Daijiworld Media Network – Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 2: Sonnet Jose, a 24-year-old aspirant from Mundakayam in Kottayam district, Kerala, realised her long-cherished dream by securing All-India Rank 54 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, marking a remarkable achievement in one of India’s toughest competitive exams.
From a young age, Sonnet knew exactly what she wanted to become. “I always wanted to be a collector,” she said, recalling her childhood ambition that was encouraged by her parents and teachers. Despite studying in regular schools with limited resources, she nurtured her vision with unwavering focus.
Sonnet completed her schooling at St Antony’s School, Mundakayam, and her higher secondary education at St Thomas School, Erumely. After Class 12, she pursued a degree in physics from Miranda House, University of Delhi. While she had planned to begin UPSC preparation during her college days, academic commitments delayed her formal start until after graduation.
Seeking a conducive environment for preparation, she moved to Thiruvananthapuram, where she attended a coaching centre that helped her structure her studies effectively. Sonnet followed a strict study planner, completing daily targets and never skipping mock tests. Despite coming from a science background and encountering new subjects, her keen interest and diligence helped her gain a strong grasp of the UPSC syllabus.
Sonnet’s journey was not without setbacks. In her first attempt, she cleared both the Prelims and Mains, but fell short at the interview stage. She described this moment as particularly disheartening, but with steadfast support from her family and mentors, she resolved to come back stronger.
In her second attempt, Sonnet focused on addressing the gaps from her earlier preparation. She studied for at least eight hours a day, often longer, despite dealing with physical strain and back pain. Her disciplined routine and improved confidence helped her successfully navigate the interview round this time.
Sonnet credits her family—especially her parents, Jose and Marykutty, and her siblings Sonia and Sony—for their emotional and financial support throughout her preparation. “My family stood by me,” she said, reflecting on the journey that culminated in fulfilling not just her dream, but also theirs.
Her success adds to Kerala’s strong performance in the UPSC CSE 2024, where several other candidates from the state also secured top ranks, underscoring the determination and talent emerging from the region.
Sonnet’s achievement stands as a testament to persistence, disciplined study, and the belief that with the right mindset and support, even the loftiest aspirations can become reality.