India, April 22 -- For Ritika Rath of Odisha, who secured 48th rank in the civil services exam, it was third time lucky.

"To get this rank is grateful. It was my third attempt. Last year could not get any rank but cracked this year," said the 24-whose father is a retired Indian Forest Service officer. Rath, who hails from Bhubaneswar and completed her 11th and 12th education from Delhi and did her graduation in management from IIM Indore, said for last three years she was slogging.

"I had got a job and started preparations for UPSC after quitting my job. My work experience gave me confidence and my optional subject was also my strength including my hobbies I had taken coaching during my second attempt.

This time I had prepared a schedu...