Karnataka’s Hamsa Shree N A’s life has been a mosaic of diverse experiences, each adding a unique hue to her vibrant personality. Born in a village in Chikkabalapura district to Dr. P Veena Rani and Dr. N A Adinarayanappa, both sociology lecturers, Hamsa’s journey has been marked by curiosity, determination, and a deep-seated desire to serve society. Her younger brother, Daksh A Narayan, currently in the 8th grade, looks up to her as an inspiration.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Hamsa shared details about her life and journey.
EARLY EDUCATION AND COLLEGE LIFE
Hamsa’s early years were a whirlwind of school changes, eventually leading her to JSS Public School in Bengaluru, where she completed her high school education. This period of her life was characterized by adaptability and resilience, qualities that would later serve her well in her pursuit of the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).
After high school, Hamsa pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE). It was here that she truly came into her own. An active participant in various clubs and events, Hamsa shared, “I was not only Miss Fresher but also crowned campus superstar by Mirchi Radio FM in my first year.” Her leadership skills shone as the vice chairperson of IEEE UVCE, and she was an integral part of Team Tatva, Adhamya, and Team Sampada.
DETERMINED PURSUIT OF CIVIL SERVICES
Her college years were not just about academics and extracurriculars; they were a turning point in her life. Engaging in social service activities and teaching at a government school near her home opened her eyes to the transformative power of education and social service. These experiences solidified her resolve to become a civil servant, a dream her father had always harbored for her. “I enjoyed serving society and would want to take it up as a profession,” Hamsa shared.
With a clear vision, Hamsa began preparing for the UPSC CSE during her final semester of engineering. Her first attempt, right after college, was a learning experience. The active college life had left her too little time and effort to fully dedicate herself to the exam. However, this initial setback only fueled her determination. Armed with the insights gained, she set her goals for her second attempt and meticulously planned her preparation. “Though I cleared UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 866, I am planning on more attempts as I have both liberties of age and attempts,” she shared with Indian Masterminds.
STRATEGIC APPROACH TO PREPARATION
Hamsa’s approach to UPSC preparation was a blend of discipline and strategic planning. Drawing inspiration from the book “Atomic Habits,” she emphasized the importance of a well-organized plan. She used Google Sheets to track her goals and maintained a rigorous study schedule. My daily goal was to get 8–9 hours of studying; when I was motivated, it increased to about 10–12 hours,” she shared.
PSIR AS OPTIONAL
Her optional subject, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), was a thoughtful choice. “It offered a good balance of objectivity and normative content, with substantial overlap with the General Studies portions.” Despite her background in computer science, Hamsa found PSIR to be a wonderful option, allowing her to study independently and complementing her preparation with test series before the mains.
Believing in the value of guidance, Hamsa took a foundation course to streamline her preparation. She emphasized, “Coaching should enhance one’s efforts, but ultimately, hard work and determination were paramount.”
HOLISTIC WELL-BEING
Hamsa’s story is not just about academic rigor but also about holistic well-being. She advises fellow aspirants to take care of their physical and mental health, recognizing that success in the UPSC exam is influenced by many factors beyond one’s control, including divine grace. She firmly believes, “The skills developed during UPSC preparation, such as planning, resilience, and diligence, will be valuable in various facets of life.”
