From TCS to IAS: Kerala construction labourer's daughter quits corporate job, cracks UPSC on 4th attempt

IAS S Aswathy

Every year, lakhs of young people dream of clearing the UPSC exam to become IAS or IPS officers. But very few have a story as inspiring as S Aswathy’s. Her journey shows us that no dream is too big, and no background too humble, if you have the heart to keep going.

S Aswathy grew up facing financial struggles that very few of us can imagine. Her father worked as a construction labourer, and the family found it difficult to make ends meet. But even as a child, Aswathy had a clear dream, she wanted to become an IAS officer. She decided this as early as the eighth standard.

Aswathy was a brilliant student. She earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Government Barton Hill Engineering College. After graduation, she joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a stable job that helped support her family.

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But her childhood dream never left her. In a brave and bold decision, she left her corporate job to fully focus on preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

Aswathy attempted the UPSC exam three times: in 2017, 2018, and 2019 and couldn’t clear the prelims. Many would have given up, but not her.

She worked on her mistakes, improved her answer writing, and tried again with even more determination. On her fourth attempt in 2020, she achieved an outstanding All India Rank (AIR) of 481.

Reflecting on her success, Aswathy said to news agency ANI, "It was my fourth attempt at the civil service examination. The last three times I could not clear the preliminary exams and I was a little anxious. I am happy now. To crack this examination, I focused on writing practice and maximum content improvisation, so that I could present my content well in the papers."

S Aswathy’s story is more than just about cracking a tough exam. It is a lesson in courage, patience and never letting your circumstances define your future. She didn’t just dream, but she acted, failed, learned and tried again until she succeeded.