With limited financial means and the absence of formal coaching, Bini Muruli from Odisha’s Bonda tribal community has achieved remarkable success by securing a place in the Odisha Civil Service Exam. Her father, a cook at a government school, and her mother, an Anganwadi worker, were unable to afford costly coaching centers. Despite these challenges, Bini’s determination remained unshaken, and she turned to YouTube and the internet as her primary sources of study material.
Bini’s journey was not easy. Without the resources for coaching, she decided to study independently, relying heavily on YouTube videos and online materials. This resourceful approach, combined with her unwavering dedication, led her to pass the exam with a 596 rank, making her the first person from the Bonda community to attain such a position in civil services.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Bini shared, “I knew my parents couldn’t support the expense of coaching. Instead of letting financial constraints block my dreams, I started studying through YouTube. I gathered study materials from the internet to prepare myself for the exam.”
Hailing from Khimagura village in Malkangiri, Odisha, Bini completed her early education at a local government school before moving on to higher education. She was later admitted to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya for her senior secondary education and subsequently pursued a master’s degree in Botany from Vikram Deb College, Jeypore. To support her studies financially, Bini even worked for an Ayurvedic medicine company, funding her own education and exam preparations.
Although her first attempt at the civil service exam in 2020 was unsuccessful, Bini used the setback as motivation. She identified her weaknesses and returned with a stronger strategy, still relying on her self-directed study routine and online resources. Her story reflects both resilience and self-reliance, a story of triumph over adversity and an inspiration to her community.
Her father, Ram Muruli, expressed his pride in Bini’s achievements, stating, “Her success will serve as an inspiration to many girls in our community.”
Bini’s accomplishment demonstrates the impact of digital resources on education, especially for those who lack access to conventional avenues. Her success story not only brings pride to her family but also lights a path for many young aspirants in similar situations. As the first from her community to reach such a high position, Bini Muruli has become a role model, inspiring others in the tribal community to pursue their dreams despite financial barriers.