Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Ghazipur’s Saima Khan Creates History: Clears UPSC Twice, Secures Rank 135

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Usia Village – Kamsarbar (Ghazipur District), UTTAR PRADESH / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

The daughter of Kamsarbar village in Uttar Pradesh becomes the first woman civil servant from her area, inspiring Muslim girls across the country 

New Delhi :

In a moment of pride for Indian Muslims, especially young women from small towns, Saima Saraj Khan from Kamsarbar in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, has once again cleared the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. This time, she achieved an impressive All India Rank of 135, improving on her earlier success where she secured Rank 165. With this double achievement, Saima joins the rare group of women in the country who have passed the tough exam twice.

Saima, the only daughter among three siblings, hails from Usia village in the Muslim-majority Kamsarbar area of Ghazipur. Her family later moved to Kolkata, where she grew up and studied. Her father, Saraj Ahmad Khan, is a successful businessman and builder, and he played a big role in encouraging her education from childhood. “My father always said education is the biggest power. Once you get it, paths in life open on their own,” Saima recalled.

Most of Saima’s schooling took place in Kolkata. She completed up to Class 8 at St. Paul’s Boarding and Day School in Kidderpore, then did her Class 12 from Ashok Hall Girls Higher Secondary School. She graduated with honours in Sociology from St. Xavier’s College. During her college days, working with an NGO brought her close to real problems faced by people on the ground. “When I met people and saw their struggles, I felt I wanted to help them, even if in a small way. That need for real authority to make change pushed me towards UPSC,” she said.

Saima prepared for the exam at Educate IAS Academy in Kolkata. After clearing prelims in earlier attempts, she also guided other aspirants for some time. Her journey was not easy. She failed three times before her first success in UPSC 2023, which made her the first woman from Kamsarbar to become a civil servant. Each failure tested her deeply. “Every day after those failures, the thought of giving up came. But I had no other plan. All my dreams were tied to UPSC, so I kept going,” she shared.

To focus fully, Saima cut herself off from social media and most social events for four to five years. She rarely visited relatives or attended weddings, limiting outings to occasional meetings with childhood friends once a month. “There was no fixed study time, but I gave as many hours as possible to studies,” she explained.

Her message to other aspirants is clear and practical. “First, be honest with yourself. If you study five hours, focus on quality, not just quantity. Consistency matters most. Don’t worry too much about results—just keep preparing fully.” She also spoke directly to Muslim girls and women: “Dreaming and working to fulfil those dreams is every girl’s right. Women can succeed in any field. Never give up on your dreams.”

Saima’s success brings huge joy to her family, village, and district. People in Ghazipur and beyond see her as a strong example of self-reliance and hard work for Muslim women, where many still face limits on education and careers. Her story shows that with family support and belief in oneself, no goal is too far.

She quoted a line that sums up her journey: “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Saima often repeats that difficulties and failures are part of success. “Don’t let them take over you. Keep pushing.”

Her achievement also connects to Kolkata’s proud history—from Satyendranath Tagore, the first Indian ICS officer from united India, to now Saima becoming the first woman civil servant from Kamsarbar. “Education is the real power,” she stresses, echoing her father’s words from childhood.

As news of her Rank 135 spread, young Muslim girls in Uttar Pradesh and across India are finding fresh hope. Saima proves that with clear goals, steady effort, and strong resolve, women from humble backgrounds can reach the top. In the words of poet Dushyant Kumar that capture her spirit perfectly:

“Kaise aakaash mein suraakh nahin ho sakta

Ek patthar to tabiyat se uchhaalo yaaro”

(How can the sky not have a hole?

Just throw a stone with real courage, friends.)

Saima Khan has thrown that stone with full courage—and broken through barriers for many to follow. Her story is a shining light for education, perseverance, and the power of dreams in the Indian Muslim community.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims> Women / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / March 10th, 2026

Adibah Anam, rickshaw driver’s daughter, becomes Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Yawatmal, MAHARASHTRA :

Adibah Anam, rickshaw driver’s daughter, becomes Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer.

Defying immense odds, Adibah Anam, daughter of a rickshaw driver from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, has achieved an extraordinary feat by securing All India Rank 142 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.

With this, she becomes the first Muslim woman from her state set to join the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), according to Clarion India.

Raised in a modest household, Adibah’s story is one of sheer determination and purpose. She began her education in a Zilla Parishad Urdu School, scoring an impressive 94% in SSC and 92.46% in HSC (Science).

Though she once dreamt of becoming a doctor, her maternal uncle, Jan Nizamuddin Sahib, guided her toward civil services, believing she could bring broader change. He supported her emotionally and financially, becoming a pillar in her journey.

Adibah completed her graduation in Mathematics from Abeda Inamdar College, Pune, with 85.20%. Despite clearing the NET exam, she chose not to enter academia and began preparing for the UPSC.

Her early attempts were marked by struggle, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her third attempt, from Mumbai’s Hajj House under Maqsood Khan Sahib’s mentorship, brought her closer, but she still missed the final list.

Refusing to give up, she joined the Residential Coaching Academy at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, where she finally succeeded. Choosing Urdu Literature as her optional subject despite a science background, she showcased her academic versatility and deep cultural roots.

Her parents remained her silent strength. “My father never asked me to stop. He only said, ‘May Allah make you successful,’” she shared.

Today, Adibah’s success is a beacon of hope for marginalized communities. “This victory belongs to every girl told to stay behind,” she says. “This is just the beginning.” — With Agencies Inputs

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Desk / April 27th, 2025

Yunus Sayyad’s journey from cancer patient to award-winning author

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Useful / HEALTHCARE, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MAHARASHTRA :

Yunus Sayyad receiving the award for his book ‘Inuchi Goshta

The conferring of the prestigious ‘Lakshmibai Tilak Award’ by the Maharashtra Government on ‘Inuchi Goshta‘ (The Story of Inu) is a tribute to its author, Yunus Sayyad, for his resilience in fighting a slew of diseases, including cancer, and sharing his experience with public through the book.

Yunus Sayyad was pursuing his Master’s degree at Fergusson College when he was diagnosed with blood cancer.

For the next year, he underwent treatment at Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital. During that time, he had to battle 13 different diseases. Twice, his health deteriorated to the point of hopelessness. Friends who saw him in the ICU thought it would be their last meeting.

However, today, Yunus has dodged death and become a ray of hope for thousands of patients. His book ‘Inuchi Goshta‘ (The Story of Inu) is the story of his struggle with diseases.

Yunus Sayyad receiving the award

A visibly happy Yunus Sayyad told Awaz-the Voice, “When the award was announced, I was doing cancer awareness work in the Konkan region—in Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, and Raigad. At one place, I was conducting a session for medical officers and primary health centre staff on palliative care centres on the care of cancer patients. Coincidentally, I was in a village very close to Lakshmibai Tilak’s village, and the award is also in her name. It was a great coincidence that I was doing cancer awareness work, which is the exact subject of my book.”

Yunus faced many difficulties while undergoing cancer treatment. Common patients have no information about things, such as the cost of treatment, proper diet, precautions during chemotherapy, and scientific methods of drinking water. Often, many things can be learned only through experience.

Yunus says, “I found solutions myself to all the problems I faced. With the thought that my journey and experiences should benefit other patients, I started writing a diary.” This diary was later transformed into a book. Since Yunus’s nickname is ‘Inu’, the book was named ‘Inuchi Goshta‘, and its tagline was kept as ‘Ajun Mi Jivant Ahe‘ (I am still alive).

Yunus’s mother had never seen the world outside her village till her son was diagnosed with cancer. For Yunus’s treatment, she rented a room in a slum area in Mumbai and lived there.

Yunus says, “My mother’s struggle was bigger than mine. She endured the heat of Mumbai, the environment there, and the constant physical strain caused by my illness for a year.”

Yunus Sayyad with his family

While bedridden and undergoing treatment for cancer, Yunus diligently wrote down memories from his childhood in a diary.

The book ‘Inuchi Goshta‘ is not just confined to cancer patients. Reading the story of a young man who fought and survived 13 diseases in a year is inspiring many ordinary people as well. The Maharashtra State Board of Literature and Culture selected this book from among 80 books.

Receiving a state award for an autobiography in the adult literature category at the age of just 26 makes Yunus the youngest literary awardee this year. He achieved this success purely on the strength of his experience, without previous inclination to writing.

Yunus said, “My book was published at the end of 2024. After publication, it received the ‘Navlekhak‘ (New Author) award from the Pune Book Festival. After that, the book was read by many cancer patients. Most importantly, on Cancer Day last year, I was invited as a guest to Tata Memorial Hospital, the very hospital where I was treated, and an informal launch of the book took place there too.”

Yunus also founded an NGO named ‘Aarambh‘. He says, “It’s wrong to think that our life is over after cancer. Modern medical science has good options like immunotherapy and targeted therapy.”

He also made a video on the treatment process at the Tata Hospital, which was watched by thousands of people. Many of them contacted him, and he helped 2500 patients get admitted into hospitals for treatment.

Today, he says, more than 85 per cent of them are living normal lives.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Bhatki Chalak, Pune / March 10th, 2026

Hyderabad man Mohammed Aziz feeds nearly 300 patients daily outside hospitals through grassroots initiative

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

The idea took shape after Aziz read about a food bank in Chennai. Moved by the concept, he decided to start something similar in Hyderabad.

The menu remains simple — usually rice, bagara rice and dal — ensuring freshly cooked, nutritious food for those who need it most.Photo | EPS

Hyderabad :

Hyderabad is a city synonymous with food — from the aroma of biryani to bustling night markets. But for Mohammed Aziz, the city’s most important meal is not served in its famous restaurants. It is handed out at dawn outside hospitals to patients and families who often go hungry after exhausting their savings on treatment. What began in 2015 with 34 packets cooked in his mother’s kitchen has grown into a daily effort feeding nearly 300 people across the city.

The idea took shape after Aziz read about a food bank in Chennai. Moved by the concept, he decided to start something similar in Hyderabad. With help from his mother and four friends, he prepared the first batch of meals and distributed them on the streets. “There was no big plan; just a Facebook page and the belief that if people saw the need, they would come forward,” Aziz, 38, a corporate professional, tells TNIE.

Today, much of the distribution happens near Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, where many patients and caregivers struggle to afford even a basic meal. “My parents always told me that doing good eventually finds its way back to you,” Aziz says. “Hyderabad is known for its food, but seeing eople starving outside government hospitals felt like a personal insult.”

For the past decade, his days have followed a steady rhythm. Early mornings are spent distributing meals to patients, caregivers and migrant workers sleeping on pavements. After the last packet is handed out, he heads to his corporate job. “We serve around 300 to 400 people every morning — patients and their families who have nothing left after paying for medicines,” he says.

Over the years, the initiative has grown into a volunteer network of students, professionals and homemakers. Meals are distributed near major government hospitals such as Niloufer Hospital, Gandhi Hospital and Osmania General Hospital, where the need is often most visible. “You see cancer patients and migrant workers who have not had a hot meal in days. Giving them food is not just about nutrition; it is about ensuring they do not lose their dignity while they are suffering,” Aziz says.

Interestingly, the initiative does not accept monetary donations. For the past decade, the group has followed a zero-cash policy. Those who wish to contribute either cook food at home, sponsor raw materials or volunteer during distribution. As the effort expanded, the team set up a small kitchen in King Koti to manage the daily cooking. Preparations begin at about 5.30 am, and by 7.30 am the meals are ready for distribution.

The menu remains simple — usually rice, bagara rice and dal — ensuring freshly cooked, nutritious food for those who need it most.

What started with four friends has now grown into a citywide volunteer network, with over 40 active members helping with cooking, packing and distribution. After a decade of work, Aziz says the mission remains unchanged. “I want to reach every major hospital in Hyderabad,” he says. “No one waiting for treatment should have to worry about their next meal.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Megha Nath / March 15th, 2026

Outcome of resilience and family support: Farmer’s daughter from Murshidabad cracks UPSC

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pakalpara Village (Murshidabad District), WEST BENGAL :

A resident of Pakalpara village, Sana secured an All-India Rank of 764 among 958 candidates recommended in the final list of the 2025 examination, making her eligible for the Indian Revenue Service and other Group-A central government services.

Sana Azmi, a 25-year-old Muslim woman from a modest farming family in Murshidabad’s Sagardighi, brought pride and joy to the region this month by qualifying in the prestigious Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

A resident of Pakalpara village, Sana secured an All-India Rank of 764 among 958 candidates recommended in the final list of the 2025 examination, making her eligible for the Indian Revenue Service and other Group-A central government services.

The results of the Civil Services Examination 2025 were declared on March 6.

Though the achievement has been widely celebrated in her village and across Murshidabad district, Sana is dissatisfied with her present rank and has already started preparations to attempt the exam again for a better rank that would enable her to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.

The Civil Services Examination, conducted annually by the UPSC, is regarded as one of the toughest in the country with three stages — the preliminary, Main and the personality test/interview. Successful candidates are recommended for appointment to the country’s elite administrative services such as the Indian Foreign Service, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Revenue Service.

Born into a large family with limited means, Sana’s UPSC journey has been remarkable on many fronts. Youngest among 10 siblings, Sana grew up in a family focused on education.

That was largely because of her father, Maijuddin Sheikh. A poor farmer with a small patch of land, he had to discontinue his education after Class IX. But he struggled to ensure that all his children, including his seven daughters, received a proper education.

The results of that commitment are now visible.

Two of Sana’s sisters chose to study medicine — one of them, Beauty Khatun, is a doctor at the Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, while another sister is studying MBBS at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri.

Sana’s success in the UPSC exam has added another feather to the family’s cap.

Sana began her schooling in her native village.

She studied up to Class VIII at Kabilpur High School in a neighbouring village. She later moved to a residential institution run by the Al-Amin Mission, where she completed her Class X and Class XII. She appeared for the Class XII board exams through a high madarsa in Howrah district and stood first in the district.

Then came the big leap.

Encouraged by her family and her own grades, she took admission to the Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, where she graduated in English Honours and completed her MA as well.

During her time in Delhi, she also joined the university’s residential coaching academy for civil services aspirants, where she began a systematic preparation for the UPSC exam.

Remarkably, she cleared the Civil Services Examination in her very first attempt in 2025.

“I had strived hard to crack UPSC, and I thank my family members for their support. I am happy to have done it on my first attempt, but I would not have achieved it without the support of my sister Beauty Khatun. She sent me to Delhi to fulfil my dream. I will take up the job, but ultimately will try to fulfil my dream to become an IAS officer,” said a reclusive Sana, who spoke to the media through her elder brother Md Imran.

Beauty recalled how the family collectively nurtured Sana’s ambition.

“I became a doctor, and another of our sisters is studying MBBS,” she said.

“But we always felt that one of us should become a top civil servant. Sana had that dream. We encouraged her and planned her academic path accordingly. Her admission to Jamia Millia University in Delhi was also part of that plan,” she added.

As congratulations poured in, her mother, homemaker Fulbanu Bibi, couldn’t stop beaming.

“It is a dream come true,” Fulbanu said. “But Sana is not satisfied with the rank she has obtained. Her goal is to become an IAS officer. So she has begun her studies again.”

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph / Home> West Bengal / by Alamgir Hossain / March 03rd, 2026

Jamia Millia Islamia’s Nabiya Parvez secures AIR 29 in UPSC CSE 2025

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dariyapur Jaka Village (Bulandshahr District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Jamia Millia Islamia’s Nabiya Parvez Secures AIR 29 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the results of the Civil Services Examination 2025, one of the toughest competitive examinations in the world.

According to the official statement, a total of 958 candidates have been selected for appointment to India’s top civil services. These include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), along with several Group A and Group B central services.

Among the successful candidates is Nabiya Parvez, who secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 29 in the UPSC CSE 2025. She hails from Dariyapur Jaka village in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh. Nabiya pursued a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVnPoIPiTOz/?igsh=MTZuN2tkOWV2bWphbg==

She was also a student of the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) at Jamia Millia Islamia, which provides guidance to aspirants preparing for civil services examinations.

According to information available on her LinkedIn profile, Nabiya successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with AIR 29, placing her among the top 30 candidates in the country.

The UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview (Personality Test). The preliminary exam for 2025 was held on May 25, followed by the mains from August 22 to August 31.

The interview process took place in two phases between December 2025 and January 2026. The final merit list was released on March 6, 2026.

The top 10 rank holders of UPSC CSE 2025 include Anuj Agnihotri, Rajeshwari Suve M, Akansh Dhull, Raghav Jhunjhunwala, Ishan Bhatnagar, Zinnia Aurora, A R Rajah Mohaideen, Pakshal Secretry, Astha Jain, and Ujjwal Priyank.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Desk / March 08th, 2026

Perseverance pushes two Kolar aspirants through the UPSC hurdle

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bangarapete (Kolar District), KARNATAKA :

Madhu’s father is a farmer and mother is a homemaker.

Both of them had been able to reach upto the interview round a few times in their previous attempts, yet missed making it to the final list by a few marks.

Bengaluru :

Two candidates from Kolar are among the 22 candidates from Karnataka who have cleared the UPSC Civil Service Examination (CSE) 2025. While A Madhu secured the 436th rank, Tousif Ulla Khan secured 741st rank at the national level. Both of them had been able to reach upto the interview round a few times in their previous attempts, yet missed making it to the final list by a few marks.

Tousif, a resident of Bangarpet, cleared the CSE in his fifth attempt. He said, “I was qualified for an interview in my fourth attempt in UPSC CSE 2024 but missed to be in the final list by one mark. But I kept up my hopes. I am happy to have cleared it in my fifth attempt, but I am not sure if I will be able to join the service as it depends on the allocation I receive for my rank.”

Tousif started preparing for the CSE in 2021, soon after his graduation, and he happened to land a job in the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as an assistant section officer in Hyderabad last year.

“The job helped me sustain in this UPSC journey, as I was able to support myself, as well as my family, financially,” he said.

Madhu, who hails from Eragasandra village in Kolar, also hails from a humble background.

His father is a farmer and mother is a homemaker. He pursued his studies in government schools and colleges. “I have been able to qualify for an interview four times. Despite this, I failed in the prelims in 2023, and it was an eye opener for me. In my third attempt in 2024, I secured 544th rank and was allocated Indian Revenue Service. This year, I am hoping to get Indian Administrative Service with my rank as well as my OBC status,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home>Karnataka / by Rashmi Patil / March 08th, 2026

Mangaluru: Blood Donors Mangaluru task force donates blood after Iftar to help patients

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, FREE : Healthcare / Assistance, Karnataka (under research project), Useful / HEALTHCARE

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru :

To address the shortage of blood for patients in hospitals across Dakshina Kannada district, the organisation Blood Donors Mangaluru (BDM) has formed a special task force committee. The team has been actively donating blood after Iftar every day during the month of Ramadan.

Whenever an urgent request for blood is circulated through WhatsApp groups, members of the task force immediately contact the concerned hospital and the patient’s relatives. After breaking their fast in the evening, they visit the blood banks and donate blood directly to help patients in need.

With the support of local organisations and volunteers, the BDM task force has collected around 150 units of blood within the first 15 days of Ramadan and supplied it to patients requiring urgent treatment, providing significant humanitarian support.

Generally, hospitals experience a shortage of blood during Ramadan. Although several blood donation camps were organised before the start of the fasting month, the number of donors was not sufficient to meet the demand.

During Ramadan, many Muslims refrain from donating blood while fasting, while people from other communities continue to donate. Dakshina Kannada has a large number of hospitals and also receives many patients from neighbouring districts, increasing the demand for blood.

To overcome the shortage, the BDM team led by founder-president Siddique Manjeshwar, president Nawaz Naringana, vice-president Ashraf Uppinangady, secretary Shahul Hameed Kashipatna, and direct blood donation coordinators Taufiq Kulai, Mansoor B C Road, and Salam Chombugudde has been actively organising direct blood donations.

The organisation has been conducting blood donation camps and various social service activities for the past 13 years across the state, country, and even abroad.

“Due to Ramadan fasting, college examinations, summer season, and an increase in the number of patients, hospitals are facing a shortage of blood. Therefore, we visit hospitals after Iftar and donate blood directly wherever it is urgently required,” said Siddique Manjeshwar, founder-president of Blood Donors Mangaluru.

“We have been prioritising blood donation for the past 13 years. Our aim is to help poor patients and those coming from other districts and states for treatment. We have formed an active team that immediately responds whenever blood is required,” said Nawaz Naringana, president of Blood Donors Mangaluru.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC) / March 09th, 2026

Blindness No Barrier: Jaseela Jannath P Secures 397th Rank in UPSC

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vadakara (Calicut, formerly Kozhikode) KERALA :

Calicut :

Some victories are seen with the eyes, but Jaseela’s is one that truly fills the heart. Defying all odds and turning her personal challenge into an inspiration for differently-abled UPSC aspirants, visually impaired 30-year-old Jaseela Jannath P from Vadakara, Calicut, has secured the 397th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

This marks Jaseela’s fourth attempt at the exam. Her optional subject, Sociology, reflects her deep passion for social issues, honed through her M.A. in Social Work with a Women-Centred Practice specialisation from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Prior to focusing on her UPSC preparation, Jaseela worked as a Project Associate at Prajaahita Foundation in Kozhikode from July 2021 to March 2022, contributing to community development initiatives.

Jaseela credits much of her success to the one-year UPSC preparation journey covering Prelims, Mains, and interview guidance at Xylem IAS, where she joined the civil services batch in March 2025. Speaking about her learning approach, Jaseela relied on audio-based learning methods, voice-to-text tools, and peer-led discussions to navigate and master the vast syllabus.

“Blindness tested me, but it never defined me. With the right support, including personalised mentorship, innovative tech-aided learning modules, and a supportive community, I was able to crack it,” she said. Looking ahead, Jaseela aspires to serve and empower people facing challenges similar to her own.

Apart from her academic pursuits, she has also established herself as an eloquent public speaker and secured A grades in Mimicry, Vanchippattu (boat song), Folk Song, and Malayalam Recitation at school youth festivals.

Jaseela is the daughter of the late Kunhabdulla P and homemaker Sainaba.

Including Jaseela, a total of 29 students from Xylem IAS have secured ranks in the examination.

source: http://www.businessnewsthisweek.com / Business News This Week / Home> Education / by Neel Achary / March 06th, 2026

Uttar Pradesh’s daughters have brought glory to the state, with Ifra from Bhadohi securing 24th rank in the UPSC exam, while Ishita from Gorakhpur also made history.

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Bhadohi, UTTAR PRADESH :

Ishita Sharma (right) and Ifra Shams Ansari (right)

The daughters of Uttar Pradesh achieved remarkable success in the UPSC 2025. Ifrah Shams Ansari of Bhadohi and Ishita Sharma of Gorakhpur brought honor to their state and families by securing high ranks. Their achievement has brought joy to their families.

Daughters from Bhadohi and Gorakhpur districts of Uttar Pradesh have brought glory to the state by passing the UPSC-2025 examination. Bhadohi’s daughter Ifra Shams Ansari achieved All India Rank (AIR) 24, while Gorakhpur’s daughter Ishita Sharma achieved AIR 26. Their success has brought joy to the entire district and family. Ifra Shams Ansari is set to become the district’s first IAS officer.

Ifra Shams Ansari, a resident of Rotahan village in the Chauri Bazaar area of ​​Bhadohi city, has created history by securing an All India Rank of 24 in the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC-2025) examination. Her father, Shams Ansari, said he could not be happier during this holy month of Ramadan. He said the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the most prestigious and influential civil services in the country, and his daughter’s selection is a matter of pride for the entire family.

Ifra completed her primary education from Lucknow.

Her father, Shams Ansari, is in the carpet business. He said Ifra completed her primary education at La Martiniere Girls’ College in Lucknow. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi. She furthered her education by earning a Masters (M.A.) in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics.

Took coaching from RCA

To prepare for the Civil Services Examination, she took coaching from the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) of Jamia Millia Islamia, after which she successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Her father, Shams Ansari, said that his daughter was inspired to take the exam by her classmate, Shruti Sharma, who had passed the UPSC Civil Services Examination two years earlier and is currently an IAS officer.

Learn where Ifra got her inspiration from.

Shruti Sharma’s success gave Ifra the confidence and inspiration that she too could reach this level. After discussions with her family, she began preparing for the Civil Services Examination. She secured a rank in her first attempt, but due to her relatively low rank, she re-took the exam and secured 24th rank in her second attempt. Shams Ansari further stated that his family always provides full support to children.

Gorakhpur’s daughter created history

Ifrah is the second of their children and is no less important to the family than a son. They said that their daughter has brought them the greatest joy during this holy month of Ramadan. The family wishes that she continues to serve the nation and society with excellence, and that Allah grants her continued success. Ishita Sharma, a resident of Raptinagar, Gorakhpur, is no less. She secured the 26th rank in the UPSC 2025 results in her fourth attempt.

Completed studies from Delhi University

After completing her B.Com and M.Com from Delhi University, Ishita chose commerce as her optional subject. She began preparing for the Civil Services exam while living at home. She made it to the interview stage on her third attempt, but was unsuccessful. However, Ishita secured the 26th rank in the UPSC exam on her fourth attempt. Ishita’s father, DK Sharma, is a bank manager, and her mother, Archana Sharma, is a homemaker.

Passed NET-JRF in the first attempt

Ishita passed the NET-JRF in her first attempt. It was only after that that she began preparing for the civil services. Ishita attributes her success to dedication, hard work, and commitment. She emphasized that choosing an optional subject for the civil services should be thoughtful. She gave full credit for her success to her elder brother. She stated that she would work to improve education while holding this position.

(Report- Rohit Gupta/Bhadohi- Pradeep Tiwari/Gorakhpur)

source: http://www.tv9hindi.com / TV9 Bharatvarsh / Home> Hindi News> State> Uttar Pradesh / by Rohit Gupta (Bhadohi) / Pradeep Tiwari (Gorakhpur) / translated from Hindi to English / March 07th, 2026