SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has expressed concern over the relatively low number of aspirants from Meghalaya who successfully clear the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination—widely regarded as one of the toughest examinations in the country.
Highlighting the challenges faced by students in the state, the Chief Minister noted that while many talented and capable candidates appear for the examination each year, only a small fraction manage to advance through all its stages. He pointed out that limited access to proper guidance, inadequate exposure to quality coaching, and financial constraints continue to hinder the performance of aspirants from the region.
In response, Sangma announced that the state government is in the process of formulating a dedicated programme to support candidates who clear the preliminary stage of the examination. The initiative will focus on providing both financial assistance and academic support, helping students better prepare for the more demanding mains examination and the interview stage.
The proposed programme is expected to include mentorship opportunities, access to experienced faculty, comprehensive study materials, and possibly residential coaching facilities to create a more conducive learning environment.
Emphasizing that clearing the prelims is itself a significant achievement, Sangma said that with the right support system in place, more candidates from Meghalaya can go on to succeed in subsequent stages. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the education ecosystem and ensuring that deserving students are not held back due to a lack of resources.
With targeted interventions and sustained institutional support, the government aims to encourage more youth to aspire for civil services and enhance Meghalaya’s representation in the country’s administrative framework. Sangma also expressed optimism that such efforts will gradually improve success rates and enable greater participation of the state’s youth in nation-building.
