Mains while prelims failed
"Even when prelims did not work out, I kept preparing for mains so that I would be ready whenever the opportunity came."
Sruthii R
AIR 18 · 2025 · Sociology
Sruthii R ranked 18th in CSE 2025, on her third attempt. Her first two attempts ended at prelims.
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She has an Electronics and Communication Engineering degree, worked briefly, and then resigned to prepare full-time. She chose public administration because "public administration was the field where I could make a meaningful contribution."
Statement of marks
Civil Services Examination 2025
- Candidate
- Sruthii R
- All India Rank
- AIR 18
- Optional
- Sociology
| Component | Max | Obtained |
|---|---|---|
| Written examination | 1,750 | 825 |
| Personality test | 275 | 200 |
| Total | 2,025 | 1,025 |
As published in UPSC's final result, CSE 2025
UPSC Marksheet 2025
Verified marks breakdown — sourced from UPSC.gov.in
| Written Total | 825 | |
| Interview | 200 | |
| Total | 1025 |
Source: UPSC CSE 2025 Final Result
Answer copies
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Sruthii R's Answer Copy
One free GS paper answer copy from the actual UPSC Mains exam. See the exact handwriting, structure, and presentation that scored high marks.
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Sruthii scored 200 of 275 in the interview, 18 above the median of 182 for rank holders. Candidates with the same written marks finish 500 ranks apart because of it.
The Interview Pack shows what boards asked in 14 real 2026 interviews, and gives you a DAF worksheet, questions for your degree and home state, 150 practice questions and a 30-day plan.
How Sruthii Prepared for UPSC
Study set-up
After a foundation course in Delhi of about two years, she went back to Coimbatore to study on her own. The feature says she revised in the mornings and refined her notes.
Answers and past papers
"Regular answer writing helped me structure my thoughts and present arguments effectively." On past papers: "Previous year questions guide your preparation by showing the direction of the exam."
The interview
The panel asked about her hobbies, including silambam, a Tamil martial art in which she holds a world record. Asked whether she would keep practising without the pandemic, she said: "Yes, I would still practise it because it is something I truly enjoy." The panel joked about the dogs she had listed in her DAF.
Mindset
"Trusting your preparation is essential because improvement happens step by step."
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Sruthii R's Answer Copy
See how they structured their Sociology paper
2025
AIR 18
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Key insights
Keep Mains preparation going even when prelims fail.
Past papers show what the exam wants, so use them early.
Improvement happens step by step; trust the process.
Related toppers
Same year — UPSC 2025
Anuj Agnihotri
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Rajeshwari Suve M
AIR 2 · Sociology
Akansh Dhull
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Raghav Jhunjhunwala
AIR 4 · Economics
Ishan Bhatnagar
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Zinnia Aurora
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A R Rajah Mohaideen
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Pakshal Secretry
AIR 8 · Economics
Astha Jain
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Ujjwal Priyank
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Same rank — AIR 18
Frequently asked questions
What was Sruthii R's UPSC rank?
AIR 18 in UPSC CSE 2025.
What was Sruthii R's optional subject?
Sociology.
What were Sruthii R's total marks?
1025 marks out of 2025.
Can I download Sruthii R's answer copy?
Yes — enter your email on this page and we'll send a free sample. The full set (50+ copies) is in the <a href="/store" class="text-brand font-semibold no-underline hover:underline">store</a>.