Four from Nagaland clear UPSC CSE 2023

Morung Express News 
Dimapur | April 17

With the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) declaring the results of its 2023 Civil Service Exam (CSE) on Tuesday, four candidates from Nagaland have successfully cracked India’s top competitive exam.  

This is the second year in a row where four candidates have been able to clear the exam from the State. Tolino Chishi secured the All India Rank (AIR) of 431, while Alemyim Isaac Solo got AIR 749. The other successful candidates are Imsurenla Longkumer AIR 774 and Chubalemba B. Chang AIR 915. 

Speaking of their recent achievements to The Morung Express, 25-year-old Tolino Chishi, shared that “the journey has been one of hard work and sheer grace,” coupled with several phases of anxiety and uncertainty as well. 

She cracked the exam only in her second attempt.

For her initial preparation she undertook online coaching in 2020, but revealed that did not attend the classes regularly.
Instead, she informed that most of her preparation came from studying standard books from the market and undertaking a lot of tests. 

Tolino had also cleared NPSC prelims last year but did not appear for the mains exam. 

Providing a brief background on her education, she mentioned that she completed high school from Little Flower School, Kohima, securing the Top 6 position at the Class 10 exam in 2015. Later she did her higher secondary level from Northfield School, Kohima and then went to Delhi to pursue Bachelors (honours) at Lady Shri Ram College under Delhi University. 
She also expressed relief and give gratitude to God for her latest achievement.

The topper from Nagaland also acknowledged her families and friends for all the unconditional support and said that she looks forward to what task will be assigned to her in service of the people.

For Alemyim, who is currently serving as an Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) in Mokokchung, balancing between work-life and studying was an important aspect to ensure that she did not “neglect one responsibility for another.” 

She has a Bachelors of Commerce (Honours) degree and a Masters in International Relations.

“I’m truly grateful to God for His grace and favour which has allowed me the opportunity to clear this exam whilst serving in Nagaland. I truly believe in His timing for everyone,” she shared. 

As a testament of her accomplishments, she encouraged the youths of the State to “be prayerful, consistent, and love the opportunity to learn through the course of this preparation.”

Also, to keep a close support system and use any failure or setbacks as a stepping stone for personal growth. This is essential for succeeding in any field, she stressed. 

On a personal note, she gave thanks to her mother, aunt and family who gave her “their full support in pursuing this examination.” 

This exam needs a healthy balance of external and internal motivation. For the latter, I am someone who loves to learn new things and I have many interests such as music which help me get through challenging times, she added. 

Chang, meanwhile, stated that it was his sixth attempt and his first, clearing both mains and interview round. 

Notably, he did all his preparations from his home, mostly relied on self study and very little on coaching.

“I also took a shot online coaching course however it wasn’t very helpful,” it added. 

Being a resident of Tuensang town, Chang said he completed his college level education from Sao Chang Government College. 

Later, he completed a double Masters first from Nagaland University, Lumani (MSc Chemistry) and then from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to get a Masters in Political Science. 

“It has been very tiring journey similar to running a marathon but I was able to get through it with the constant support and prayers from my family,” he said. 

Moreover, he felt a sense of relief at finally cracking the exam but understood that from here on now there will be more responsibilities expected from him. 

Chang is currently a faculty  at National Institute for Civil Services Examination (NICSE) Kohima centre. 

“Because I’m from Eastern Nagaland, I hope to inspire more youths from my region to get through this exam, anything is possible with hard work and dedication,” he added. 

The other successful candidate Imsurenla also secured EAC post in the NCS, NPS & Allied Services 2022 results declared on September 6, 2023. 

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu took to X to congratulate all the four candidates and said it was a proud moment for the State. “I wish you success in the service of the nation,” he commented. 

A total of 1016 candidates have cleared the 2023 exam. The top five positions were secured by Aditya Srivastava, Animesh Pradhan, Donuru Ananya Reddy, PK Sidharth Ramkumar and Ruhani.