Teacher with 60% vision loss cracks OCS in 1st attempt, secures 185 rank

Bhubaneswar: For most aspirants, cracking the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) examination is a test of hard work and perseverance. For Krushna Chandra Hembram, it was also a battle against fading eyesight.Despite suffering from nearly 60% vision loss, the school teacher from Keonjhar secured the 185th rank in the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination 2024-25, proving that determination can often see beyond physical limitations. Remarkably, this was his first attempt at the prestigious examination.Hailing from Panchugochhia village under Ghasipura block in Keonjhar district, 24-year-old Hembram is currently teaching social science at the Eklavya Model Residential School at Bhawanipur in Sundargarh district.Preparing for the competitive examination was far from easy. Reading books for long hours was painful, while making notes meant enlarging texts, straining his eyes under bright light and often relying on digital tools to read study materials. Yet, Hembram refused to let his visual impairment define the limits of his ambition.“My eyes ache after studying for a few hours, but this was something I never wanted to give up,” said Hembram, who also pursued an integrated BEd course at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhubaneswar.Balancing classroom responsibilities with preparation for one of the state’s toughest examinations demanded strict discipline. His routine revolved around teaching during the day and studying late into the night, often taking frequent breaks because of his condition.Hembram said his academic background in Humanities during Class XII and graduation helped him during preparation. He chose Geography as his optional subject for the examination.The journey, however, was filled with moments of self-doubt and exhaustion, especially when reading became difficult. But support from his family kept him motivated.“To be honest, I appeared for the exam last year mainly to understand its difficulty level and assess my preparation,” he said. Encouraged by his performance, Hembram now plans to appear for the OCS examination again to improve his rank and also prepare for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).For Hembram, securing a rank in the OCS examination is not merely a personal milestone, but also an opportunity to serve society in a larger capacity. Having closely witnessed the struggles of people in rural Keonjhar and persons with disabilities, he hopes to work towards making governance more accessible and inclusive.