There are some journeys that don’t follow a straight path—and that’s exactly what makes them worth telling. Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra’s story is not about a single breakthrough moment but about the quiet, repeated decision to keep going even after reaching milestones most aspirants only dream of. From securing top ranks in multiple prestigious services to finally achieving All India Rank 23 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, his journey reflects clarity of purpose and an unusual refusal to settle early.
A DREAM THAT STAYED CONSTANT
Hailing from Vakalapudi village in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, Jaswanth grew up in an environment that valued education and ambition. His father, Manikyala Rao, an engineer-turned-businessman, often spoke about the impact an IAS officer could create. Those conversations stayed with Jaswanth, shaping his aspirations from a young age.
Even as opportunities opened up in other directions, the idea of joining the Indian Administrative Service remained fixed. It wasn’t just about clearing an exam—it was about choosing a path of public service that aligned with what he had always envisioned for himself.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND A BIG CAREER CHOICE
Jaswanth’s academic track record reflects his strong foundation. He studied at Ashram Public School in Kakinada, where he earned a merit scholarship early on. He later moved to Hyderabad for his intermediate education and went on to secure an impressive rank in JEE.
This led him to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science. Like many IIT graduates, he had access to high-paying corporate opportunities. During campus placements, he secured a job at Samsung with a package exceeding ₹50 lakh per annum.
For many, this would have marked the beginning of a stable and successful career. For Jaswanth, it was a moment of decision. He chose to walk away from that opportunity and begin preparing for the UPSC examination in 2020.
EARLY SETBACK AND PERSONAL LOSS
His first attempt in 2020 did not go as planned. He reached the mains stage but could not clear the exam. Around the same time, he faced a deeply personal setback—losing his father after a period of illness.
The loss affected him significantly, making it difficult to focus on his preparation. However, instead of stepping away from his goal, he chose to regroup. He treated his first attempt not as a failure, but as a reference point to improve.
STEADY PROGRESS THROUGH THE RANKS
What followed over the next few years is a rare example of consistent upward movement in one of the toughest examinations in the country.
- 2021: Jaswanth secured a rank that earned him a position in the Indian Postal Service. While it was a significant achievement, he chose not to continue, as his goal was still IAS.
- 2022: He cleared the examination again and entered the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). In the same phase, he also secured a top rank in the Indian Forest Service (IFS), achieving AIR 51.
- 2023: His efforts brought him into the Indian Police Service (IPS) with AIR 162. He began his training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad.
At this stage, Jaswanth had already achieved what many aspirants aim for throughout their preparation. Yet, he continued studying alongside his IPS training, keeping his focus on the IAS.
THE FINAL LEAP TO IAS
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, Jaswanth achieved what he had been working towards since the beginning—an all-India rank of 23 and selection into the Indian Administrative Service.
This achievement wasn’t sudden. It was built over multiple attempts, each adding experience, clarity, and a better understanding of the exam. His journey shows that success in UPSC is not always about getting it right in the first attempt but about improving with each one.
FAMILY: THE STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM
Behind Jaswanth’s journey is a family that played a consistent role in supporting his ambition. His mother, Gollapalli Nagalakshmi, a government school teacher at Vakalapudi ZP High School, encouraged him to continue, especially after the loss of his father.
She recognised his academic ability early on and ensured that he stayed focused on his long-term goal. His grandfather, Lakshmana Rao, a retired physical director from Rangaraya Medical College, also contributed to his upbringing and motivation.
Growing up under the care of his grandparents and extended family gave him a stable environment, allowing him to stay committed to his preparation even during difficult phases.
BALANCING TRAINING AND PREPARATION
One of the most challenging aspects of Jaswanth’s journey was preparing for the UPSC exam while undergoing IPS training. The schedule at the police academy is physically and mentally demanding, leaving limited time for study.
Despite this, he continued his preparation, showing that consistency doesn’t always require ideal conditions. It requires discipline and a clear sense of priority. His ability to manage both responsibilities played a crucial role in his final success.
A CLEAR PERSPECTIVE ON PUBLIC SERVICE
Jaswanth has often spoken about why he wanted to join the IAS. For him, it was about the scope of work and the opportunity to make a difference across multiple sectors.
He believes that an IAS officer has the ability to directly influence governance and improve service delivery for people. This clarity of purpose helped him stay committed even when he had already secured positions in other prestigious services.
LESSONS FOR UPSC ASPIRANTS
Jaswanth’s journey offers several practical insights for those preparing for the UPSC examination:
- Improvement matters more than attempts: each attempt can be used to refine strategy and understanding.
- Don’t settle too early: even after achieving success, it’s important to evaluate whether it aligns with your original goal.
- Consistency beats intensity: regular effort over a long period often works better than short bursts of preparation.
- Support systems matter: family encouragement and a stable environment can make a significant difference.
- Self-preparation can work: with the right approach and discipline, independent study can be effective.
A JOURNEY THAT REFLECTS CHOICE AND COMMITMENT
Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra’s story stands out not just because of his final rank, but because of the decisions he made along the way. Turning down a high-paying job, continuing after multiple selections, and preparing alongside training all reflect a clear commitment to his goal.
His journey shows that success in UPSC is not defined by speed, but by direction. And sometimes, reaching the destination requires walking past several milestones without stopping.
