INDIA
A data scientist originally from Rajasthan has finished on top of India’s annual examination for entry into the Public Service.
Kanishak Kataria (pictured), who now works in Mumbai, is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology in that city and says mathematics was always his favourite subject.
“It’s a very surprising moment; I never expected to come first,” Mr Kataria said.
“Thanks to my parents, sister and my girlfriend for the help and moral support.”
He said people would expect him to be a good administrator and that was exactly his intention.
Fellow Rajasthani Akshat Jain finished second, prompting a tweet of congratulation to both from a delighted Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot.
“It’s a great achievement and a chance for both of you to give your best to society,” Mr Gehlot said.
In third place was Junaid Ahmed from Uttar Pradesh.
The leading woman, Srushti Jayant Deshmukh, from Bhopal, finished fifth.
“This was my childhood dream, but I decided before the examination that my first attempt would be my last,” Ms Deshmukh said after the results of the examination were declared.
“I did not want to be like some people trying over and again and having to live with disappointment.”
The exam is aimed at choosing the country’s most elite administrative officers.
Of the half-million candidates that originally set out on the various stages of the examination in September, 759 (577 men and 182 women) have been recommended for appointment to the various Ministries.
The recommended candidates include 36 people with a disability.
New Delhi, 5 April 2019
