Bhubaneswar, Aug. 6: When Muhammed Abdaal Akhtar decided to quit his job to prepare for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, his father was apprehensive and thought it to be a bad idea.

Interestingly, the 24-year-old law graduate came out with the best rank from among the 35 state candidates who cleared the highly competitive exams.

After passing out from Nalsar Unversity of Law in 2013, Akhtar took up a job in a top law firm but he quit the job in May last year to devote all his time for UPSC preparations.

"My father did not want me to give up a high paying job and he was very upset. I felt bad that I was hurting him but I was determined. I decided to become an IAS officer after a lot of thinking and did not want to let myself down."

Akhtar had also appeared for the civil services exam last year. Although he qualified for the railway services, he knew his true calling was to become an IAS officer. "It is a very challenging job. I might get opportunities to travel abroad and represent my country. But the fact that I would be able to work proactively in a manner that would benefit the poorest of the poor is satisfying," said Akhtar, who hails from Jajpur. Along with Akhtar, all successful civil service candidates from Odisha were felicitated by chief minister Naveen Patnaik at a function at Jayadev Bhawan today.

As many 26 candidates from Odisha secured ranks in the Indian Civil Services this year, including seven among the top 100 rank holders.

The chief minister said the state government would soon come out with a package to encourage UPSC aspirants from Odisha. "As a part of the package, the government would provide all assistance to candidates who clear the civil services Main exam to avail coaching from the best institutions in the country," said Naveen.

Many candidates feel Internet-based studies is the best way to prepare. Smrutiranjan Mohanty, who secured the 87th rank said: "Instead of joining coaching centres, one should surf websites and solves mock papers. In the interview, I was relaxed," said the engineering student from ITER, Bhubaneswar. For Padmini Sahu who has grabbed the 199th rank, the entire process of cracking the examination was extremely enjoyable. "I used to hang out with friends and spend time with my family. One needs to be honest towards his aim and that is what matters," said Padmini, who is an engineering graduate from CET, Bhubaneswar.