Amidst the whirlwind of societal expectations, Priyadharshini S, a dedicated and ambitious woman from Coimbatore, juggled her roles as a wife and a civil service aspirant. Married in 2018 to a supportive doctor, Priyadharshini’s life exemplifies hard work and an unwavering belief in her dreams. Her journey towards the Indian Forest Service (IFS) is an inspiring narrative of resilience and determination.
Roots and Early Influences
Priyadharshini’s academic journey began in Coimbatore, where she completed her graduation. Growing up as the only child, she enjoyed the support of her parents. “My love for nature and wildlife grew from our frequent visits to Mudumalai National Park and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Kerala.,” she shared with Indian Masterminds. This deep-rooted passion for wildlife played a crucial role in her career choice.
Challenges
In 2015, Priyadharshini embarked on the rigorous path of preparing for the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) and the Indian Forest Service Examination (UPSC IFS). Despite her best efforts, the prelims proved to be a challenging hurdle for her. “I faced eight consecutive failures in clearing the prelims for the IFS.” However, she persevered, fueled by her dream to either become an IAS officer or join the Indian Forest Service.
Triumphs and Setbacks
Priyadharshini’s journey was marked by moments of both triumph and setback. In the UPSC CSE, she managed to reach the mains exam in 2016 and the interview rounds in 2017 and 2020. Despite coming close, she fell short of the final mark each time. The prelims, in particular, remained a formidable challenge. However, in 2023, she made a strategic decision to focus solely on the IFS, marking her ninth and final attempt. With just 40 days of preparation, she tackled the prelims with renewed vigor and confidence, buoyed by the belief that this was her last chance.
Achieving Success Against All Odds
Her efforts paid off. Priyadharshini not only cleared the prelims but also excelled in the interview round, achieving the highest marks in Tamil Nadu. She cleared UPSC IFS with an AIR 82 in her ninth and final attempt.
Strategizing for the Exam
Her optional subjects, forestry, and geology, played a significant role in her success. She emphasized the importance of previous years’ question papers (PYQs), strong foundational knowledge from NCERT books, and staying updated with current affairs through newspapers. Her approach to mock tests was pragmatic, focusing on knowledge acquisition rather than marks.
Preparation for the mains exam required a meticulous strategy. Priyadharshini highlighted the importance of diagrams and technical terms in forestry and geology, recommending the use of color pens to enhance answer presentation. Consistent answer writing practice and familiarity with technical jargon were crucial for scoring well in these papers.
The Power of Family Support
Throughout her journey, Priyadharshini’s family played a pivotal role. “My parents and husband provided me unwavering financial and emotional support throughout my journey,” she shared. Her father-in-law’s encouragement allowed her to continue her preparation even after marriage. Despite societal expectations and family functions, she maintained her focus, often studying in isolation to maximize her productivity. “I used to make people understand that it is just a matter of time.”
Mental Resilience and Advice for Aspirants
Mental resilience was a cornerstone of her success. Priyadharshini faced significant mental distress, balancing the demands of married life with the rigorous preparation required for one of India’s toughest exams. She advised other aspirants, especially women, to secure financial independence before marriage and to persistently believe in their capabilities.
Priyadharshini’s story is not just about clearing an exam; it is about navigating the complexities of life with grace and determination. Her journey underscores the importance of support systems, strategic preparation, and above all, the indomitable human spirit.
