‘I wanted to do it as soon as possible’: UPSC rank 2 holder, who lost mother to cancer during interview preparation

Despite losing his mother to cancer last month during his interview preparation, Animesh Pradhan has secured the second rank in the UPSC civil service examinations in his first attempt. The 24-year-ol said “perseverance and patience” helped him overcome the adversities.

Pradhan, who hails from Odisha’s Talcher, said he wanted to clear the civil services examination for his mother, who is his “biggest support system”.

“I knew that she only had a few days as she was suffering from terminal cancer. I wanted to crack it (the exams) as soon as possible so that I could make her proud,” Animesh told ‘The Indian Express’.

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Recalling the tough time, Animesh, who is a B Tech (Computer Science) graduate from National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, said it was a difficult time for him “not only mentally but also logistically”.

Asked about his interest in sociology, his optional subject in the civil services examinations, Animesh said he is always curious about society and social issues. “We have at least one paper on social science in each semester during B Tech and through which I got introduced to sociology,” said Animesh. He said he did not attend any coaching classes for the exam.

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“I started preparing for the civil services exam in 2022. I used to study for 6-7 hours. I have completed my entire education in Odisha,” he said.

Stating that it’s time to give back to the state, he said Odisha will be his first choice for cadre.

“I wish to work for the people at the grassroots and change their lives. I will work to ensure better education and healthcare to the people especially to the marginalised communities and backward areas,” he said.

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Pradhan had mentioned “parliamentary debating”, “media advocacy and journalism” and “free-style dancing” as his hobbies, according to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Animesh is currently employed with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) refineries division in the national capital.

Animesh said he lost his father in December 2015 when he was studying in Class 11. “The loss of parents is an irreparable loss. I was determined to live up to their expectations and make them proud,” he added.

On his advice to the aspirants of civil services, Animesh said the aspirants should ask themselves one question— “why did they start?”. “Adversities would come in life but they need to stay strong and keep their support system open which will help them get motivation,” said Animesh.

It’s after 20 years anyone from Odisha has secured the second rank in the exam. Roopa Mishra from Odisha was the topper (rank-1) in 2003.

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