaned into the challenge. Inspired by her peers, she spent two years intentionally thinking in English and immersing herself in English-language media, from newspapers to sitcoms like Friends. Her tenure as a literary and debating secretary and her experience with paper presentations turned that initial hesitation into natural, confident fluency.

When she began her dedicated preparation for the civil services in May 2024, she eschewed the common trap of obsessing over study hours. Instead, she prioritised consistency and depth. Her daily routine revolved around six hours of structured classes at her training institute, followed by personal study time that varied in duration based on her needs—sometimes two hours, sometimes six—but she remained committed to completing her daily goals before closing her books for the night. This late-night study habit was complemented by a unique learning style: she preferred reading silently, internalising information with her mind rather than reading aloud. Her approach to feedback was equally robust; when she scored a humbling 75 out of 250 on her first mock test, she treated it as a starting point rather than a defeat, using the guidance of her teachers to systematically improve her performance.

Behind this individual triumph stood the unwavering support of her parents, Sheejakumari and her father Jayakumar, a construction worker whose hard work grounded her perspective. This familial support, combined with her own resilience, fueled her toward the final hurdle: the interview board. Dressed in a green sari and coat, Sreeja faced a panel that delved into complex topics like the Cuban missile crisis, American elections, and broader geopolitical challenges. While she felt a flicker of tension initially, the board’s friendly, conversational approach allowed her to present her knowledge with the same clarity she had cultivated during her college debates.

Sreeja’s mindset throughout this process was anchored by a simple yet powerful tool: a vision board in her study room. Back in May 2024, she had written a bold declaration: "I will get IFS in 2026." Now, as she looks toward her future, she remains hopeful that her first preference, the Indian Foreign Service, will come to fruition. However, she holds a pragmatism that is as admirable as her ambition; if her path leads to the Indian Administrative Service instead, she intends to embrace it with equal enthusiasm. With her favorite author, Jonas Jonasson, in mind, Sreeja has proven that when you combine a clear vision with the discipline to master the mundane, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.