30 years old Chubalemba Chang, who secured the All-India Rank (AIR) 915 in the Civil Service Examination (CSE) , conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) made a historic success on Tuesday, becoming only the second person from Eastern Nagaland to crack UPSC, after I Imtitoshi Sangtam, IPS, of Tsarü village, who passed the UPSC exam in 1966 and was in the West Bengal cadre.
Hailing from Chakpa village, Chang completed his early schooling from St.John Hr.Secondary School Tuensang, and Class 12 from Government Higher Secondary school Tuensang. He went on to graduate from Sao Chang College Tuensang, following which he completed his M.SC Chemistry from Nagaland University, Lumami.
In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Tribune, Chang expressed that he felt extremely grateful and thanked God for helping him clear the exam after years of hardwork. “It has been such a long journey which finally yielded positive results. I was invested in UPSC preparation for the last six years. Initially my study hour was divided into different sittings in a day with breaks to rest. However, after I started working I studied whenever I get free time and I also used the internet to read current affairs regularly,” shares Chang.
The use of the internet, according to Chang, has made preparations much better. One of the challenges that the Tuensang resident faced was accessing newspapers like The Hindu, and exam oriented magazines in Tuensang, as he prefered reading in hardcopy. “It will take days or even weeks to reach Tuensang Town. The lack of proper transport, electricity problems and many a times network issues were the challenges for me,” maintains Chang.
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While the Nagas have witnessed gradual improvements in the country’s toughest exams, Chang highlighted the lack of dedicated study circle among aspirants and the absence of support groups.
Mental health is also an important part that we need to start talking more about due to pressures and high expectations, views Chang.
On his other passions besides civil service, Chubalemba expresses that he is passionate about following politics both nationally and internationally. International relation, is another field of interest for him, which he keeps himself updated regularly.
To aspirants, Chubalemba said, “Just consistency in good and bad days. Eventually, realisation will come that all the investment will be worthwhile. Mostly, keep God above everything and acknowledge Him.” Chang further added that family support is also essential as it remains on of the strongest pillars in this long journey.
