Meet the Five UPSC Warriors from the Northeast India

Agartala/Ukhrul: Beating fierce competition and overcoming the challenges of geography and access, five aspirants from the Northeast have cracked one of India’s toughest exams—the UPSC Civil Services 2024. Their journey is nothing short of inspiring, and their success has sparked celebration across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura.

From Assam, Bhaswata Saikia of Nagaon district secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 474. A graduate of IIT Guwahati, Saikia had previously cleared the UPSC examination in 2023 with AIR 552 and is currently serving as an IPS officer in Pune. His decision to reappear and improve his rank reflects his unrelenting drive to join the Indian Administrative Service. Saikia’s achievement has been widely applauded in Assam, with many calling him a role model for UPSC aspirants across the region.

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Arunachal Pradesh registered a dual success this year with Bullo Manku securing AIR 645 and Dr. Zing Messar achieving AIR 846. Both have been praised by leaders and educators for their perseverance and commitment to public service. Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated the duo personally, describing their success as a proud moment for Arunachal and an inspiration for countless young minds. Their achievements are particularly significant given the limited access to civil services coaching and preparation resources in the hilly state.

In Manipur, Jerry Lalhratthang Buongpui brought joy to the Hmar community and the broader state by securing AIR 999. At a time when Manipur has been grappling with unrest and uncertainty, Jerry’s success comes as a bright ray of hope. Known for his calm demeanour and sharp focus, Jerry’s journey has resonated deeply with many young people who view civil services as a pathway to change.

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Meanwhile, Tripura’s Sagar Datta Majumdar from Krishnanagar in Agartala emerged as one of the top rankers from the Northeast, securing AIR 317. A former topper of the Tripura Civil Services Exam and an alumnus of Ramakrishna Mission School, Vivek Nagar, Sagar has earned widespread admiration for his consistency and dedication. His decision to stay back and prepare from his hometown, rather than relocate to larger coaching hubs, has become an inspiring example of self-belief and disciplined effort.

While the number of UPSC qualifiers from the Northeast has seen a decline compared to previous years, the individual stories of these five candidates highlight the enormous potential of the region. Their successes serve as a reminder that with focus, hard work, and the right support, it is entirely possible to rise through the ranks, no matter where you start from.

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