S Sushree IPS is an inspiring success story of a young woman from Kerala who qualified for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt and secured 151st rank. Her journey is particularly inspiring because she achieved this through self-learning, determination, and strong support from her family.
At a time when many UPSC aspirants depend on expensive coaching, Sushree’s story shows that disciplined preparation, proper guidance, and consistent effort can also lead to success. Her father played an important role in supporting her preparation and helping her stay focused on her goal.
From her early education and graduation in Kerala to clearing the UPSC examination and joining the Odisha cadre, her journey offers valuable lessons for students, parents, and anyone preparing for a challenging competitive examination.
S Sushree IPS: A Young UPSC Success Story from Kerala
Passing the UPSC Civil Services Examination is not easy. It requires disciplined preparation, determination, and the ability to remain focused through a highly competitive selection process. S Sushree IPS qualified for the UPSC examination in her first attempt and secured 151st All India Rank, achieving the result through self-learning.
Her journey challenges the belief that success in the UPSC examination depends entirely on expensive coaching. Sushree’s story highlights the importance of consistent effort, proper guidance, self-confidence, and family support.
How S Sushree Got Her Name
Her parents combined parts of their names to give their loving daughter the name SUSHREE. SU came from her father’s name, SUNIL, while SHREE came from her mother’s name, SHREEKALA. Thus, SU + SHREE = SUSHREE.
Her father, Sunil, made a significant sacrifice to support his daughter’s dream. At the age of 44, he took voluntary retirement from service so that he could devote more time to helping Sushree prepare for the UPSC examination. His decision reflects the important role family support played in her journey.
S Sushree IPS: Education, Family and UPSC Journey
S Sushree’s journey to the UPSC Civil Services Examination was shaped by her education, disciplined preparation, self-learning, and strong family support. Her background and preparation offer useful lessons for students who aspire to pursue a career in civil services.
- Sushree’s family hails from Thazhamel in Anchal, Kollam, Kerala.
- She completed much of her basic education in Delhi, studying in different schools because of her father’s transferable job.
- She secured first rank in Class 12 from Sabarigiri Residential School, Anchal, Kollam.
- She graduated with first rank in B.A. English and Communicative English from St. John’s College, Anchal, affiliated with Kerala University. Sociology was her optional subject.
- From Class 11 onwards, her father supported her preparation by bringing her General Knowledge books and publications related to civil service preparation.
- During the first year of her degree course, she joined weekend classes at the Kerala State Civil Service Academy, Thiruvananthapuram. One of the main reasons for joining was access to its extensive library.
- After graduation, she received appointment letters from the Postal Department, Intelligence Bureau, and ISRO after clearing their respective tests. However, she and her father decided to treat these examinations as preparation for the UPSC examination rather than accept the appointments.
- Her UPSC journey began with the preliminary examination in June 2017, followed by the Main examination and interview. She eventually secured 151st All India Rank and 5th rank in Kerala in her first attempt.
- Her mother, S. Shreekala, is a mathematics teacher at Sabarigiri School, Anchal.
- Her father, P. T. Sunil Kumar, had served in the Special Protection Group (SPG) and was part of the security team protecting former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He later took voluntary retirement to support his daughter’s preparation.
- At the age of 14, Sushree had an opportunity to meet former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at an event. When he asked about her dream, she said that she wanted to become a civil servant.
- Sushree has said that she was mentored by N. Ramachandran, former DGP of Assam and Meghalaya, and that her father was a major source of motivation.
- Her father also helped prepare her timetable and study plan for the UPSC preparation.
- Her hobbies include drawing, writing, and reading short stories in English.
- She qualified for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt with self-learning and without the support of a coaching institute.
- On 11 November 2019, she joined the Odisha cadre.
S Sushree IPS: One in Millions Mock Interview
For candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, mock interviews can provide valuable practice for the Personality Test. The One in Millions programme conducted by Amrita Civil Service Academy is a model interview training programme designed to help aspirants prepare for this important stage of the selection process.
S Sushree appeared in the One in Millions mock interview after clearing the written stages of the UPSC examination. The interview gives UPSC aspirants a chance to observe a model interaction and learn from the questions, responses, and feedback from the interview panel.
What S Sushree’s Story Teaches About Choosing a Career
Choosing the right career is an important decision for every student. Many young people face pressure to follow a particular career path because of family expectations or the belief that only certain professions offer a successful future.
S Sushree’s journey shows the value of identifying a genuine goal and working consistently toward it. Her father supported her ambition to become a civil servant instead of forcing her to follow a different career path.
Parents can play an important role by understanding their children’s interests, strengths, and aspirations while helping them make informed career decisions. When students have a clear goal that genuinely interests them, they may find it easier to remain motivated through challenges and setbacks.
If you are helping a child or student think about their future, you may also read How To Choose The Right Career Best For You? for more practical guidance.
S Sushree IPS – Career Message For The Youth
S Sushree’s journey offers an important message for young people: believe in your goals and keep working toward them even when the path is difficult. Success may involve challenges, setbacks, and failures, but these experiences can become opportunities to learn and improve.
Her story also highlights the importance of self-confidence and perseverance. When obstacles appear, maintaining a positive attitude and continuing to work toward a meaningful goal can help you move forward. For anyone pursuing a challenging career or competitive examination, her journey is a reminder that determination and consistent effort matter.
Building strong self-confidence can help you face challenges with greater courage and remain focused on your goals.
S Sushree IPS Takes Charge as DCP Traffic
S Sushree, a 2018-batch IPS officer, later took charge as DCP Traffic of Bhubaneswar–Cuttack. Upon assuming the position, she said she would coordinate with officials and personnel and work under the guidance of senior officers to develop strategies for improving the traffic situation in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
She also acknowledged that she was new to the city and the Commissionerate of Police and planned to work with her department to understand the local traffic situation and identify ways to improve it.
Conclusion
S Sushree’s journey from Kerala to the Odisha cadre is an inspiring example of how determination, self-learning, discipline, and family support can help turn an ambitious goal into reality. She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt and secured 151st All India Rank, demonstrating the value of focused preparation and perseverance.
Her story also offers an important lesson for parents and students. A career goal becomes more meaningful when it reflects a person’s genuine interests and abilities. Support, encouragement, and consistent effort can help young people remain confident when they face challenges.
Success does not always come quickly, and difficult journeys often involve setbacks. What matters is the willingness to keep learning, adapt, and continue working toward a meaningful goal.
If you are interested in how dreams and goals can shape personal success, read The Power Of Dreaming Big For Success In Life
What lesson from S Sushree IPS’s journey inspires you the most?
Inspiring Success Stories Of UPSC Exam
S Sushree’s journey is one of many inspiring UPSC success stories showing how determination, preparation, and perseverance can help candidates overcome difficult circumstances. If you are preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination or simply enjoy stories of people who achieved ambitious goals, these journeys are worth reading.
- Sreedhanya Suresh Poor Tribal Girl Cracked UPSC Exam
- Tapasya Parihar Daughter Of A Farmer Became An IAS Officer
- Sweta Agarwal Beat All Odds To Become An IAS Officer
- Akhand Swaroop Pandit Cleared UPSC Exam
- Surabhi Gautam A Village Girl Became An IAS Officer
- Pranjal Patil (Visually Challenged Woman) Became An IAS Officer
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and reports. Details about individuals, careers, and events may change over time. While we strive for accuracy, readers should verify important information with authoritative sources.
Image note: This featured image was created with AI for illustrative purposes. It is not a photograph of S. Sushree IPS.
Mathukutty P V is a Blogger, YouTuber, and Content Writer and the founder of Simply Life Tips. After taking voluntary retirement in 2017, he embraced a free lifestyle focused on learning, personal growth, and sharing practical wisdom to help others live with more purpose and positivity.
