Three ISM students have topped the combined geo-scientists' and geologists' exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (PSC) earlier this year for various posts in Union government undertakings.
According to results declared two days ago, Abir Banerjee (23), an MSc Tech (applied geophysics) degree holder pursuing PhD from ISM, was first among 36 students of the country who qualified in the examinations for geophysicists.
Three of Abir's batchmates did well too, Debarati Mishra (23) was placed third, Manju Singh Rajput came sixth and Sandeep Kumar came seventh. Among the others from ISM who qualified included Manish Kumar Triapathi (16th), Saket Kumar (17th), Vishal Sao (23rd), Sunil Kumar Patil (27th), Rahul Kumar Singh (30th) and Santu Biswas (33rd).
Among geologists, Ankita Bhattacharya of ISM secured the top position among 144 who were selected through the exam.
Aatreyee Sharma, also from ISM, was the all-India topper among 27 junior hydrologists selected through the examination.
The UPSC-conducted examination is for appointments in category I and category II posts in Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board. This year, 227 students have qualified in category I (144 geologists, 36 geophysicists and 47 chemists).
This apart, 27 candidates qualified for category II posts of junior hydrologist at the ground water board.
Prof Shalivahan of the ISM's department of applied geophysics said, "The achievement of ISM students is indeed commendable as four students of the applied geophysics department secured a place among the top 10."
UPSC is scheduled to inform candidates about the marks each have secured within a week, while those who have qualified would be absorbed in GSI (category I posts) and Central Ground Water Board (category II posts) after six months' training.
"I am proud to be a geophysicist. Only a geophysicist can significantly contribute to the development of the nation by exploring mineral reserves for the country," said Abir, son of retired army officer Jimut Banerjee and homemaker Arti Banerjee, who came first in the UPSC exam.
Echoing similar sentiments third ranked Debarati Mishra, daughter of West Bengal fire service officer Arup Mishra and a homemaker Rita Mishra, said, "Our success proves the fact that pure science offers more lucrative careers than engineering, etc. I would advise my juniors to choose the career of a scientist."
