Animesh Pradhan, UPSC AIR 2, who lost his mother to cancer during preparation: 'Wanted to crack it as soon as possible'

Animesh Pradhan, who lost his father in 2015, adviced UPSC aspirants to fight through adversities and keep their support system open while preparing for the exam.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam results were announced on Tuesday and Odisha's Animesh Pradhan, a graduate from National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, cleared the exam in his first attempt with an All India Rank (AIR) of 2.

The 22-year-old from Angul district in Odisha lost his mother to cancer during interview preparation and wanted to clear the exam "as soon as possible" to make her proud. "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," Pradhan told Indian Express.

"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 added.

Pradhan said he did not attend any coaching classes as part of his preparations and revealed that he wished to work at the grassroots and wanted to play a role in offering essential services such as education and healthcare to "marginalised" communities.

"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.

Pradhan, who lost his father in 2015, adviced UPSC aspirants to fight through adversities and keep their support system open while preparing for the exam.

"Adversities would come in life but they need to stay strong and keep their support system open which will help them get motivation," he said.

A total of 347 candidates belonging to the general category cleared the exam while 303 candidates belonging to other backward classes (OBC) category passed the exam.