P. K. Sidharth Ramkumar: Rank 4, UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023

P. K. Sidharth Ramkumar: Rank 4, UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023

P. K. Sidharth Ramkumar secured Rank 4 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, after a remarkable journey of dedication and perseverance. Hailing from Kochi, Kerala, Sidharth's achievement is a testament to his hard work and strategic preparation. His journey is also marked by the significant role played by his family, particularly the inspiration from his father, T. M. Ramkumar, who retired as the Principal of Chinmaya College of Arts, Commerce, and Science.

1. Background and Early Life

• Education: Sidharth completed his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Kerala University in 2019. His interest in the civil services was sparked during his final-year internship, where he realized the potential impact of public administration and governance in shaping society. This realization led him to start preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
• Family Influence: Sidharth’s father, T. M. Ramkumar, retired as the principal of Chinmaya College of Arts, Commerce, and Science. His father’s career in education and administration played a pivotal role in influencing Sidharth’s decision to enter public service. The values of discipline, dedication, and a commitment to service, instilled by his father, were integral to his success. His mother also provided unwavering support throughout his journey, ensuring a balanced and focused approach to his preparation.

2. UPSC Journey and Attempts

• Multiple Attempts: Sidharth’s journey was not without its challenges. He attempted the UPSC Civil Services Examination four times before achieving Rank 4 in 2023. In his first attempt in 2020, he did not clear the Prelims, but his persistence saw him improve his performance in subsequent attempts. He secured Rank 189 in 2021 and Rank 121 in 2022, which earned him a position in the Indian Police Service (IPS). However, his ambition to achieve a higher rank motivated him to try again, culminating in his success with Rank 4.

3. Preparation Strategy

• Optional Subject: Sidharth chose Anthropology as his optional subject, which played a key role in his high score. His decision to focus on this subject allowed him to excel in the Mains examination, scoring 326 marks in the optional papers.
• Approach to Studies: Sidharth adopted a strategic approach to his preparation, focusing on consistent revision, answer writing, and staying updated with current affairs. His methodical study plan, combined with regular mock tests, helped him refine his understanding of key subjects and improve his answer-writing skills.

4. Challenges and Overcoming Them

• Setbacks and Persistence: Despite initial setbacks in his early attempts, Sidharth demonstrated remarkable resilience. His determination to learn from past mistakes and continuously improve his preparation strategy was key to his eventual success. His family's support, especially his father’s guidance and his mother’s encouragement, helped him stay motivated through the most difficult periods of his journey.

5. Key Takeaways from Sidharth’s Journey

• Resilience and Adaptability: Sidharth’s journey highlights the importance of resilience. His ability to learn from failure, adapt his strategy, and persist despite challenges was instrumental in achieving his goal.

Sidharth Ramkumar’s journey to Rank 4 in UPSC 2023 serves as an inspiration to future UPSC aspirants, demonstrating that with perseverance, strategic preparation, and strong family support, one can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

MARKS OBTAINED (MAINS - 2023)