Daijiworld Media Network - Cuddalore
Cuddalore, Jun 10: In a remarkable story of perseverance, determination and self-belief, Saranya S from Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, secured All India Rank (AIR) 125 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, achieving success on her third attempt. Her journey stands as an inspiration to thousands of UPSC aspirants across the country, particularly those from rural and non-metro backgrounds.
Saranya's achievement is even more significant as she became the first-ever IAS officer from her institution, setting a new benchmark for future students.
Born and raised in Cuddalore, Saranya comes from a family with strong agricultural roots. Although her parents preferred to stay away from the limelight, their unwavering emotional and financial support played a crucial role throughout her UPSC journey. Their encouragement helped her overcome setbacks and stay focused despite the challenges that come with one of India's toughest examinations.
Saranya completed her BSc in Agriculture from the Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture (KIA), where she studied from 2016 to 2020. Drawing on her academic strengths, she chose Agriculture as her optional subject for the Civil Services Examination.
Determined to achieve her dream of joining the civil services, Saranya enrolled at an academy, where she received focused guidance for the Preliminary, Main and Personality Test stages of the examination. Her preparation strategy combined disciplined study, continuous self-assessment and expert mentorship.
The road to success was not easy. After falling short in her earlier attempts, Saranya refused to give up. Instead, she analysed her mistakes, refined her preparation strategy and returned stronger with every attempt. Her persistence ultimately paid off when she cleared the UPSC examination in her third attempt.
One of the highlights of her achievement was her outstanding performance in the UPSC Personality Test. Saranya scored an impressive 210 marks in the interview, the highest score in Tamil Nadu and the fifth-highest in the country. Her exceptional interview performance was attributed to detailed analysis of her Detailed Application Form (DAF), thematic discussions and rigorous mock interview sessions conducted by her mentors.
Saranya's success demonstrates that consistent effort, proper guidance and resilience can overcome repeated setbacks. As the first IAS officer produced by her agricultural college, she has become a role model for aspiring civil servants, especially students from rural areas who dream of serving the nation through the civil services.
Her journey from a small-town agriculture student to one of the country's top UPSC achievers serves as a powerful reminder that success belongs to those who persist despite failures and continue moving forward with determination.