A Class IX student of Satya Sai Vidya Mandir in Mayurbhanj district has made everyone proud by being selected to work for America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) as a data scientist.

Sumit Sahu, who hails from Baripada town, has been selected to work with Nasa as a junior data scientist. He secured second position in the final examination of an international-level competition which was conducted by Nasa on August 31. The online test was held at various levels on various dates at various venues.

There were three levels of tests with mostly multiple-choice questions on mathematics, science, computer science and English language. The initial screening was held on May 1 in Baripada, while the next test was held in Bhubaneswar on August 11 and the final test in New Delhi on August 31, said Sumit. He said the test — known as primitive league test — was conducted by Nasa online.

“The final test was held in New Delhi on August 31. The test of around 4 .30 hours involved online multiple-choice questions and the result was declared within two to three hours after the test. The result was intimated to us through e-mail,” said Sumit, adding that there were also practical and endurance tests.

“From this month, I am being provided Rs 10,000 every month which will continue till I complete Plus Two. I have already received the amount for September. After Plus Two, I may get an opportunity for free education at an American university and may eventually get chance to work with Nasa as data scientist,” he said.

Sumit is the only child of his parents — Siba Sahu and Tanuja Sahu. While his father is working for a multi-national company in Dubai as an electrical engineer, his mother Tanuja is a homemaker. Tanuja said her son was interested in mathematics and science since childhood .

“We are very happy with his success,” she said.

School principal N. Srinibas said: “It is matter of pride for our school that a student has qualified as data scientist for Nasa. He will get chance for higher education at an American university with scholarship.”