Statistical service was nowhere in the career plan of Vineetha O K, while working as a data analyst in Ernakulam and later as guest lecturer at the Government Arts and Science College, Kozhikode, and Silver Arts and Science College, Perambra. She completed her master's in Statistics from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in 2007 and continued to try her luck at the UGC NET examinations along with her career.
When contacted after being selected in the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) in the ninth rank and as one of the only two candidates selected from the state, Vineetha, from Kakkanchery, Koyilandi, said: “Of course, I'm excited. From the beginning, I had no plans to be in the statistical service. To prepare better for the UGC examinations, I moved to Thiruvananthapuram and met more friends who were preparing for competitive examinations. Combined studies with them and guidance from Byju sir (her teacher) made me think of the opportunities of this course. I started preparing for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) test as well as the ISS,” Vineetha said. Vineetha tried her luck at the ISS in 2012 and she managed to reach near the cut-off marks. “The examination was descriptive and I thought, if I try a bit more, I may be able to clear the examination the next time. Simultaneously, I prepared for the RBI test also. The RBI written examination was in August and the interview was held in December. The ISS examination was held in November and the interview was on February 25,” said Vineetha, who cleared both. Of the 17 candidates selected from the test, only two are from the state. She says, while preparing for the examination, one needs to select the subject he/she is thorough at as the question paper offers a choice to select five questions from eight. “Only the first and fifth questions are compulsory. Since it's a vast subject and the test covers the whole syllabus for post-graduation, it is better to concentrate on the areas you have studied well,” said Vineetha.
The papers in English and General Studies carry 100 marks each and the four statistics papers carry 200 marks each.
After entering the service, the first posts to join will be Assistant Director at National Survey Offices or in the ministries. Vineetha is the daughter of O K Vipinachandran and Hemalatha. She did her schooling at GGHSS, Balussery, and GHSSS, Kokkalloor.
Vineetha graduated from CKG Memorial Government College, Perambra.