Perseverance pays, says UPSC AIR 2 rank holder from Madurai, who took 7 years to clear her exams
Chennai (PTI): A gruelling seven-year struggle marked by a disciplined lifestyle and a refusal to yield to setbacks has culminated in a historic achievement for Rajeshwari Suve M, who secured the second rank in the UPSC civil services examination 2025.
For Rajeshwari, the journey to the top of the All India Rank (AIR) list was a marathon of persistence that began shortly after her graduation in 2017. While some candidates find success early, she navigated nearly a decade of preparation, eventually balancing her UPSC goals with her current role as a Deputy Collector trainee in the Tamil Nadu government.
"It has been a long journey for me. It had its own challenges, but I had to address the faults I made in previous attempts," Rajeshwari told PTI Videos.
She emphasised that a candidate must be willing to scrutinise their own failures to move forward.
"I made a SWOT analysis for my own tests and performance. It needs persistence, and family support was the main pillar for me," added the rank holder.
Her father, R Murugadoss, who runs an electrical business and works as an LIC agent in Vadipatti in Madurai, said he only raised his children with the expectation that they remain honest and contribute positively to society.
It is his wife, Dr S Nagarani, a mathematics professor, who guided Rajeshwari and brought her to this point, he acknowledged.
But, ultimately, the credit should go to Rajeshwari, he insisted. "My daughter has utilised the opportunity we gave her well. It is my desire that she should continue to be honest and do good for this society," Murugadoss told PTI Videos.
During her preparation, Rajeshwari said she adopted a lifestyle where, apart from time spent eating and sleeping, she was a full-time student.
She cautioned future aspirants against the "n number of sources available online" which often act as distractions.
"We have to stick to the basics like NCERTs, and we have to be very prompt in giving test series, evaluating it, and getting feedback from the faculties," she said.
Rajeshwari also credited the Tamil Nadu government’s 'Naan Mudhalvan' scheme as a major catalyst during her journey, particularly after she had shifted focus toward state services.
She said she received financial assistance and residency support during the prelims, mains, and interview stages.
It is also while training for state services that she realised that her ultimate goal remains rooted in public service, said Rajeshwari.
"My goal is to deliver government services in a good manner to all people, even to those at the very edge of society," she added.
The UPSC results declared on Friday recommended 958 candidates for appointment, with Anuj Agnihotri from Rajasthan taking the top spot and Akansh Dhull from Chandigarh securing the third rank.
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
