Becoming an IAS officer is a dream many harbor, but for Shikha Surendran, it was a mission – a mission to bring her father’s vision to life. Starting off with limited knowledge about the UPSC examination, Shikha’s journey to clinching the 16th rank in the 2017 UPSC exam is a testament to sheer dedication and unyielding resolve.
While Shikha’s journey began with her father’s aspirations, it was her own growing interest and commitment to the cause that eventually set her on the path of UPSC preparation. Upon completing her graduation, the allure of the IAS grew irresistible, propelling Shikha to the hub of UPSC preparation, Delhi. Here, she enrolled in a coaching center to gain an initial understanding of the examination’s intricacies.
While coaching centers often offer structured guidance, for Shikha, the real magic happened in those crucial months of self-study. Coaching equipped her with a basic roadmap, but she believed that her individual effort, shaped by a personalized strategy, would make the real difference. This belief led her back to Kerala, where she dove deep into her UPSC preparations.
However, success didn’t come immediately. Shikha’s first attempt at the UPSC examination didn’t bear fruit. Instead of seeing this as a setback, she viewed it as a learning opportunity. Analyzing her performance, she identified areas of improvement and rectified her approach, transforming her preparation strategy.
Her revamped efforts bore fruit in her second attempt. Not only did she clear the UPSC examination, but she also secured an enviable position amongst the toppers. This victory was more than just personal success; it was the fulfillment of her father’s cherished dream.
In essence, Shikha Surendran’s story serves as an inspiration to countless UPSC aspirants. It reiterates the significance of self-belief, resilience, and the willingness to learn from setbacks. Through her journey, Shikha has shown that dreams, when backed by unwavering dedication and the right strategy, can indeed become reality.