Success in Civil Services often appears simple when seen on a results sheet: a name, a rank, and a designation. But behind that single line are years of preparation, uncertainty, sacrifices, and moments of self-doubt. The story of M. S. Thanuja, who secured a rank in APPSC Group-1 and has been allotted the post of Municipal Commissioner Grade-II, is one such journey.
Her path was not built on sudden breakthroughs or dramatic turning points. Instead, it was shaped slowly through discipline, thoughtful choices, strong family support, and the courage to pursue something meaningful beyond comfort.
For Thanuja, this achievement is not simply a job. It is the beginning of a responsibility she has carried in her mind since childhood—the desire to bring real change to society through public administration.
Growing Up in Madanapalli: A Family that Valued Education
Thanuja was born and raised in Madanapalli in Annamayya district, a town known for its educational culture and quiet academic atmosphere. Her upbringing played a crucial role in shaping her personality.
Her father, M.Siva Prasad, works as a GST Officer in the State Commercial Taxes Department of Andhra Pradesh. His career in government service exposed Thanuja early to the values of responsibility, discipline, and integrity.
Her mother, M.Sasikala, is a homemaker who created a supportive and balanced environment at home. While her father represented discipline, her mother represented emotional strength. Together, they ensured their children grew up with confidence and clarity.
Thanuja also grew up in a close-knit family. Her elder sister, Dr. M. S. Kusumanjali, pursued medicine and built her own professional path. Her younger brother, M. S. Sriram working as Software Engineer.
The family atmosphere was simple but ambitious. Education was always considered the most powerful tool to build a meaningful life.
A Student Who Always Valued Consistency
From the beginning, Thanuja was known as a disciplined student. She completed her 10th class in 2014 from Vijaya Bharathi English Medium High School, securing 9.8 CGPA.
Her academic performance reflected not just intelligence but consistency. She was not someone who studied only during examinations. Instead, she maintained steady preparation throughout the year.
After school, she joined Sri Padmavati Women’s Polytechnic College and pursued a Diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Her dedication was reflected in her results—she secured an impressive 97.6%.
During this time, she appeared for the AP ECET (Engineering Common Entrance Test) in 2017 and achieved a remarkable milestone by securing State 8th Rank.
This achievement opened the door to Sri Venkateswara University (SV University), Tirupati, where she joined B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering through lateral entry.
She graduated in 2020 with 8.83 CGPA, completing yet another important stage in her academic journey.
Corporate Life at Infosys: Stability but Not Fulfillment
After completing her engineering degree, Thanuja secured a campus placement at Infosys, one of India’s leading IT companies.
For many graduates, this would have been the perfect destination—financial stability, career growth, and a comfortable life.
She worked at Infosys for two years, gaining professional exposure and learning how corporate systems function.
But slowly, a deeper question began to grow in her mind.
She began to feel that something meaningful was missing. The work was stable, the environment was good, but it did not give her the sense of purpose she was searching for.
This realization did not come suddenly. It developed slowly as she reflected on her childhood memories and the values she had grown up with.
The Inspiration that Changed Her Direction
The biggest influence in Thanuja’s life came from her grandfather.
Many years ago, he had served as a Sarpanch in their village. During his tenure, he worked sincerely to improve the village’s basic infrastructure.
He ensured that drinking water facilities were improved, street lights were installed, and local issues were addressed with responsibility.
As a child, Thanuja often listened to stories about his work and how he helped people in the village.
Those stories stayed with her.
Years later, while working in the corporate sector, she began to understand something important: Public administration has the power to improve entire communities, not just individual lives.
That realization became the turning point in her life.
She decided to pursue Civil Services.
Beginning Civil Services Preparation
When Thanuja decided to leave her corporate comfort and prepare for civil services, it was not an easy decision.
Civil services preparation comes with uncertainty, long waiting periods, and social pressure.
But her parents stood firmly beside her.
They supported her emotionally, financially, and socially, giving her the confidence to pursue her goal.
In 2023, she joined La Excellence IAS Academy for UPSC classroom coaching.
Looking back, she often says that La Excellence became one of the most important pillars in her preparation journey.
The Core Batch Experience at La Excellence
In 2023, La Excellence launched its Core Batch Programme, designed to create a focused ecosystem for serious aspirants.
Thanuja became part of the first Core Batch.
This environment had a profound impact on her preparation.
The Core Batch provided:
• structured preparation
• conceptual clarity
• disciplined study routines
• a strong peer group
Preparing alongside committed aspirants created an atmosphere where discussions, answer writing practice, and peer learning became part of daily life.
She often mentions that the peer group within the Core Batch helped her stay consistent and motivated.
Learning from the UPSC Attempt
In UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, Thanuja appeared for the exam but could not clear the Preliminary stage.
For many aspirants, this moment becomes discouraging.
But Thanuja chose to see it differently.
She treated the attempt as a learning experience.
Instead of losing confidence, she analysed her preparation, strengthened her concepts, and continued moving forward.
This phase made her mentally stronger and more prepared for the next challenge.
APPSC Group-1: The Defining Breakthrough
During this period, the APPSC Group-1 notification was released.
With her conceptual foundation already strong from UPSC preparation and the guidance she received at La Excellence, she appeared for the examination with confidence.
Her preparation paid off.
She cleared the APPSC Group-1 examination and secured a rank, eventually being allotted the post of Municipal Commissioner Grade-2.
For her family, it was a moment of immense pride.
For Thanuja, it was the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Mentors Who Shaped Her Journey
Thanuja credits much of her success to the mentors who guided her during preparation.
She expresses deep gratitude to Pavan Sir, her mentor at La Excellence IAS Academy, whose guidance helped her stay focused and structured in her preparation.
She also acknowledges History faculty Prajwal Sir and Seenayya Sir, whose teaching helped her build strong conceptual clarity in history, an important subject in competitive examinations.
Their mentorship played a significant role in shaping her preparation strategy.
A Personal Milestone: Marriage and a New Beginning
An important moment in Thanuja’s personal life came around the same time as her professional achievement.
She married K. Sai Teja, who works as a VLSI Chip Designer at Intel in Bengaluru.
Interestingly, within three months of her marriage, the APPSC Group-1 results were announced.
The moment brought immense happiness to both families.
It was a rare moment where personal joy and professional success came together.
Stepping into Public Service
As Municipal Commissioner Grade-II, Thanuja now enters a role that involves direct interaction with urban governance and public welfare.
Municipal administration plays a critical role in improving people’s everyday lives—through better infrastructure, sanitation, urban planning, and public services.
For Thanuja, this role represents an opportunity to turn her long-held dream into action.
Her Message to Aspirants
After years of preparation, Thanuja shares one important lesson with aspirants.
She believes that motivation is often misunderstood.
Motivation may inspire someone for a few days, but it cannot sustain preparation for years.
What truly matters is discipline and consistency.
In her own words:
“Motivation is overhyped. It fades with time. What truly matters in the long run is discipline and consistency.”
Conclusion: A Journey Built on Quiet Strength
The story of M. S. Thanuja reminds us that civil services success is rarely dramatic.
It is built through:
• steady preparation
• strong family support
• meaningful mentorship
• emotional resilience
From Madanapalli to Municipal Commissioner Grade-2, her journey reflects the power of discipline and clarity of purpose.
Her story stands as a reminder for every aspirant:
Success does not come from momentary motivation.
It comes from showing up every day—with discipline, patience, and belief.
For more such success stories, you can visit: https://laex.in/category/success-stories/
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar : 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040