Kerala Woman Clears UPSC On 2nd Attempt With AIR 6, Inspired By Civil Servant Uncle

In a notable announcement by the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, the allotment list for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam (CSE) 2022 was released in May. Among the 933 qualifying candidates, only 784 were allocated services. Gahana Navya James, hailing from Pala, Kerala, emerged as a shining star securing the 6th rank in UPSC CSE 2022. A distinctive feature of her journey is that, contrary to expectations, she has been allotted the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) instead of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Gahana Navya James: A Journey to Success Early Years and Aspirations

A resident of Pala, Kerala, Gahana Navya James realized her childhood dream of becoming a public servant. Her father, CK James, a retired professor from Thomas College, played a supportive role in her journey. Despite not opting for coaching centers or mock interviews, she cracked UPSC CSE 2022 on her second attempt. Gahana's motivation stemmed from her younger brother, and her biggest inspiration is her uncle, Sibi George, an Ambassador of India to Japan and a veteran of the Indian Foreign Service.

Academic Excellence and Determination

Gahana's academic journey speaks volumes about her dedication. A topper in both her Bachelor of Arts in History from Alphonsa College, Pala, and her Master's in Political Science from St Thomas College, she pursued her passion for research with a Junior Research Fellowship in the UGC NET Examination at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala.

Preparation Strategy: A Blend of Self-Study and Mentality No Coaching, Only Self-Study

In a departure from traditional approaches, Gahana Navya James relied on self-study instead of coaching centers. She cultivated the habit of reading newspapers to stay abreast of current affairs, a strategy that proved instrumental in her success. Collating materials from newspapers and the internet, she mentally prepared herself for one of India's most challenging entrance exams.

Gahana Navya James's remarkable journey to secure the 6th rank in UPSC CSE 2022 and her allocation to the Indian Foreign Service exemplify the power of determination, self-study, and a strong support system. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspirants, proving that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary achievements. As she steps into the Indian Foreign Service, Gahana stands as a testament to the adage that with passion, perseverance, and the right mindset, one can carve an exceptional career path.