In a stellar demonstration of intellect and perseverance, Rasika Islam, hailing from the small town of Gauripur in Assam, has topped the prestigious Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Combined Competitive Exam 2022. Her achievement has sparked an atmosphere of celebration and inspiration across her hometown.
The APSC exam, conducted annually to recruit candidates to the state civil services, is considered one of the toughest examinations in Assam. Outperforming over 10,000 aspirants, Rasika clinched the pole position, affirming her academic brilliance.
A true role model for women in the region, Rasika’s success busts myths about the community’s inclination towards education. “I toiled day and night ignoring naysayers who pointed out my disadvantages of financial constraints and social background. My only support was my family who backed me unconditionally,” shares an elated Rasika.
Rasika’s Perseverant Journey: From Sales Tax Inspector to Assam’s Topper
An alumnus of Cotton University, Rasika currently serves as a Sales Tax Inspector, juggling exam preparation with her job. Her never-say-die attitude coupled with unwavering focus catalyzed her gold medal finish.
“I was patient and constant in my readiness throughout the long term. Every failure propelled me to push my limits and resurge stronger,” remarks Rasika, oozing confidence.
Despite hailing from an ordinary family in Matibag village known for conservative mindsets, Rasika challenged stereotypes. She stressed balancing household responsibilities and self-study using meticulous time management. Her outstanding APSC rank has created ripples across her village as folks rejoice the rise of Gauripur’s daughter.
Early Life: Roots in Diversity
Rasika Islam was born into a family that valued service, discipline, and education. Her father, Colonel (Retd) Saidul Islam, served in the Indian Army, which meant that Rasika’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations across the country. Every new city, every new school, presented its own set of challenges, but it also offered her exposure to different cultures, languages, and ideas.
Growing up, Rasika developed an innate curiosity and a love for learning. Despite the frequent moves, she excelled academically, showing a particular aptitude for sciences and social studies. Her formative years in army schools instilled discipline and a sense of responsibility, laying the foundation for the methodical approach that would later define her study habits.
However, her early life was not without personal challenges. Rasika’s younger brother, Shaisul Islam, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, requiring special attention and care. Even as a young teenager, Rasika developed a strong sense of empathy and duty, often assisting her parents in ensuring her brother’s well-being. These early experiences shaped her character, teaching her resilience, patience, and the importance of balancing personal responsibilities with ambition.
Education and Academic Inclinations
After completing her schooling in various parts of India, Rasika pursued higher education in her home state of Assam. She enrolled in Cotton College, Guwahati, one of the region’s most prestigious institutions, and graduated with a degree in Botany in 2016. Her choice of subject reflected not only her interest in the natural sciences but also a disciplined approach to structured learning.
During her college years, Rasika was an active participant in academic forums and discussions, often engaging with peers and professors to deepen her understanding of complex concepts. Her ability to synthesize information quickly and her analytical thinking set her apart. But even as she excelled academically, she remained grounded, valuing family responsibilities and maintaining strong connections with her community in Gauripur.
Family and Support System
Behind every successful individual is a robust support system, and Rasika was no exception. Her husband, Roushinul Alom, an Assam Civil Services (ACS) officer himself, was a pillar of support throughout her preparation. Their shared commitment to public service created an environment conducive to focused study, mutual encouragement, and emotional stability.
Her parents, too, were instrumental in her journey, instilling in her values of hard work, discipline, and ethical conduct. Even her extended family and local community played a role, celebrating small achievements and providing moral encouragement. This network of support allowed Rasika to navigate the pressures of preparation while managing her personal responsibilities.
APSC Exam Intensity – Why Topping is a Big Deal
Cracking the APSC exam entails in-depth knowledge across diverse topics and razor-sharp analytical skills – attributes that Rasika has evidently displayed in abundance through her feat.
The three-tier assessment tests candidates on subjects spanning history, politics, current affairs, logical reasoning and aptitude, making it one of India’s toughest civil service tests.
“I embraced an essential methodology, identifying areas of strength for me more vulnerable regions to raise my test readiness. Regular mock tests helped me analyze patterns and master time management,” reveals Rasika.
Rasika emerged victoriously in the final interview round – known to be extremely unpredictable. Her composure, subject clarity and leadership abilities during testing questions by the expert panel sealed her pole position.
APSC Success Points to Strengthening Education in Assam’s Rural Areas
Educationists have underscored that Rasika’s milestone mirrors strengthening foundations in Assam’s rural pockets. Her gold standard performance is a boost for Assam’s teaching standards already grappling with issues like poor pupil-teacher ratio, inadequate monitoring and substandard facilities.
They emphasize that enhanced focus on early education and female literacy coupled with e-Learning integration in remote areas can catalyze success stories like Rasika’s.
Additional competitive exam coaching access for economically weak students is also propagated to demolish financial roadblocks. Scholarships and public-private partnerships can accelerate such an ecosystem.
APSC Topper 2021 – Dikshit Das Occupies 2nd Place
In the final APSC rankings, Dikshit Das, another exemplary performer, grabbed second place behind Rasika Islam.
Hailing from Nagaon district, Dikshit boasts an illustrious academic track record as an University topper in Political Science from Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University.
After missing the 1st rank by a narrow margin this year, Dikshit aims to claim the pole position in his next attempt, thanks to Rasika’s inspirational journey kindling his competitive spirit.
Assam’s Dynamic Duo Leading the Way
Rasika and Dikshit’s achievements have positioned them as youth icons for Assam and torchbearers of women empowerment. Their motivation and consistency through difficult odds sets precedent for future aspirants to emulate.
The state Education Ministry felicitated the APSC golden girl in a ceremony attended by senior bureaucrats and cabinet ministers. Cheering crowds lined the streets of her hometown Gauripur as she took a victory lap.
Rasika advocates that her gold standard feat underscores that one’s social identity and income status need not limit their potential if their focus and willingness to adapt remains unbridled.
The dynamic duo of Rasika Islam and Dikshit Das have highlighted Assam’s budding talent and brought cheer to its populace through their landmark feats. As the state witnesses a progressing economy and job landscape, such inspirational case studies shall boost its employability quotient and funnel skilled labor across sectors.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Service
Topping the APSC is only the beginning of Rasika Islam’s journey. As she steps into her new role within the Assam Civil Services, she carries with her a vision of service, community engagement, and administrative excellence.
Rasika has expressed a desire to focus on inclusive development, particularly in rural areas, ensuring that administrative policies reach those who need them most. Her lived experiences, combined with her professional training, equip her to address systemic challenges with empathy and effectiveness.
Lessons from Rasika’s Journey
Rasika Islam’s story offers numerous lessons for aspirants, students, and professionals alike:
- Self-Belief is Key: Confidence in one’s abilities allows individuals to navigate challenges without losing focus.
- Consistency Beats Intensity: Regular, disciplined study can be more effective than sporadic, intense efforts.
- Support Systems Matter: Family, mentors, and peers provide essential emotional and logistical support.
- Resourcefulness Over Resources: Even without expensive coaching, one can succeed through strategic use of available resources.
- Balance is Crucial: Managing personal responsibilities alongside ambitions is a skill that sustains long-term success.
