Gritty go-getters from modest families crack toughest state exam

In an inspiring story of excellence, 24-year-old Kanhei Sabar, son of mason Ekakshar Sabar, from Perpang village in Rayagada district, bagged the 132nd rank in the OCS exam. Kanhei’s remarkable achievement brought pride not only to his family but also to the entire Padmapur region. His success is being celebrated as a symbol of perseverance, dedication and hope.

Despite their hardships, his parents ensured that their son never felt deprived when it came to education. “My parents struggled a lot for my education, but they never allowed me to feel the burden of financial hardship. Whatever I have achieved today is because of their support and blessings,” he said.

Kanhei said he dreamt of becoming an administrative officer during his graduation days and managed to crack the OAS examination in his very first attempt.

Kanhu Charan Behera (27), son of fisherman Kali Charan in Sorada, clinched the 56th rank in the general category after three failed attempts. His father wanted him to settle for any job and start earning for the family. Behera coached high school students in his small house. The income provided for his OCS preparation. “Coaching students helped him study better and prepare for competitive exams,” he said. He focused only on self-study from the internet and social media. “Determination and hard work along with blessings of parents helped him crack the exam,” he said.

T Narasingha Patro (27) of Gosaninuagaon in the silk city, son of a farmer, bagged 24th rank in the exam after three attempts. “I did not give up hope,” said Patro, who works as a teacher in govt high school at Panchama.

Khageswar Behera (25), son of a primary school teacher in Gourangapatna, near Rambha, cleared the exam after his second attempt by securing 98th rank.

Itishree Jena of Aska was overwhelmed to rank 10th in the exam. “It’s a dream that came to me,” said Itishree, who cracked the state’s toughest exam in her second attempt. Without taking admission in any coaching institute, Itishree prepared through the internet and social media. “Before the main exam was held in Jan-Feb, my father, a small businessman, was hospitalised,” she said.

Four candidates, groomed by the Berhampur district administration’s Lakshya Niketan through mock interviews, cracked the prestigious exam. “The candidates who cleared the exam are T Narasingha Patro (Rank 24), Khageswar Behera (Rank 98), Sunil Kumar Das (Rank 74) and Madhusudan Behera (Rank 125),” said Sunil Sai Debasish, nodal officer of Lakshya Niketan.

Before their personality test was held from May 14 to 20, eight candidates, including two of its in-house students (Patro and Khageswar), appeared in the mock interview. Three IAS, an IPS and two senior OAS officers on May 13 guided them on how to face the interview.

“We are happy at four of them clearing the exam,” said Ganjam collector Keerthi Vassan V. Also among jury members were SP (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M, Berhampur Municipal Corporation commissioner A Sasya Reddy, Berhampur sub-collector Avinash Kumar and others.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026