Kottayam: Malayali girl Gahana Navya James bagged the sixth position in the coveted Civil Service Examination on Tuesday.
Gahana, 25, hailing from Puliyannoor in Kottayam's Pala, secured the sixth rank in her second attempt.
"Extremely happy with the results. It has been my dream since my childhood. Just wanted to give my best to the exam while writing it," an elated Gahana said.
Gahana, who achieved the rare feat without any coaching, has always excelled in academics.
She completed her post graduation in Political Science from St Thomas College, Pala with first rank. She completed BA History at Alphonsa College in Pala.
She is currently pursuing her PhD in International Relations after securing the Junior Research Fellowship in UGC NET examination.
While Gahana studied at the Chavara Public School till Grade 10, she completed her grade 11 and 12 at St Mary's School.
She is the daughter of C K James Thomas, who retired as a professor in the department of Hindi from St Thomas College, Pala and Dr Deepa George, professor, Department of Hindi, Sree Sankara Acharya University, Kalady.
She is the niece of IFS officer Sibi George, India's Ambassador to Japan.
Excited about her achievement, Gahana said she did not go for any coaching to clear the competitive exam.
She said her uncle was a huge inspiration and her younger brother, a degree student at St Thomas College, was her motivator.
The rank holder said she mainly relied on newspapers and internet to collect information.
"I always believe in self study...So, I didn't go for any coaching. I read newspapers since childhood and try to evolve my own opinion on various issues and developments. I think, it has helped me a lot in the exams," she told reporters here.
Being a public servant or a civil servant was my childhood dream, she said.
"I always try to give my best in the examination and never think about results. This time also I did the same. I am so happy that I could make it," she said.
The Union Public Service Commission announced the results of the CSE on Tuesday. Girls have secured the first four ranks. Ishita Kishore bagged the first rank in the all-India level examination. Kishore is followed by Garima Lohia, Uma Harathi N and Smriti Mishra.