Her story stands as a testament to the importance of education, the power of resilience, and the strength of familial support in shaping future leaders
Team Clarion
KOTA — Farah Hussain, hailing from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, exemplifies determination and dedication in her journey to becoming an IAS officer. With a remarkable family background in civil services, Farah’s story inspires countless aspirants across India.
Passing the UPSC exam is a monumental achievement in itself, and only a few manage to rise to the top ranks to secure positions as IAS and IPS officers. Despite the odds, Farah Hussain not only cleared the UPSC exam but did so with an impressive 267th rank in 2016, at the age of just 26. Farah, a member of the Kayamkhani Muslim community, achieved her dream on her second attempt, inspired by the rich legacy of civil service in her family.
Farah’s family is no ordinary one. She is part of a legacy that includes three IAS officers, one IPS officer, and five Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) officers. Her father, Ashfaq Hussain, is a role model, having served as a District Collector in Rajasthan. He entered the civil services through RAS and later received a promotion to IAS, a testament to his dedication. Farah’s uncles, Liaquat Khan and Zakir Khan, also serve in prestigious positions, with one as an IPS officer and the other as an IAS officer. Additionally, two of Farah’s cousins are RAS officers, and several extended family members hold top roles in civil services and even the Indian Army. This legacy of excellence and commitment to public service has laid a strong foundation for Farah’s own aspirations.
Farah’s journey to the civil services began with an education in law. She graduated from the esteemed Government Law College in Mumbai and subsequently became a criminal lawyer. Despite her early interest in beauty contests and even dreams of becoming a doctor, her career took a meaningful turn towards public service. Inspired by her family’s background, she decided to pursue the UPSC, facing the rigorous demands of the exam and finally securing a place among India’s elite administrative officers.
As a Muslim woman from the minority Kayamkhani community, Farah Hussain’s journey is particularly inspiring. Her community, predominantly based in Jhunjhunu, Churu, Nagaur, and Bikaner districts, is relatively underrepresented in top government roles. By achieving the rank of IAS, Farah has not only made her family proud but has also become a symbol of empowerment for women and minority communities in India. Her success story highlights that dedication, hard work, and support from family can overcome barriers of caste, religion, and gender in the pursuit of national service.
Today, Farah Hussain’s achievements resonate widely, encouraging other young women, especially from minority backgrounds, to dream big and work towards achieving their goals. Her story stands as a testament to the importance of education, the power of resilience, and the strength of familial support in shaping future leaders. Farah’s family’s dedication to public service has paved the way for future generations to aspire to the same, setting a powerful example for others across the country.
As Farah continues her journey in the Indian Administrative Services, her work not only impacts the lives of people in her jurisdiction but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who dream of making a difference through civil service.