Shikha Surendran’s story is an inspiring tale of determination and perseverance, culminating in her remarkable achievement of securing the All India Rank 16 in the UPSC exam of 2017. Her journey to become an IAS officer, driven by her own ambition and her family’s aspirations, especially her father’s dream, highlights the power of resilience and focused preparation.
Originally from Kerala, Shikha was a bright student who chose to pursue engineering after her intermediate studies. However, her father’s aspiration for her to become an IAS officer resonated deeply with her, gradually shaping her own career goals. This alignment of her father’s dream with her personal interest set the stage for her eventual success in one of India’s most challenging competitive exams.
After completing her engineering degree, Shikha moved to Delhi, the hub for UPSC aspirants, to start her preparation. Initially, she joined a coaching institute to understand the format and demands of the UPSC exam. This coaching period was instrumental in giving her a clear understanding of what was required to crack the exam. However, Shikha soon realized the importance of self-study and made the strategic decision to focus on individual preparation.
Shikha’s belief in the power of self-study became the cornerstone of her UPSC journey. She meticulously crafted her study plan, tailoring it to suit her strengths and weaknesses. This personalized approach allowed her to deeply engage with the syllabus and develop a comprehensive understanding of the subjects.
Her first attempt at the UPSC exam did not yield the desired result, but Shikha did not let this setback dampen her spirit. Instead, she used this experience as a learning opportunity, analyzing her mistakes and understanding the areas that needed more attention. This introspection and learning from her first attempt played a crucial role in her preparation for the second attempt.
In her second attempt, Shikha’s hard work, improved strategy, and unwavering dedication paid off. She not only cleared the exam but also emerged as one of the toppers. Her success story is a testament to the fact that with determination, a well-thought-out strategy, and the ability to learn from failures, one can achieve their dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem.
Shikha’s journey from an engineering student to a celebrated IAS officer is an inspiration to many aspiring civil servants. It underscores the importance of self-belief, focused preparation, and the willingness to adapt and improve continuously. Her story vividly illustrates that dreams, when pursued with passion and perseverance, can indeed become realities.
