“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling
Some stories do not begin with privilege, guidance, or security.
Some stories begin with silence – of empty homes, unanswered calls, and unbearable loss.
Paras Sharma’s journey is one such story, where tragedy did not defeat determination, and loss did not overpower purpose. Losing both parents and a brother at a young age could have broken anyone. But Paras Sharma chose a harder path – to rise, to serve, and to succeed.
Today, Paras Sharma stands as one of Chhattisgarh’s finest administrative success stories, securing Rank 5 in the CGPSC State Service Examination 2024, scoring the highest marks in the written examination across the entire state, and earning selection as a State Finance Officer. His journey is not just about clearing an exam—it is about unshakeable resilience, strategic brilliance, and the intelligent use of RTI to transform failure into success.
A Star Rises from Kunkuri: Introduction to a Grit-Filled Triumph
When the CGPSC State Service Examination 2024 results were announced (late November 2025), one name echoed strongly across Chhattisgarh – Paras Sharma, a young officer from Kunkuri town in Jashpur district. Securing Rank 5 statewide, Paras didn’t just clear the exam; he set an example for thousands of aspirants who struggle after repeated failures.
What made his achievement extraordinary was not just the rank—but the fact that he scored the highest marks in the written (Mains) examination across the entire state, despite battling immense personal loss, financial hardship, and the pressure of preparing while working full-time as a government officer.
Background: Roots in Simplicity, Values in Service
He was born and raised in Kunkuri, Jashpur district, in a simple and disciplined household. His father, Hiralal Sharma, was a Physical Training teacher in a government school, and his mother, Poornima Sharma, managed the home with quiet strength. Education, honesty, and service were deeply ingrained values in the family.
Paras completed his early schooling in Kunkuri and later pursued higher education in Raipur. Like many children of government employees, he grew up observing the dignity of public service. However, fate intervened early and harshly. About twelve years ago, Paras lost both his parents. Before he could fully recover from that shock, tragedy struck again when his younger brother, Tapas Sharma, passed away after a serious illness.
These losses left deep emotional scars. At an age when most young people rely on family for guidance and support, Paras stood alone. The emotional, social, and financial burden was immense, and for a time, life seemed overwhelming.
Life’s Harshest Blows: The Biggest Struggles in His Journey
His life took a devastating turn nearly 12 years ago when he lost both his parents. Before he could fully recover from this shock, fate struck again – his younger brother Tapas Sharma passed away due to a serious illness.
Three deaths. One household left empty.
For a young man, this was not just emotional devastation – it was social, financial, and psychological collapse.
“There were moments when everything felt meaningless,” Paras later shared.
But instead of giving up, Paras turned grief into fuel. Books became his companions. Discipline became his refuge. And self-belief became his shield.
The Decision to Rise: Beginning of the PSC Journey
Paras began his serious preparation for the State Public Service Commission (PSC) around 2019–2020. With no parental guidance and limited resources, he relied on:
- Self-study
- Standard books
- NCERTs
- Newspapers
- Mock tests
- Strong peer support
Importantly, he did not depend heavily on coaching – a point he repeatedly emphasizes for aspirants.
Journey So Far: Four Attempts, Continuous Growth
Paras Sharma began his serious preparation for the State Public Service Commission around 2019–2020. His journey through the examination was not one of overnight success, but of steady growth and self-improvement.
In his first attempt, he secured selection as a GST Inspector, marking his entry into government service. In the second attempt, he progressed further by becoming a Naib Tehsildar, moving closer to administrative responsibilities. His third attempt brought him significant recognition when he secured a top-five rank in the state, leading to his selection as a State Finance Officer.
However, Paras was not satisfied. He wanted to refine himself further and achieve the best possible outcome. That determination led him to appear for the examination once again.
Turning Point: The RTI Strategy That Changed Everything
One of the most unique and inspiring aspects of Paras Sharma’s success is his strategic use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The most defining moment in Paras Sharma’s journey came before his fourth attempt, when he decided to take an unconventional yet highly effective step. Instead of merely reading toppers’ strategies or changing books, Paras chose self-analysis.
Using the Right to Information (RTI) Act, he requested copies of his previous answer sheets from the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission. When he received them, he carefully examined every page, studying where marks were awarded and where they were lost. He analyzed answer structure, clarity, relevance, and presentation in detail.
This exercise gave him insights that no coaching or guesswork could provide. He understood precisely how evaluators assessed answers and what improvements were required. By correcting these mistakes, Paras significantly enhanced his answer-writing skills.
The result of this effort was historic – he scored the highest marks in the written examination across the entire state of Chhattisgarh.
“RTI helped me see my mistakes clearly. Once I knew them, correcting them became easier,” he said.
This approach directly led to his top score in the Mains examination.
Preparation Strategy: Discipline Over Drama
His preparation was rooted in simplicity and discipline. He firmly believes that clear understanding of the syllabus and standard books are sufficient. NCERTs formed the foundation of his preparation, supported by selective reference books for Chhattisgarh General Studies. He stayed updated with current affairs through regular newspaper reading.
What made his journey even more remarkable was the fact that he prepared while working full-time. At the time of his final success, Paras was posted as a Naib Tehsildar in Kusmi-Samri, Balrampur district. Despite administrative responsibilities, he maintained a consistent study routine in the early mornings and late evenings.
According to Paras, consistent answer writing practice and revision mattered more than long study hours. He also emphasizes that coaching is not mandatory—he himself cleared the main examination without formal coaching.
For Answer Writing Practice, he focused on –
- Previous years’ papers
- Mock tests
- Time-bound writing
Interview Experience: Lessons from the Final Stage
Despite excelling in Mains, Paras received relatively lower marks in the interview, which affected his final rank.
Interview Themes Included:
- His work as a Naib Tehsildar
- Land revenue and local governance
- Chhattisgarh’s economy
- State welfare schemes
- Current affairs and judicial developments
Paras accepts this phase with humility, viewing it as a learning experience rather than a setback.
Grand Welcome in Jashpur: A Son of the Soil Returns
When Paras returned to Jashpur after the results, the entire town celebrated his achievement. He was welcomed with garlands, sweets, and fireworks. For the people of Jashpur, his success was not just individual—it was collective pride.
Message to Aspirants: Words from a Warrior
His message to young aspirants is deeply personal and honest. He urges them to begin preparation seriously from the start, understand the syllabus thoroughly, and rely on NCERT books. He advises against blindly following others and instead stresses self-evaluation and correction.
Above all, he tells aspirants never to lose heart, no matter how difficult life becomes.
“If I can do it after losing my entire family, anyone can—provided they don’t give up.”
A Story Beyond Ranks and Results
Paras Sharma’s success is not just about Rank 5, highest written marks, or State Finance Service.
It is about standing tall when life tries to crush you, about using law (RTI) intelligently, and about believing in yourself when no one else is left to do so.
His journey reminds us that administrators are not born—they are forged in fire.
And Paras Sharma is living proof of that truth.
