Three candidates from Darjeeling cracked the civil services examination this time, a first time for the district.

Jayasree Pradhan, 25, of Darjeeling town secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 52. Jayasree said she relied solely on self-studies.

The other two successes are Goutam Thakuri, 23, from Bagdogra (AIR 391) and Ajay Moktan, 26, from MN Terai tea garden (AIR 464).

Jayasree, speaking to The Telegraph, said that she did not enroll in any coaching classes. “I used to study for eight to 10 hours daily. During the mains, I would put in more hours of study,” said Jayasree.

The girl, an alumna of Loreto Convent, Darjeeling, secured 91 per cent in her ICSE and then went to Bengaluru for a law degree. “This was my second attempt,” said Jayasree, who added that she first attempted to crack the UPSC as soon as she completed her law course.

Jayasree, a Robertson Road resident, said she developed interest in the civil services while studying law. “Since law is intertwined with administration, my interest grew. I would also like to thank my parents for their constant support in my endeavours,” she said.

Jayasree’s father Eugesh Narayan Pradhan is a retired teacher of Municipality Boys School. Her mother Sartaj Pradhan works with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

Goutam Thakuri from Bagdogra also has a Bengaluru connection. “I did my schooling from Rashtriya Military School, Bengaluru, and then did my bachelors from Motilal Nehru College in Delhi and masters in international relations from JNU,” said Goutam.

Goutam also cleared the civil examinations in his second attempt and is currently pursuing his PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

“I took an online coaching course to prepare for the examinations. I would also like to thank my mother Sita Thakuri and my relatives for all their support,” said Goutam.

Goutam expressed happiness over his performance this year but added that he might again sit for the examinations next year for a better rank.

Ajay Moktan from MN Terai tea garden cleared the examination on his fifth attempt. “I was unsuccessful four times so there was a long struggle involved,” said Ajay, adding that his love for the civil services kept him going.

A student of Rainbow Academy in Panighatta and IB Thapa Memorial School in Siliguri, Ajay did his honours in physics from Jadavpur University in Calcutta.

During his first four attempts, Ajay prepared from home. “I then went to Delhi and enrolled in a coaching classes while preparing for my fifth attempt,” said Ajay.

Ajay’s father Singh Bahadur Moktan is a farmer, he said.

“My brothers are in the police and military engineering services. Another is doing his PhD in Nepali. They have always helped me in all aspects. We motivate each other. I'm grateful to them,” said Ajay.