Success in civil services is never an accident. It is the result of clarity, courage, sacrifice, and relentless belief in oneself. Sai Pravalika’s journey from a corporate employee to becoming a Deputy Collector through APPSC Group 1 is a powerful story of conviction, resilience, and self-driven preparation. Her story is not just about clearing an exam—it is about choosing purpose over comfort and perseverance over uncertainty.
Humble Roots and Strong Family Foundation
Sai Pravallika hails from Machilipatnam, a historic coastal town known for its cultural heritage and intellectual legacy. She was raised in a family that deeply valued public service and discipline.
Her father, Satyanarayana Rao, served in the Excise Department as a Prohibition Officer and later retired after years of dedicated service. His role in the government system left a lasting impression on Pravallika. Watching him work closely with administrative responsibilities planted a seed in her mind at an early age—the aspiration to one day become part of the system herself.
Her mother, Padma, also contributed to public service as a Ward Secretary in Machilipatnam. Through her parents, Pravallika grew up understanding the importance of service, responsibility, and commitment to society.
Her brother, Shyam Prasad Rao, pursued engineering in Electronics and Communication and is currently working as an SBI Manager in Hyderabad. The family environment was academically driven and emotionally supportive, which became one of the strongest pillars in her preparation journey.
Academic Excellence and Corporate Career
Pravallika pursued her engineering from Vasavi College of Engineering in Hyderabad, one of the reputed institutions in the state. Her academic performance earned her a campus placement at Optum Global Solutions, a multinational company based in Hyderabad.
For many, securing a job in a reputed MNC is considered the destination. It offers financial stability, professional growth, and social recognition. Pravallika entered the corporate world and began her career like thousands of other engineering graduates.
However, deep within, she felt a sense of incompleteness. The corporate environment did not align with her inner calling. The dream of becoming a civil servant—an aspiration born from observing her father—continued to grow stronger.
Eventually, she made a bold decision. She chose to step away from the comfort of corporate life to pursue civil services preparation. This was not an easy choice. It involved uncertainty, risk, and sacrifice. But she was driven by clarity of purpose.
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Choosing the Difficult Path: Self-Preparation Without Coaching
One of the most remarkable aspects of Pravallika’s journey is that she prepared for civil services without formal coaching. In an era where coaching institutes are often seen as essential, she relied entirely on self-study, standard books, and disciplined preparation.
Her preparation was rooted in UPSC standard sources. She built her fundamentals using trusted materials and maintained consistency over a long period.
During the COVID pandemic, while continuing her preparation, she also cleared the bank examination and joined Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank as a Probationary Officer. She served in Kurnool district for two years.
Balancing a demanding bank job and civil services preparation required extraordinary discipline. She had to manage limited time, professional responsibilities, and mental pressure. Yet she continued moving forward without losing focus.
Facing Failure but Not Losing Hope
Failure is often the turning point in every success story. For Pravallika, that moment came in 2023.
She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination—an achievement in itself given the intense competition. She went on to write the Mains examination. However, she could not clear the Mains stage.
This was a difficult phase. Months of hard work had not translated into the final outcome she hoped for. Many aspirants lose confidence at this stage. But Pravallika responded differently.
Pravallika did not allow failure to define her. Instead, she treated it as feedback.
She strengthened her preparation and simultaneously focused on APPSC Group 1 examination.
Turning Point: Success in APPSC Group 1
When the APPSC Group 1 notification was released in 2023, Pravallika approached it with seriousness and strategic clarity.
Her UPSC preparation became her biggest strength. She did not start from scratch. Instead, she adapted her UPSC knowledge to APPSC requirements.
She successfully cleared:
- Preliminary Examination
- Mains Examination
- Interview Stage
Her consistent effort and focused preparation finally paid off. She secured the prestigious position of Deputy Collector, achieving the dream she had carried for years.
Overcoming the Toughest Challenge: AP History
Pravallika identified AP History as one of the most challenging parts of APPSC preparation. Unlike other subjects, quality sources were limited.
To overcome this, she relied on:
- Telugu Academy textbooks
- History notes of APPSC topper Manoj Reddy
These sources helped her build conceptual clarity and exam-oriented preparation. Her ability to identify the right sources and use them effectively played a crucial role in her success.
Power of Peer Support and Honest Feedback
Pravallika strongly believes in the importance of peer review.
Her friend Vinay Kumar played a significant role in her preparation. He helped her evaluate answers, improve structure, and refine presentation.
Civil services preparation can often be a lonely journey. Having the right peer support provides motivation, accountability, and constructive feedback.
Along with peer support, her family provided strong emotional backing. Their belief in her gave her the strength to continue even during uncertain phases.
Interview Preparation and the Role of Mock Interviews
Pravallika also joined the La Excellence Interview Guidance Program. She participated in hackathons, DAF filling sessions, and mock interviews.
She found the mock interview panel extremely experienced and insightful. The feedback she received helped her improve her personality, communication, and confidence.
Interestingly, she mentioned that some questions asked during La Excellence mock interviews were directly reflected in her real APPSC interview. This preparation significantly improved her performance and readiness.
Lessons from Her Journey: Strategy and Wisdom
Sai Pravallika’s journey offers several valuable lessons for aspirants.
First, self-preparation is powerful. Coaching is helpful but not mandatory. With the right sources, discipline, and clarity, aspirants can succeed through self-study.
Second, failure is not the end. Her inability to clear UPSC Mains did not stop her. Instead, it strengthened her resolve.
Third, preparation should be flexible. She continued writing multiple exams instead of restricting herself to just one. This approach ensured she did not lose opportunities.
Fourth, emotional support matters. Family encouragement and peer guidance play a crucial role in sustaining long preparation journeys.
Fifth, mock interviews are essential. They help improve confidence, clarity, and performance in the final stage.
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Her Message to Aspirants: Confidence and Mental Strength
Pravalika emphasizes that APPSC is a long and sometimes unpredictable process. Delays can create anxiety and uncertainty.
She advises aspirants not to depend on a single examination. Writing multiple exams helps maintain momentum and provides alternative opportunities.
Her most important message is about mental strength.
She believes that success in civil services is not just about knowledge—it is about mental stability, emotional resilience, and unwavering self-confidence.
Setbacks are inevitable. But those who believe in themselves and continue moving forward eventually achieve their goals.
Conclusion: A Story of Courage, Clarity, and Commitment
Sai Pravallika’s journey is a powerful reminder that dreams are achieved not by convenience, but by courage.
She left a stable corporate job, prepared without coaching, balanced a bank career, faced failure in UPSC, and still continued her pursuit with determination.
Her success as a Deputy Collector is not just a personal achievement—it is the result of years of discipline, sacrifice, and belief.
Her story inspires every aspirant who is walking the uncertain path of civil services preparation.
It proves one simple truth: Success belongs to those who refuse to give up.
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