Haritha V Kumar is a name that resonates with resilience, dedication, and triumph in the world of civil services. The UPSC Civil Services Examination is regarded as one of the toughest exams in India, and securing the All-India Rank (AIR) 1 is an achievement that places one among the finest minds in the country. Haritha, a B.Tech graduate from Kerala University, scripted history in 2012 when she emerged as the topper in her fourth attempt. Her journey is one of perseverance, determination, and the unyielding spirit to chase her dreams.
Haritha V Kumar: Early Life and Education
Born on November 21, 1985, Haritha V Kumar hails from Neyyattinkara, a small town in Kerala. She grew up in a humble household, with her father, Vijaya Kumar, working as a contractor for the Kerala Water Authorities, and her mother, Chitra, being a homemaker. She has twin brothers, Sadrarsh and Satheerth.
Haritha’s schooling was split between St. Theresa Convent and a government school in Neyyattinkara. From an early age, she exhibited academic brilliance and a deep-seated passion for civil services. After completing her higher secondary education, she pursued a B.Tech in Electronics and Telecommunications from Barton Hill Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram.
A Bold Career Move: Choosing UPSC Over a Corporate Job
After her graduation, Haritha received a lucrative job offer from HCL Technologies, one of India’s leading IT firms. However, her aspirations were set higher. Unlike many of her peers who pursued careers in engineering, Haritha chose to step into the challenging world of civil services. She declined the job offer to dedicate herself entirely to cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
The Struggles and Attempts in UPSC
Haritha V Kumar’s journey to becoming an IAS officer wasn’t an overnight success. She encountered failures, but she turned them into stepping stones:
- 2009 (First Attempt): Cleared the Preliminary Exam but failed to crack the Mains.
- 2010 (Second Attempt): Secured AIR 179, which made her eligible for IPS and IRS. She chose IRS.
- 2011 (Third Attempt): Ranked 294, a result that left her disappointed but not defeated.
- 2012 (Fourth Attempt): Achieved AIR 1, becoming the first woman from Kerala to top UPSC.
Despite multiple setbacks, she remained undeterred, learning from her mistakes and refining her strategies with each attempt.
How Haritha V Kumar Cracked UPSC: Strategies & Study Plan
Haritha’s success in UPSC was the result of meticulous planning and disciplined preparation. Here are some key aspects of her strategy:
1. Choosing the Right Optional Subjects
She opted for Economics and Malayalam Literature as her optional subjects, playing to her strengths and interests.
2. Focused Study Hours
She dedicated 8-10 hours daily to her studies, ensuring a balance between static and dynamic portions of the syllabus.
3. Multiple Revisions
Haritha emphasized the importance of revision, ensuring she retained the vast syllabus efficiently.
4. Practicing Answer Writing
She consistently practiced writing answers, improving her speed and articulation.
5. Staying Motivated
There were moments of self-doubt, especially after setbacks. However, her parents’ encouragement played a crucial role in keeping her motivated.
Current Role and Contributions
Today, Haritha V Kumar serves as a senior IAS officer in Kerala, overseeing the Women and Child Development Department. She has been instrumental in implementing policies that improve the welfare of women and children in the state.
Haritha V Kumar: The Artist Beyond the Bureaucrat
Apart from being an administrative officer, Haritha is also a talented artist. She has trained in Carnatic music and classical dance and has performed at various school and college events. In 2022, she made her singing debut in the Malayalam film Karuna, directed by Roopesh. She lent her voice to a song composed by Mohan Sithara in Hindustani raga Shyam Kalyan, recorded at a studio in Thrissur.
Lessons to Learn from Haritha V Kumar’s Success
1. Persistence Pays Off
Success doesn’t come overnight; perseverance is key.
2. Learning from Failures
Each failure is a lesson and a step closer to success.
3. Consistency and Hard Work
There are no shortcuts in UPSC; daily effort is essential.
4. Believe in Yourself
Having confidence in one’s abilities is crucial in overcoming challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Haritha V Kumar?
Haritha V Kumar is an IAS officer from Kerala who topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2012 with AIR 1.
2. How many attempts did Haritha V Kumar take to crack UPSC?
She cleared UPSC in her fourth attempt, securing AIR 1.
3. What were Haritha V Kumar’s optional subjects?
Her optional subjects were Economics and Malayalam Literature.
4. What is Haritha V Kumar’s educational background?
She completed her B.Tech in Electronics and Telecommunications from Barton Hill Engineering College, Kerala.
5. Where is Haritha V Kumar currently posted?
She is currently working in the Women and Child Development Department in Kerala.
6. Did Haritha V Kumar work in any movies?
Yes, she made her singing debut in the Malayalam film Karuna in 2022.
7. What was her UPSC preparation strategy?
She focused on time management, multiple revisions, answer writing practice, and choosing the right optional subjects.
8. How did she stay motivated despite failures?
Her parents’ support and self-belief played a crucial role in keeping her motivated.
Conclusion
Haritha V Kumar’s journey from Neyyattinkara to the top of UPSC ranks is a story of resilience, dedication, and unwavering determination. Her success is a beacon of inspiration for thousands of aspirants who dream of cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination. If she could do it, so can you! With perseverance, a clear strategy, and relentless effort, success is within reach for anyone willing to put in the work.
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