Eldo Alias, currently working at the Forensic Science Laboratory of the Kerala Police, cracked the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) test while engaging in research. Eldo was doing PhD in Chemistry and perturbed about not having a steady source of income. Meanwhile, his wife Divya was preparing for various PSC exams and Eldo felt inspired to consider the option of a government job.
Incidentally, till then, Eldo had never thought of working in the public sector. But once he began dreaming of a government appointment, Eldo started vigorously preparing for it.
However, time was not on his side. When he decided to start attempting PSC tests in 2014, Eldo was already 34 years old and the age limit was 36. Realizing that there was no time to waste, Eldo sat for 11 tests within one year and cleared every one of them. He was eligible for 11 different government jobs!
In fact, Eldo secured third rank in the PSC list for Research Assistant (Fisheries) and fifth rank in the Scientific Assistant list. He also earned good ranks in the lists for University Assistant, Secretariat Assistant, Excise Inspector, Beverages Assistant, High Court Assistant, Food Safety Officer and Civil Supplies Assistant Salesman. As he loved the profession of Scientific Officer, Eldo finally chose to join the Forensic Lab. Earlier, he also worked for some time as an Assistant at Kerala and MG Universities.
“Preparations for the National Eligibility Test (NET) came in handy for the PSC tests,” says Eldo. He did not consider his advanced qualifications as a researcher in science a hindrance to appear for PSC tests. In fact, his first PSC test was for Last-Grade employees. When his name appeared on the rank-list, Eldo felt confident to attempt more tests. Subsequently, he cleared all the PSC tests for which he appeared.
As part of his preparations, Eldo had sat for a few mock tests conducted by some local organisations. Still, he studied all by himself most of the time. After joining the PSC post, Eldo has continued his research alongside.
Meanwhile, his wife Divya has found a place in the rank-list for Upper Primary School Teachers in Ernakulam district and is waiting for her appointment.