Kasaragod, Badiyadukka native Ranjina Mary Varghese, grabbed the 49th rank in the all India civil services exam, in her third attempt. She is currently working at the Indian Ordinance Factory Service. She is a graduate in chemical engineering.

What is your secret of success?

I got through the civil services in stages. I passed the preliminary exam in the first attempt. But I failed the mains for just 18 marks. I was working in an oil company during that time. I quit my job when I failed the exam. I studied again and in the second attempt I got posted in the Ordinance Factory Service. I am at probation right now. I am really happy that I got a good rank in my third attempt. I wish to choose the Indian Foreign Service as my option.

Are you an extraordinarily intelligent person?

It is only in my third attempt that I got a good rank. To achieve success in the civil service exams, there is no difference between an average student and the first rank holder. The UPSC tests our minimum abilities. Our analytical and logical faculties would be tested. With hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve success in civil services.

What is your trick to avoid tension?

Preliminary, mains and interview are the three important stages in the civil service exam. I was really tensed during these three stages. I was too much tensed two days before the results were out. I tried to calm myself by talking to the people in my study circle, family, friends and siblings. I occasionally do meditation. When I am in Delhi, I go out with my friends. Even our performance in the exam may get affected if we are severely tensed.

Name a few people who inspired your. Family?

Former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao has inspired me a lot. My parents VA Varghese and TJ Theresa are private school teachers.