https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Corporate Escape: How Love for Nature Led Sowmya R A to the Indian Forest Service

Sowmya R A's Journey from Engineering and Corporate Life to Pursuing a Dream Intertwined with Nature. Read the article...
Indian Masterminds Stories

Sowmya R A’s path to the Indian Forest Service (IFS) wasn’t a straight line. It meandered through engineering, corporate life, and a persistent, yet unfocused, dream of a career intertwined with nature. Born and raised in the verdant city of Mysore, Karnataka, Sowmya was surrounded by greenery from a young age. This instilled a passion for the environment that blossomed over the years.

CALL OF THE NATURE 

Despite graduating from the prestigious National Institute of Engineering in Mysore and landing a coveted job at Philips Electronics, a corporate career couldn’t quench Sowmya’s yearning for the outdoors. The call of the wild, nurtured by the scenic beauty of Mysore, often referred to as the “Temple of Sandalwood,” was too strong to ignore.

Fueled by childhood dreams and a burning desire to serve nature, Sowmya decided to pursue a career in forestry. However, the path to the prestigious Indian Forest Service was not without its challenges. 

IFS JOURNEY 

The initial roadblock came in the form of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). For three attempts, Sowmya diligently prepared for the coveted bureaucracy, only to be met with disappointment during the prelims stage. Discouraged but not defeated, she shifted her focus to the IFS, a service with a higher prelims cut-off. This decision, many would argue, seemed counterintuitive. Yet, for Sowmya, it felt strangely liberating.

“I always thought getting into the forest service would be difficult,” she admits. “But when I cleared the IFS cutoff in 2022, It felt like it’s doable,” she shared with Indian Masterminds

A turning point came in 2022. Clearing the IFS prelims cutoff alongside an interview call for the state Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) exam served as a crucial wake-up call. It shattered the myth of the IFS being an impossible dream. The experience with the ACF exam not only familiarized her with forestry-related subjects but also instilled a newfound confidence in her abilities.

“God has shown me the purpose,” Sowmya reflects, “I felt that I had found my calling.” This newfound clarity propelled her towards cracking the IFS exam in her second attempt, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 33.

PREPARATION STRATEGY 

But the road to success wasn’t paved with shortcuts. Sowmya acknowledges the pitfall of relying on a multitude of resources during her initial CSE attempts. “There were too many materials, coaching institutes, diverse things,” she admits. “I was not able to hit the core of the prelims exam.”

So, what did she do differently in her winning attempt? The answer lies in a laser-focused approach. Sowmya meticulously analyzed previous years’ question papers (PYQs), establishing connections between topics and familiarizing herself with the prelims format. This deep-dive analysis proved instrumental in her success, helping her cross the prelims hurdle in 2021.

The key to excelling in the IFS mains exam, according to Sowmya, lies in a strong foundation. She emphasizes the importance of NCERT books for grasping the core concepts of General Studies (GS) and General Ecology (GE) papers. For her optional subjects, she opted for Botany and Agriculture, utilizing her existing knowledge of Botany while acing the challenging subject with dedication.

BIRDWATCHING 

Beyond academics, Sowmya actively pursued hobbies that enriched her personality and honed essential skills. Birdwatching, a passion nurtured since childhood, became a central focus. “I actively participated in birdwatching groups, took courses, and honed my observational skills.” These interactions not only deepened her connection with nature but also significantly boosted her articulation skills. Group discussions and exchanging ideas with fellow aspirants emerged as vital tools for interview preparation.

POSITIVITY 

Sowmya’s journey underscores the importance of a strong support system. She acknowledges the invaluable role of friends in her success. “You should have friends with whom you can share your vulnerabilities,” she emphasizes. “We have to be positive. Whenever we face any self-doubt, we should think of our past successes.”

Sowmya’s story is an inspiration for aspiring IFS officers. It advocates for self-belief, strategic preparation, and a genuine love for the environment. It highlights the importance of focusing on core concepts, utilizing past exam papers effectively, and building a strong support system. As Sowmya embarks on her new role as a guardian of India’s forests, she carries with her the lessons learned, the unwavering support of her loved ones, and a deep-rooted passion for the natural world she now has the privilege to protect.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
SEBI
SEBI Appoints 3 New Executive Directors: Amit Pradhan, Avneesh Pandey & Sanjay Purao Take Charge
Lateral_entry_resized
No Reservation in Lateral Govt Job Entries, Centre Tells Rajya Sabha Citing Single-Post Rule
DelhiPolice
Top-Level Shake-Up in Delhi Police: 3 IPS Officers Reassigned Amid Security Concerns; Chahal Named DG, Civil Defence
mp
MP’s ₹3 Lakh Crore Infrastructure Boom: 255 km Greenfield Highway, ₹5,500 Cr Tiger Corridor Among Key Road Projects
FINNOVATION 2025
SBI & IIT Guwahati Celebrate FINNOVATION 2025 Winners in Gurugram, Empowering Young Innovators to Solve Banking Challenges
nitish-kumar
Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar Inaugurates Rs 44 Crore Six-Lane Pull-Up Ramp in Patna, Aims to Ease Traffic Congestion- Know More
CM yogi
UP: CM Yogi Inaugurates Two New Kalyan Mandaps in Gorakhpur, Emphasizes Accessible Celebration Spaces- Full Details Inside
CISF
National Security at Risk: Centre Opposes Supreme Court Ruling Curtailing IPS Deputation in CAPFs, Says IPS Presence is Crucial
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
Dharavi Redevelopment: IAS Minds Turning 100-Year-Old Slum into a Modern City | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
SEBI
SEBI Appoints 3 New Executive Directors: Amit Pradhan, Avneesh Pandey & Sanjay Purao Take Charge
Lateral_entry_resized
No Reservation in Lateral Govt Job Entries, Centre Tells Rajya Sabha Citing Single-Post Rule
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT