Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi

Kochi, Jun 25: Malavika G Nair from Chengannur in Kerala’s Alappuzha district has secured the 45th rank in the Civil Services Examination 2024, defying extraordinary odds by appearing for the UPSC Mains just 17 days after giving birth.

A serving Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and mother, Malavika described her journey as one filled with determination and challenges. “This was my final attempt. I’m overwhelmed and grateful,” she told reporters after the Union Public Service Commission announced the results.

Her son was born on September 3, 2023. Just over two weeks later, on September 20, she sat for the gruelling Mains exam. “It was an incredibly demanding period,” she recalled. “I was pregnant during the prelims. Managing health, motherhood, and preparation simultaneously wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family.”

Malavika holds the rank of deputy commissioner in the IRS. She had previously secured the 172nd rank in the 2022 UPSC exam, which led to her allocation to the revenue service. The experience of her earlier attempts, she said, helped her focus under pressure.

Her husband, Nandagopan M, is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer trainee from the 2023 batch, presently posted as the officer-in-charge of the Manjeri police station in Malappuram. He praised her grit and perseverance: “I saw her juggling motherhood and preparation. The effort she put in was immense. She truly deserves this success.”

Malavika is one of only three candidates from Kerala to secure a position among the top 50 in this year’s UPSC merit list.