Meet top rank holders of Odisha Civil Services exam; here's who said what after OPSC OCS 2021 results declared

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) on Monday announced the results of the much-awaited Odisha Civil Services Examination (OCS) 2021. The results have brought to the fore several stories of motivation and inspiration. 

This year, candidates from diverse backgrounds have made it to the top ten list. They are Sudev Kumar Prusty, Suchismita Panigrahy, Pranab Ranjan Sahu, Baisakhee Lenka, Swetalina Mahana, Agnija Sibadata, Santosh Kumar Patra, Minansa Sahu, Bindu Balaya and Soumyaranjan Mohapatra. 

Of them, Suchismita Panigrahy, who has secured second position, and Samartha Behera, who has secured 215 position, are the center of attraction. 

They have once again proved that there is nothing impossible if a person determines. 

Suchismita Panigrahy, Rank 2 holder

Even though Suchismita met with an accident and got her leg fractured during OCS exam, her determination remained the same. She attended the interview in a wheelchair. 

“I had started my preparation after my Master's. My study had been target oriented. My targets were monthly and weekly. And I always tried to meet the targets,” she said. 

Baisakhee Lenka, Rank 4 holder

Going to share her feelings after securing the fourth position, Baisakhee Lenka said, “In the first attempt, I failed in the interview round and it hurt me very much. In the second attempt, I left no stone unturned. I did a lot of writing covering all subjects. I tried to maintain equality in all subjects. As the exam had gone well, I was sure of getting a rank. But I didn’t expect to secure rank 4. The credit only goes to the God.”

Swetalina Mahana, Rank 5 holder

A cheerful Swetalina Mahana, who has secured fifth position, described her journey so far. “My father wanted to see me as an administrative officer. For financial stability, I had tried agriculture-related exams. And when the opportunity came on my way, I grabbed it. For everything, a strategy is required. If a student has a proper strategy and a timetable, success will be inevitable.”

Soumyaranjan Mohapatra, Rank 10 holder

Soumyaranjan Mohapatra is very happy after securing the 10th position. “I am an OFA trainee. I was expecting a top rank to get OAS. As I have secured the 10th position, I am satisfied.”

Inspiring story of Samarth Behera

Samarth had a childhood dream to serve the motherland. In 2014, he had joined the National Defence Academy (NDA). As luck would have it, his NFA dream dashed to the ground when he was declared unfit three years after the completion of his training as he met with an accident and his kneecap slipped. 

After failure in the first attempt, he has secured 215 rank in the second attempt. 

“I had started preparation from my graduation time. I failed in my first attempt since I didn’t’ have Odia background. This time I put my best efforts. If someone is preparing for the OAS and putting six to seven hours effort dedicatedly, that will be more than enough,” said Behera. 

Notably, there are five female candidates in the top 10 list and nine female candidates in the top 20.

With the publication of the OCS Results, the OPSC has recommended 432 candidates in order of merit for appointment to posts/services under Odisha Civil Services (Group A & B) 2021. 

Of the total 432 candidates, 164 are women.

The main written examination was held from February 21 to March 18, 2023. Similarly, the personality test was held from July 15 to July 25, 2023.