Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a dream for millions of young people in India. Most UPSC aspirants aim to become IAS or IPS officers.
However, Siddharth Babu's journey stands out because he made a bold and different choice. Despite securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 15 in the UPSC 2016 exam, he chose the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) instead of the IAS. Today, he is widely respected for his work in diplomacy and international relations.
Siddharth Babu hails from Kerala. He completed his schooling in his home state and later pursued an engineering degree. During his college years, he developed a strong interest in public service and global affairs. This motivated him to prepare for the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Like many UPSC aspirants, Siddharth did not succeed in his first attempt. However, he did not allow failure to discourage him. He improved his study strategy, and stayed focused on his goal.
In his second attempt, in 2016, his hard work paid off. Siddharth secured AIR 15, placing him among the top candidates in the country. His optional subject was International Relations, which reflected his keen interest in diplomacy and world affairs.
Even after achieving such a high rank, Siddharth chose not to join the IAS. Instead, he opted for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), as he wanted to work in international diplomacy and represent India on the global stage. He believed that IFS would allow him to use his strengths in communication, languages, and international relations more effectively.
He belongs to the 2017 batch of the Indian Foreign Service. Siddharth believes in smart study rather than studying for long hours. He followed a realistic timetable that he could maintain consistently. He focused mainly on subjects that genuinely interested him, which helped him stay motivated and avoid burnout.
He often shares that many top performers from his batch did not study endlessly but instead focused on clarity, consistency, and discipline.
Siddharth Babu is skilled in several foreign languages. Because of this, he has often served as a translator and interpreter for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during meetings with foreign leaders. His role requires accuracy, confidence, and deep understanding of diplomacy.
Recently, Siddharth was seen accompanying PM Modi during India's 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026, which brought him into the public spotlight. His presence beside the Prime Minister reflected the trust placed in him and recognition of his abilities.
Siddharth Babu's success story teaches valuable lessons, perseverance after failure, clarity in career choices, and following one's passion. His journey proves that success is not only about rank but also about choosing the right path based on personal interests and strengths.
Today, Siddharth continues to serve the nation proudly through diplomacy, inspiring countless UPSC aspirants across the country.