NEW DELHI/MUMBAI — Defying odds, overcoming poverty, and challenging social barriers, Adibah Anam, daughter of a rickshaw driver from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, has secured All India Rank 142 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024—becoming the first Muslim woman from her state set to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), reported the Clarion India.
Raised in a modest home, Adibah’s journey is a testament to perseverance and purpose. Her education began in a Zilla Parishad Urdu School, where she excelled academically, scoring 94% in SSC and 92.46% in HSC (Science). Though she initially aspired to become a doctor, her maternal uncle, Jan Nizamuddin Sahib, persuaded her to consider civil services to make a broader impact. He not only mentored her but also supported her financially and emotionally.
Graduating in Mathematics from Abeda Inamdar College in Pune with 85.20%, Adibah chose not to pursue academia despite clearing the NET exam. Instead, she began UPSC preparations early, joining Unique Academy in Pune and learning under the guidance of Jawad Qazi Sahib. But the journey wasn’t smooth—COVID-19 disrupted her studies, and her first two attempts did not succeed.
Her third attempt, from Mumbai’s Hajj House under Maqsood Khan Sahib’s mentorship, saw progress, but she still fell short of the final list. Feeling low, she then moved to the Residential Coaching Academy at Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, for renewed focus. There, she made her final and successful attempt.
Despite her science background, she opted for Urdu Literature as her optional subject—showcasing not just her academic versatility but her love for her mother tongue.
Her father, who silently bore the economic burden of her dreams, and her mother, who faced societal judgments, never lost faith in her. “They never asked me to stop. My father would only say, ‘May Allah make you successful,’” Adibah recalled with emotion.
Today, she stands as an emblem of hope for marginalized communities. “This success is not just mine. It belongs to every girl who is told to stay behind. I want to ensure no child is denied education because of poverty,” she said.
Gratitude echoes in her voice—for her family, mentors, and community. But with humility, she adds, “This is not the end. It’s just the beginning.”
