Meet Atasi Aparajita, OCS 2026 Rank 12 holder. Discover her inspiring self-study strategy, commitment to women’s empowerment, and path to administrative success
OdishaPlus Bureau
Bhubaneswar, June 3: Every year across Odisha, thousands of young aspirants set out on the challenging path to the civil services with ambition and hope, but only a few succeed in transforming their aspirations into reality. The journey is rarely easy, marked by uncertainty, fierce competition, endless hours of preparation, and fleeting moments that test one’s resolve and self-belief. However, for the determined, the experience of the journey is also a testament to their perseverance and resilience.
Until the results of Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination 2026 were announced, Atasi Aparajita was struggling in the roller coaster of confidence and uncertainty. But what ensued next changed her life completely. Atasi not only cleared the examinations but came out of it with flying colours securing an impressive 12th rank.
“One moment I felt I would clear the examination, and the next I was desperate. But when the results were out, I was extremely elated. Clearing the test itself would have been a big achievement, but securing Rank 12 was something I had never expected,” she shared in an exclusive interview with OdishaLive.
A Dream That Began in Childhood
Civil services as never just another career option for Atasi. Rather, the dream of to serving the people had always been growing inside her from primary school days.
“I think I was in Class 3 or 4 when I first decided that I wanted to become a civil servant,” she said.
The passion would eventually go on to direct a number of choices she would make in the future. After Class 10, she opted for the Arts stream, believing it would align well with her long-term goal. Subsequently, she graduated from BJB Autonomous College with an Honours in Economics and begun her OCS preparation in 2023.
“Whether someone comes from Arts, Science or Commerce doesn’t really matter. Everyone begins with the same standard books and basic concepts. What matters most is the belief that you can do it,” she said.
Building Success Through Consistency
In an era of intense competition marked by an overwhelming dependence coaching-centric culture, Atasi charted her own course by embracing self-study. She thoroughly analysed the OCS syllabus and previous years’ question papers before designing her preparation strategy. Rather than treating the preliminary and mains examinations separately, she adopted an integrated approach from the beginning.
“I prepared for both simultaneously. Understanding the syllabus and the nature of questions helped me streamline my efforts. Initially, I studied for fewer hours. But as the exams inched closer, I consistently devoted five to eight hours a day, and gradually increased it even further before the test.”
Atasi feels discipline was more important than the hours spent at the study table. It is because throughout her academic life, consistency had been one of her strongest habits. Her academic record bears testimony to her success in school. She scored above 95 per cent throughout her school years and graduated with a CGPA of 9.5.
Facing Challenges and Self-Doubt
As with all competitive exam preparation, there were ups and downs along the way. Atasi found out General Studies-III most difficult out of all the papers.
Preparation for civil services is like a marathon. In addition to the studies, stress management proved to be a challenge. Anxiety is natural during such extended period of preparation and what helped her navigate those difficult moments was the unwavering support of her family.
She also tried to keep things balanced by engaging in activities that she really enjoyed. Reading fiction, practising yoga, walking and exercising became important parts of her routine.
The Family Behind the Success
Atasi credits much of her achievement to her parents and family members, who remained her strongest support throughout the journey.
“My parents guided me constantly and encouraged me whenever I felt uncertain. My family always believed I would clear the examination, and that belief gave me confidence,” she said.
A Vision Rooted in Empowerment
As she prepares to enter public service, Atasi already has charted out a clear vision of her work and she says women empowerment is at the top of the list.
As a woman entering public service, she hopes to contribute meaningfully to improving opportunities and outcomes for women in areas such as education, healthcare and financial empowerment.
“Half of our population comprises women. We cannot bring change overnight, but we can certainly create gradual transformation through education and awareness,” she said.
People Before Everything Else
Perhaps the most defining influence on Atasi’s outlook comes from a lesson repeatedly taught by her father. She proudly claims that it will be one of the principles to which she will always adhere to as an administrator.
“My father teaches me that people need to be valued before money. As civil servants, our primary responsibility is to serve people. If we approach our work with empathy and humility, we can genuinely make a difference,” she said.
Her story is a testament to the fact that success doesn’t always come from coaching centres or unique strategies, and for thousands of OCS aspirants in Odisha, it is a lesson to be remembered.