Catholic Girl Priyanka Becomes First Excellent IAS Academy Aspirant to Clear OPSC

Bhubaneswar, Sept 26, 2025: Jyoti Priyanka Pradhan, a young Catholic woman from Rayagada parish and an aspirant of the Excellent IAS Academy, has qualified in the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) Examination 2025. 

Fr. Ajay Kumar Singh, Director of Excellent IAS Academy, broke the news to the Catholic community. “Her success is not only her own,” he said with delight, “but it also immensely encourages other aspirants to remain determined and achieve their goals.”

Sr. Sujata Jena, who once served at Excellent IAS Academy, was overwhelmed on hearing the announcement. Speaking with emotion, she said that Priyanka had always been among the rare, highly motivated students. Recalling her own visit to Rayagada parish in 2022, she explained, “I feel privileged to have been her recruiter when I met her family while motivating Catholic youth to take up administrative and public services. 

During my time at the Academy, I was happy to accompany and mentor her for a while. Her dedication and determination were always remarkable.” 

Sr. Jena further added that Priyanka, a naturalist and an environmentalist, had long aspired to join the Indian Forest Service (IFS).

Priyanka herself expressed humility after the achievement. She said she was grateful for the support she had received but remained focused on her higher goals. “This success is just the beginning,” she noted, emphasizing her determination to aim further.

The final results of OPSC declared on 26 September by the Odisha Public Service Commission on its official website, www.opsc.gov.in.

The Excellent IAS Academy, an initiative of the Odisha Catholic Bishops’ Conference (OCBC) launched in 2018, aims to empower marginalized communities by preparing youth for civil services. 

Priyanka is the first aspirant from the Academy to qualify for OPSC. She joined the institution in 2022 and, after completing a few months of coaching, continued her preparation independently.

Earlier, others from the academy have qualified for positions such as Odisha Education Services, Probation Officer, Junior Executive Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Lecturer, Teacher, Police, and more.

The Catholic community across Odisha has rejoiced in her success. At present, more than 50 students are enrolled at Excellent IAS Academy, preparing for OPSC, UPSC, and other competitive examinations.

By Catholic Connect Reporter