Serving India has been a life-long ambition for former Sharjah resident and student of Emirates National School Dr Melvyn Varghese. But he couldn’t believe it himself when he realized that he had cracked the Indian Civil Services Exam, (CSE) at the first attempt, a feat established by only a select few. Melvyn secured the 292nd rank for the exam.

The doctor attempted the nationwide competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others, in 2017. The examinations are touted to be one of the most stringent civil services examinations, consisting of a written prelim and an interview.

Speaking to Khaleej Times from Mysore, where he is based at the moment, Melvyn said: “It was a tough feat, but I am very happy right now. It has been a life-long dream.” The doctor completed his MBBS from the Government Medical College, Mysore in 2016 and schooling from Al Ain Juniors, Al Ain (KG 1 to Grade 3), Emirates National School, Sharjah (Grade 4 to 10) and Delhi Public School, Bangaluru (Grade 11 and 12).

“With the CSE exams, you need to be prepared for pretty much anything. The exams can surprise you with unexpected questions, and if you’re not well-prepared, it is hard,” he added. “I am glad it is over. It was challenging and does put a lot of strain on you.”

He reads for an average of eight hours every day and is not much of a morning person. “I get more studying and reading done at night. I wake up between 9-10:30am. I began reading initially when I was in college, but I took a gap year and a half where I spent preparing myself.”

He wants to pursue a career in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) or Indian Revenue Service (IRS). He added, “Growing up in the UAE did play a huge role in who I am today and I’ve obviously had great mentors, and I need to thank my parents as well.”

Father’s thought

Dr. Melvyn Varghese’s father Dr. Shibu Varughese is the head of a pharma company in Dubai and wishes his son would devote himself to the service of people. “I feel like I am on top of the world at the moment. It has been a life-long dream for him. It’s great that he made it. It is rare for a Non-Resident Indian to qualify the exam because they don’t usually grow up with such an orientation,” he said.

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