On most days in Nursery Veng, Aizawl, you might pass by 34-year-old Andrew Lalchhandama without a second glance, spectacles perched neatly, a brisk stride, and an easy smile for acquaintances. He plays the guitar, leads the church band, keeps up with academic work, and holds a steady media job. Yet, behind this modest, everyday image is a story that has been more than four decades in the making. In July 2025, Andrew became the first Mizo in forty-three years to qualify for the Indian Information Service (IIS) under the UPSC’s Group B gazetted category, a rare achievement that has earned him a place in state history.
The IIS has two main entry routes. One is direct recruitment through the Central Services Examination, through which only four Mizos have ever qualified. Another is the Group B gazetted category, Andrew’s path, which has seen just three Mizo entrants in history — Andrew being the third. The last to achieve this was former Lok Sabha MP C. Lalrosanga in the 1982 batch. The third option is via the SSC Junior Grade, where candidates must clear a written examination followed by an interview based on the merit list. However, this is a non-gazetted post.
Andrew’s academic path began with a degree in Arts from Pachhunga University College, but his passion for music and broadcasting soon led him towards a different field. He went on to study Mass Communication and Journalism at Mizoram University, driven by his love for music and the world of broadcast media. As a guitarist, his first aim was to become a professional musician. Later, his focus shifted to academics, and in time, to the IIS.
“I only came to know about the IIS when I joined the media field,” he explained. “That’s when I began setting my goal towards it. After I finished my bachelor’s, I was intent on entering media and journalism. I’ve always liked to write, and that’s why I wanted to pursue journalism — it was closely aligned with my first love, music. Anchoring was also my dream.”
Since 2015, Andrew has been working as Assistant News Editor for Doordarshan Aizawl, regularly hosting live talk shows on trending political and social issues. Alongside his work, he has been pursuing his PhD in the Department of Mass Communication at Mizoram University. His thesis, titled “The Evolution of Sports Journalism in Mizoram: A Chronological Analysis,” reflects his dedication to both academic research and journalism.
His admiration for the IIS began as he worked under its officers at Doordarshan. Most were not from Mizoram, and Andrew often wondered why no Mizo held such a post. Only when C. Lalrosanga became an MP did he discover there had once been a Mizo in the IIS. Encouraged by his employers to consider the service himself, Andrew resolved to make it his goal.
The road there was far from easy. “It’s not an ‘I got lucky’ situation, it has been a journey of grit and hard work despite challenges,” Andrew said. As a shy young man, he knew he needed guidance and mentoring. He began attending coaching classes while waiting for his bachelor’s results, initially under the UGC scheme for personal development. In addition, he joined Clapingo’s online spoken English classes and subscribed to BYJU’S for extra preparation. Outside of formal courses, he relied heavily on newspapers and books to expand his knowledge.
“I really gained a lot from the online coaching classes,” he said. “They boosted my confidence and helped me in my interview. My mentor trained me to answer any question with confidence and to make use of whatever knowledge I had.”
Andrew began his formal preparation for the IIS in 2021 when he applied for the post. In the past, he had cleared the cutoff mark for Junior Grade IIS through SSC, but he was not selected, and in 2021, he was rejected at the final scrutiny for UPSC senior grade. This time, after years of preparation, he was called for the interview earlier this year. He left the room satisfied with his performance, crediting his mentor for preparing him thoroughly.
When the results were announced in July 2025, his success was widely celebrated. Friends, colleagues, and community members including the Chief Minister of Mizoram lauded his ability to balance work, academic commitments, and church duties. Andrew is an active member of the Salvation Army Church, where he serves as bandmaster. “I try to be there whenever I am required in church activities,” he said. “I can balance it because I divide my time.”
For Mizo youth, Andrew offers clear advice: be selective about your commitments. “Make yourself present only when necessary, whether it’s community, family, or church activities,” he said. “There’s no need to be present at every event when your presence doesn’t make a difference.”
He is also passionate about encouraging more Mizos to join central services. “When I appeared for the interview, I saw many candidates from Manipur and other states already working in central services. They have a wider approach, looking for jobs all over the country. Many Mizos are satisfied with our little island of Mizoram and don’t get enough exposure. We shouldn’t only aim for high ranks like the IAS but also try for gazetted-level posts and apply for jobs in other parts of India as well.”
Andrew is also an entrepreneur and had, earlier in July, launched a startup in partnership with his friend, Inmi Hydration Drink, Mizoram’s first hydration drink, which is currently in the stage of further development and marketing.
Looking back, Andrew believes endurance has been the key to his success. “I have always been late in my pursuit of my purpose. Sometimes I failed, sometimes it felt like I would never get there in time. But because I had a code of endurance, I was able to reach this milestone.”
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