Two young aspirants from remote tribal communities — Zing Messar and Bullo Manku — have cracked the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2024, one of the most competitive exams in India. Their inspiring journey from the serene hills of Arunachal to the elite corridors of the Indian bureaucracy has ignited hope across the Northeast and beyond.
A Landmark Achievement
Zing Messar and Bullo Manku have secured impressive ranks in the UPSC merit list released earlier this week. While Zing Messar, hailing from East Kameng district, secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 187, Bullo Manku from West Siang made it to the list with an AIR of 308. Both have cleared the examination in their very first attempt, making their feat even more remarkable.
Their success marks a significant milestone for Arunachal Pradesh, a state where access to quality educational resources and UPSC mentorship has often been limited by geography, infrastructure, and connectivity issues.
The Journey: From Hills to Delhi
Zing Messar comes from the remote village of Bana in East Kameng. Raised in a humble family of farmers, Zing’s early education was in a government school. Despite financial hardships and minimal coaching facilities, Zing displayed extraordinary academic potential from a young age. After completing her graduation in Political Science from Rajiv Gandhi University, she moved to Delhi to prepare for UPSC, relying on scholarships and community support.
“I had never seen a metro train before I reached Delhi,” Zing recalled in an interview. “I knew I was stepping into a world very different from where I grew up, but I carried my identity and roots proudly.”
Bullo Manku’s story is equally compelling. Born in the hills of Aalo in West Siang, Bullo faced years of struggle navigating education with limited electricity, internet, and basic facilities. A graduate in Sociology from Delhi University, Bullo chose Anthropology as his optional subject and attributes his success to consistent hard work, the guidance of online mentors, and the emotional strength gained from his tribal heritage.
“I wanted to serve my people and break the myth that UPSC is only for urban students,” Bullo said. “My success is not mine alone—it belongs to every student from the Northeast who thinks they’re not good enough.”
Overcoming Barriers
Both Zing and Bullo emphasize that their journeys were not smooth. Language barriers, cultural isolation, and the lack of representation in mainstream coaching platforms were some of the many obstacles they had to overcome. Yet, what set them apart was their grit, determination, and an unshakeable belief in their purpose.
With no access to top-tier coaching institutes, they relied heavily on free online platforms like YouTube, UPSC-dedicated forums, and daily news analysis. They created personalized study routines, stuck to NCERTs, practiced previous years’ papers, and remained consistent despite setbacks.
A Symbol of Hope
Their success has sparked celebration across Arunachal Pradesh, especially in tribal communities. Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated them on social media, writing, “Proud moment for Arunachal! Heartiest congratulations to Zing Messar and Bullo Manku for cracking UPSC 2024. Your hard work is an inspiration to youth across the Northeast. The whole state is proud of you.”
Civil society groups, educators, and students across the state are lauding the duo for not just cracking the exam, but also for breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future aspirants from the region.
Looking Ahead
Both Zing and Bullo have expressed a desire to return and serve their home state. Zing aspires to work in public administration with a focus on rural education and women’s empowerment, while Bullo hopes to contribute to tribal welfare and sustainable development.
Their remarkable achievement not only highlights the untapped potential in India’s Northeast but also emphasizes the need for equal access to education and resources for aspirants from all corners of the country.
As the results of UPSC 2024 continue to make headlines, the stories of Zing Messar and Bullo Manku stand out — not just for their ranks, but for the resilience, hope, and inspiration they bring to India’s future.