- 09 March, 2026
Thiruvananthapuram, March 9, 2026: In a small unfinished house in Naruvamoodu village, a sticky note once carried a bold dream: “IFS in 2026!” Today, that dream has moved closer to reality as Sreeja G.S. secured the 57th rank in the Civil Services Examination, marking a remarkable achievement shaped by perseverance, family support, and faith.
Her preparation began in a modest setting. Sreeja studied in a small room whose walls had only plaster and lacked proper lighting. Realising that the dim space made studying difficult, she used her savings of ₹2,500 to purchase white cement and paint. Together with her father, she painted the room to create a brighter place to study.
She had also made a firm personal decision: she would attempt the Civil Services Examination only once. Sreeja completed her schooling at Little Flower School, Vellayani; New Higher Secondary School, Nellimoodu; and St. Mary’s School, Pattom, where teachers encouraged her to aim for the civil services.
She later pursued both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Madras Christian College in Chennai. During her preparation, she followed a disciplined routine—reviewing each day’s lessons the same day and preparing detailed notes from newspapers, which later proved useful during the interview stage.
“If we dream of reaching the moon, we may at least reach the stars,” Sreeja said. Reflecting on the moment she saw her result, she added, “When I got the 57th rank, it felt like I had reached the moon itself.”
Although her original goal was to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, her time studying in Chennai gradually led her to reconsider and aim for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Behind her journey stands the quiet determination of her father, Jayakumar, who studied only up to Class 9. Working as a daily wage labourer, he ensured that financial hardship did not prevent his daughter from pursuing her education and aspirations.
Alongside discipline and hard work, Sreeja says faith played an important role in helping her navigate the pressures of the Civil Services preparation. Speaking in an interview with Shalom World News, she reflected on how prayer became a steady source of strength during challenging moments.
The Rosary, she said, had been part of her life from childhood. She recalled how her mother encouraged her to turn to prayer whenever she encountered difficulties. “My mother would always tell me, ‘Whenever you face a problem, take the Rosary and pray. Mother Mary will intercede with Jesus and help resolve your troubles,’” she said.
Like many aspirants, Sreeja acknowledged that the preparation period brought moments of anxiety and doubt. At times she felt tense and even momentarily distant from God, but she said she would return to prayer through reading the Bible, praying the Rosary, attending Holy Mass, and spending time in Eucharistic Adoration.
One memory remains especially clear to her—the day the Civil Services results were announced. After she cleared the Mains examination, her parish priest, Fr. Selvaraj, had gifted her a Rosary brought from Rome. On the morning the results were declared, she prayed and wrapped the Rosary around her hand, entrusting everything to God.
When the results were finally announced and she faced the media, the Rosary was still in her hand—a quiet reminder of the faith that had accompanied her journey.
Reflecting on her experience, Sreeja said she often felt the guidance and blessings of Mother Mary in her life. “Faith is the greatest treasure a person can have,” she said with gratitude, thanking Jesus and Mother Mary for guiding her path.
Sreeja’s journey highlights how determination, disciplined preparation, and inner strength can carry a person through demanding challenges—turning a dream written on a wall into a reality.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Image courtesy: Manorama
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