Law graduate S. Divyadharshini of Chennai emerged the national topper in the Civil Services Examination 2010.
The Union Public Service Commission announced the results on Wednesday and released the merit list of 920 candidates who made it to the Civil Services.
Ms. Divyadharshini (24) said she wanted to join the civil services to contribute significantly to the development of the country. Cracking the examination in her second attempt, she said, “This success is a reward for hard work and perseverance. My parents, my mentor Prabhakaran and friends played a significant role in my success. I will serve society better as an IAS officer.”
A law graduate from School of Excellence in Law, Adyar, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Ms. Divyadharshini opted for Public Administration and Law as optional subjects.
“The process of preparing for the Civil Services will not be hard if we have proper guidance. Clearing the prelims was the most challenging. When I finished my interview, I was confident of clearing the exam. As a bureaucrat I will focus on development and combating corruption.”
Her father V. Shanmugam is a customs consultant. Her mother S. Padmavathy is a homemaker. “I am proud of her,” Ms.Padmavathy said.
Another Chennai-based candidate, R.V. Varun Kumar, secured the third rank. “I would have got IAS with this rank. But I have opted for IPS. My heart was always with the police service. I did not join the private sector job after my graduation in engineering.”
“The only broadsheet I read was The Hindu . Google Books was also of help,” he says.
“I joined Manidhanaeyam Free IAS IPS Coaching Centre in Chennai to prepare for the civil services examination,” he said.
A total of 36 candidates, most of them belonging to the weaker sections of society, have emerged victorious from the institute.
The institute has been imparting free coaching to candidates belonging to the weaker sections of society in Tamil Nadu.
The fourth rank holder, Abhiram G. Sankar, who hails from Tirunelveli, says, “I opted for Civil Services after convincing my parents of my decision. I had to give up a lucrative job offered by Infosys. I dedicate my success to my parents and my mentor.”
