Is it really possible to clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) on your very first try?
Many aspirants start this journey thinking the first attempt is just a “trial run.” However, the 2026 results from Fortune IAS Academy prove that you do not have to wait.
This year, Fortune has continued to be the academy producing the highest number of first-attempt toppers in Kerala, particularly from our flagship PCM (Prelims-cum-Mains) Batch. While our toppers come from different backgrounds, we can see some identical characteristics in their strategy.
Meet the First-Attempt Achievers @ Fortune – 2026
SREEJA JS — AIR 57 (IFS)
Sreeja’s journey is a masterclass in unwavering focus and the power of a clear goal. She treated her preparation like a professional job, following a “dawn-to-dusk” routine from day one.
- The Goal-Oriented Mindset: Sreeja famously wrote “Sreeja JS, IFS” and “AIR 15” on her study room wall. For her, this wasn’t just a manifestation; it was a practical tool to fight off laziness and stay focused whenever she felt tired.
- The “Simple” Strategy: Her core advice is to keep things simple. She focused on doing the work consistently rather than constantly worrying about marks or searching for new, complex sources. She viewed the preparation not as a burden, but as an “exciting journey” of curiosity.
- The Common Characteristic: She put her full trust in the Fortune Classroom Programme, noting that the academy provided the guidance and competitive ecosystem necessary for a first-attempt win.
- Source: Watch Sreeja’s Full Strategy Session
AMAL KAMPIYIL — AIR 362
Amal showed that even when switching from a Science background to Political Science, you can master new subjects quickly by staying logical.
- Logic Over Rote Learning: For Prelims, Amal focused heavily on PYQs (Previous Year Questions) and logic. He used AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to gain conceptual clarity on difficult topics like Economics.
- The Consistency Pillar: He believes UPSC is for the disciplined, not just the “highly intelligent.” He maintained a rigorous schedule of 11 to 13 hours daily, viewing his fear of the low success rate as a motivator to give his maximum effort.
- The Common Characteristic: Despite being in Delhi, he chose to return to Kerala for his mental well-being and joined Fortune in Trivandrum. He relied on Daily Answer Writing and mastering keywords to secure his rank on the first try.
- Source: Watch Amal’s Full Strategy Session
ATHIDHI KRISHNADEV B — AIR 451
Athidhi’s journey from a village in Thiruvananthapuram to the civil services is a powerful example of how financial independence and professional discipline can fuel UPSC success. Before starting her preparation, she worked in a Bank for two years to fund her own coaching.
- The “Skill Craft” Edge: She credits her Prelims success to the “Skills Craft” programme at Fortune, which gave her the confidence to use logic and reasoning to attempt more questions.
- Creativity as a Reset: To manage stress, Athidhi kept her creative side alive through journaling and sketching. She believes that being aware of your surroundings is more important than being a “genius.”
- The Common Characteristic: She followed the Fortune timetable to the minute. She didn’t wait until she felt “100% ready” to take the leap; she trusted the academy’s structure and just started.
- Source: Watch Athidhi’s Strategy Video
ASNA ANWAR — AIR 576
Asna, a graduate of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, proved that a minimalist approach is often the most effective. She focused on mastering a few high-quality resources rather than overloading herself with information.
- Testing & Tech: Asna prioritised MCQ-cracking skills and elimination methods for Prelims. Like Amal, she used ChatGPT to generate short notes and even used AI voice features to improve her fluency for the interview.
- Confidence Building: Despite being a natural communicator, she built her interview confidence by practising in front of a mirror and conducting mock sessions with her family.
- The Common Characteristic: She followed a disciplined routine, balancing 6 hours of classes with daily news reviews. She chose Public Administration as her optional simply because she found it relatable and interesting.
- Source: Watch Asna’s Strategy Video
The “Secret Formula” of the PCM Batch
What did these four toppers have in common? They all followed three non-negotiable habits cultivated in our PCM Foundation Course:
1. Trusting the Framework
Our toppers did not waste energy deciding what to study. They trusted the expert guidance at Fortune. By following a proven path, they saved months of trial and error.
2. Strictly Following the Schedule
Discipline beats talent every time. These toppers followed the academy’s daily and weekly schedules regardless of how they felt.
3. Keeping Resources Minimal
More books do not mean more marks. All four toppers were unanimous: Keep your resources limited. They mastered one standard textbook per subject.
Regular Testing and Analysis
They did not just read; they practised. By attending our Prelims and Mains Test Series, they learned how to manage time and handle the pressure of the exam hall long before the actual day arrived.
Conclusion: Make Your First Attempt Your Only Attempt
The success of Sreeja, Amal, Athidhi, and Asna proves that you do not need years of “trials” to become an officer. You need a simple plan, a few good books, and the discipline to follow a schedule.
If you are looking for the Best UPSC Coaching in Kerala to help you build this foundation, Fortune IAS Academy is here to guide you.
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