Isawanda Laloo

Shillong, May 5: Isawanda Laloo, a Masters in English literature, has cleared the civil services (main examinations 2011) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, the result of which was announced yesterday.

Isawanda, a resident of Ryngi Jynriew, Nongthymmai here, cleared the main examination in her very first attempt.

It was her second overall attempt at the civil services examination.

A graduate in English from Delhi’s St Stephen’s College, who topped her batch in 2007, Isawanda is also the only candidate from the state to have cleared the 2011 examination.

From among 910 candidates, she was ranked 850th in the merit list.

Speaking to this correspondent, Isawanda said, “I had wanted to be in the civil service for a long time. Although I am happy that I featured in the merit list, but I am not satisfied with the ranking. I hope to sit for it (examination) again to improve my rank.”

Daughter of Prof. B. Myrboh and Emika Laloo, Isawanda, who is currently pursuing her PhD in English literature from Nehu, also stressed the need to have a state-of-the-art coaching institute here to help aspiring youths who desire to pursue a career in the civil services.

At present, the state government has a scheme known as the Chief Minister’s All India Service Exams Incentive Scheme to support youths in the Annual Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC.

A cash award of Rs 5,000 will be awarded to any candidate who passes the civil service (preliminary) examination.

All youths hailing from Meghalaya are eligible for the incentive cash scheme.

If the candidate goes on to clear the main examination, he or she shall be eligible for a cash award of Rs 10,000 in addition to the Rs 5,000 received for clearing the preliminary examination.

The incentive, however, shall be given only once to a candidate.

“This scheme needs to be more publicised so that youths are encouraged to take up the tough examination,” Isawanda said.

She completed her schooling from Loreto Convent and her higher secondary from Army School, Shillong.

Her message to other aspirants was to work hard and remain dedicated to the cause of success.

“There is no dearth of talent in our state. However, we need good institutes for coaching the students or else aspirants would have to rush to New Delhi,” Isawanda said.