Four candidates from Nagaland have successfully cleared the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2023, the results of which were declared on Tuesday. The candidates are Tolino Chishi (all India rank 431), Imsurenla Longkumer (all India rank 774), Alemyim Isaac Solo (all India rank 749) and Chubalemba B Chang (all India rank 915).
Altogether 1,016 candidates cleared the examination and have been recommended for different Central services. Last year too, four candidates from Nagaland– Yimkum I Ozukum, Velotolu Kezo, Imkongnukla Ao and Aotula Ozukum)– cleared the CSE 2022.
Aditya Srivastava and Animesh Pradhan bagged the first and second all India ranks respectively, followed by Donuru Ananya Reddy with the third position.
Talking to Nagaland Post, Tolino Chishi shared her insights into her UPSC journey and said the idea of civil services began with childhood academic success and a desire to contribute to hometown development. Her educational background includes academic excellence in HSLC and ISC exams, a BA (Hons) in Psychology from Lady Shree Ram College for Women.
Tolino hoped that her achievement would inspire other young women to strive for success in academic pursuits.
The top-ranking candidate among the four said, “I think in the country and even in Nagaland, women excelling in exams is a rising trend. I’m grateful for this achievement and I hope that it will inspire and motivate young women to dream big and work hard for what they want.
We are still a very patriarchal society in many ways. But, with more women in decision-making roles and responsible positions in the public sphere, we can move towards a gender-equal society where men and women are equally valued and equally contribute at home and outside the home.”
This was Tolino’s second attempt at cracking the CSE, revealing that she began her serious preparation after college education in 2020, adding that she focused on standard study materials and self-learning through online resources.
She recalled moments of parental affection and the excitement of newfound knowledge during the preparation process, adding that she also prioritised physical health for the endurance required during mains exams.
Self-motivation, she said was crucial for consistency and dedication and advised aspirants to find enjoyment in studying, take breaks, prioritise health, assess learning methods, and remain curious.
Alemyim Isaac Solo, currently serving as extra assistant commissioner (EAC) and second rank holder of NPSC 2021batch, expressed her profound gratitude to God for His grace and enabling success in clearing the exam while serving in Nagaland.
In her message to the youth, she emphasised prayerfulness, consistency, and embracing learning opportunities throughout the preparation process.
Reflecting on his success, Chubalemba B Chang credited his rural upbringing and family inspiration for cracking the CSE. He stressed consistency and perseverance, despite facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stating that he received early education at Government High School, Tuensang, Chubalemba disclosed that this was his sixth attempt at cracking the CSE, this being his first mains and interview. He has one sister and one brother.
He said he saw his achievement, however modest it might seem, as an opportunity to serve the society.
Imsurenla Longkumer, who is also serving as an EAC and was third rank holder of NPSC 2022 batch, was not available for his immediate reaction.
One of her aunts stated that it had been their prayer that Imsurenla’s family legacy would continue, and she hoped that Imsurenla would surpass the achievements of her parents.
She attributed Imsurenla’s success to her unwavering faith in God, humility, and her commitment to achieving her dreams.