The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 results are out, and among the bright and determined candidates who made their mark, Kiruthika M from Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu stands tall with an All India Rank (AIR) of 769 in her very second attempt.
Kiruthika’s UPSC journey is more than a tale of academic excellence but a testament to resilience, discipline, and the determination to pursue dreams across boundaries and fields. Let us trace the inspiring tale of this woman of substance whose strength converted hope into success.
Kiruthika’s Humble Beginnings, Grand Dreams:
Raised in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, Kiruthika’s tale is one of humble but motivating origins. Her father, Murugaiyan, a retired Cinema Operator cum Driver, and mother, Chandra, a committed Secondary Grade Teacher, imparted the principles of honesty, diligence, and the empowering nature of education.
A Scholarly Life of Unwavering Excellence
Since her schooldays, Kiruthika M was always outstanding in her academic achievement:Achieved 97.8% in Class 10. Scored 96.8% in Class 12 at Prince Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Studied Engineering and thereafter completed her Master’s in Construction Engineering and Management from the elite ‘College of Engineering, Guindy’ (CEG), Anna University, Chennai, with a stellar 96.3%.
Kiruthika’s desire for learning didn’t end there. Kiruthika went abroad, winning the highly sought-after Erasmus and Pays de la Loire Scholarships to study research in France. As a Doctoral Candidate at Centrale Lille University, she added value to the academic world through research publications, such as Lean Techniques in the Construction Industry — an indication of her intellectual sophistication and international outlook.
Professional Experience: A Mix of Corporate and Research
Prior to aiming for the Civil Services, Kiruthika gained rich professional experience:
- Senior Support Analyst at Amazon Development Centre India Pvt. Ltd., Chennai
- Doctoral Researcher at Centrale Lille University, France
- French SPS Associate at Amazon India
These positions developed her analytical, decision-making, and leadership abilities, giving her a dynamic problem-solving approach — qualities that are a must for an administrative career.
A True All-Rounder:
Kiruthika’s life is not limited to studies and work. An ardent Throwball Team Captain at school and NSS Volunteer & Coordinator at college, she exhibited leadership since a young age. She was also:
- Member of the PG Syllabus Sub-Committee
- Department Representative in the College Placement Committee at CEG
- Outside of academics and leadership, she has a passion for traveling, journaling, strength training, and speaks French (DELF B2 Level) — a balanced personality in all aspects.
The UPSC Dream: From Construction Engineering to Public Administration
Even with a successful corporate and research life, Kiruthika decided to take the UPSC route, motivated by an inner urge to serve the nation and public administration.
Selecting Public Administration as her optional subject, she strategically mapped her professional experiences and academic interests onto the exam requirements. Her leadership positions and public-facing attitude naturally led her to public administration as a field and a profession.
Her Preparation Strategy: Discipline Over Intensity
Kiruthika’s UPSC preparation was characterized by systematic planning, discipline, and intelligent work:
- Developed a strong foundation in General Studies, applying her science and engineering background to analytical solutions.
- Prioritized answer writing practice, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and time management.
- Engaged with regular reading of current affairs, government reports, and original sources.
- Incorporated mock tests and ongoing revisions into her preparation process.
- Preserved preparation stress by engaging in strength training, journaling, and travel breaks.
- During Interview Guidance Programme at La Excellence she has quickly adapted to the value inputs given by our experts.
Her Journey with La Excellence:
She was part of ‘Interview Guidance Programme’ where top most faculty like Dr. Rambabu Sir, Venkat Mohan sir and serving civil servants guided her through DAF and enriched her preparation. Feedback and value addition sessions were conducted to help her. She finally scored 176 Marks in the
UPSC Interview.
Message to Future UPSC Aspirants:
Kiruthika’s incredible path once again reaffirms a powerful message for aspirants nationwide:
“Believe in yourself — your distinctive experiences are your strength. Consistency is more important than intensity. Small, disciplined efforts daily result in extraordinary results. And always opt for an optional subject that you are genuinely passionate about, not what the trends suggest.”
She feels that troubles are lessons, mistakes are detours, and determination is the ultimate key.
Final Thoughts: As Officer Kiruthika.M enters the halls of Indian administration, her tale is an icon of hope, courage, and aspiration for millions of young dreamers, particularly women, engineers, and professionals from non-traditional backgrounds who aspire to join civil services.
Her remarkable journey from a Construction Engineering student and corporate professional to a Civil Servant reiterates the fact that your point of origin never determines your destination.
In a country where dreams tend to soar against adversity, Kiruthika M’s story is a testament that with courage in your heart and discipline in your work, the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the start.
We salute and wish her all the best as she begins this noble path of public service.
Congratulations, Officer Kiruthika M!
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