Despite social hurdles and financial struggles, the young achiever from Maharashtra cracks UPSC with AIR 142, carrying with her the prayers, sacrifices, and dreams of her humble background
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI — Braving poverty, repeated failures and social challenges, Adibah Anam, daughter of a rickshaw driver from Yavatmal district in Maharashtra, has emerged as an inspiring symbol of determination and grit, securing 142nd rank in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination 2024.
With this feat, Adibah is on course to become the first Muslim woman IAS officer from Maharashtra, a milestone hailed as historic by many in the community.
Adibah’s early life was far removed from the corridors of power. She completed her schooling from Class I to XII at a Zilla Parishad Urdu School, scoring 94% in her SSC (Class 10) and 92.46% in HSC (Class 12 – Science stream). Despite her exceptional academic performance, the road ahead was never easy.
“We faced financial hardships constantly, but my father always supported me with a smile, even when he had very little,” Adibah told Clarion India over the phone.
While she initially dreamt of becoming a doctor, it was her maternal uncle, Jan Nizamuddin Sahib, who nudged her towards civil services, saying she could serve more people as a district collector than a doctor.
“He was my constant support, both mentally and financially. He made me believe I was capable of achieving something bigger,” said Adibah.
Adibah graduated with a BSc in Mathematics from the well-known Abeda Inamdar College, Azam Campus in Pune, scoring 85.20%. She also cleared the NET (National Eligibility Test) but opted not to pursue academia.
Instead, she enrolled at Pune’s Unique Academy during the first year of her graduation to begin her UPSC journey. For three years, she underwent foundational coaching under Jawad Qazi Sahib, learning the nuances of competitive exams.
But the path was anything but smooth. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her studies significantly.
“Just when I was gaining momentum, the lockdown stalled everything. But I didn’t give up,” she said.
Adibah’s first attempt in UPSC Prelims 2021 failed. Undeterred, she moved to Hajj House in Mumbai, where Maqsood Khan Sahib had created a focused study environment.
“His efforts can’t be described in words. That place became a turning point,” she said.
In her second attempt, she passed the prelims but failed in the mains. Feeling demoralised, she sought new guidance and joined the Residential Coaching Academy at Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi.
The 2023 attempt saw her go all the way to the interview round, only to miss the final list.
“It was heartbreaking. I had come so far and still didn’t make it. But I told myself I could not stop now,” said Adibah.
Her resilience paid off. In 2024, she cleared all three stages — Prelims, Mains and Interview, earning the 142nd All India Rank.
Despite a science background, Adibah chose Urdu Literature as her optional subject.
“Mathematics was familiar to me, but it is too vast. Urdu, on the other hand, was my strength. I’ve always loved the language.”
She credits her success not just to her hard work but also to the ecosystem created by her uncle, who is also the president of the ‘Seva’ Educational Foundation.
“He started door-to-door educational awareness campaigns in Yavatmal. I am a product of that movement,” she said.
Adibah’s parents, though not highly educated, stood by her through every failure.
“People criticised them, saying I was wasting time living away from home. But they never questioned me. They had faith,” she recalled emotionally.
Her father silently bore the weight of her dreams, never letting his economic limitations discourage her.
“Even when I asked for a small amount, he never said no. He’d just smile and say, ‘May Allah make you successful.’”
Now, with her UPSC rank secured, Adibah is not just fulfilling her dream, but also becoming a symbol of hope for countless girls in marginalised communities.
“This journey was full of pain, but this success has taken away all the fatigue. It was worth every struggle,” she said.
Shed will become Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman to join the Indian Administrative Service, a role she sees as a platform to give back.
“I want to ensure that no child is denied an education because of poverty. I’m here because someone believed in me. I want to be that someone for others,” Adibah said.
As congratulatory messages pour in from across the state and beyond, Adibah remains grounded.
“This is not the end. It’s just the beginning.”
