UPSC Success Story: Adiba Anam, Auto Driver's Daughter, Becomes Maharashtra's First Muslim Woman IAS Officer

UPSC Success Story: In an inspiring story of resilience and determination, Adiba Anam, daughter of an autorickshaw driver from Maharashtra's Yavatmal district, is going to become the state's first Muslim woman IAS officer. She reached this milestone by obtaining the 142nd All India Rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, one of India's most challenging competitive exams.

A Humble Beginning

Adiba comes from a humble background. Her father, Ashfaq Ahmed, could not pursue his studies and started driving an autorickshaw to feed his family. Despite financial hardships, the family believed in education, and Adiba's achievement today is a testament to their unwavering commitment.

Educational Journey

Adiba started her schooling at Zafarnagar Zilla Parishad Urdu Primary School, where she studied from Class 1 through Class 7. She shifted to Zilla Parishad Ex-Government Girls High School for Classes 8 to 10. Her higher secondary studies were undertaken at Zilla Parishad Ex-Government College, also at Yavatmal. Later, she studied Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Inamdar Senior College, Pune.

After graduation, Adiba shifted to Pune in order to prepare for the UPSC examinations. Despite a strong academic background, she also had to battle against obstacles in her attempts. She faced two failures at her first two attempts, getting through to the interview stage in one but not going through to the final list.

Her unyielding resolve not to drop out led her to continue practicing with utmost diligence. Her perseverance finally paid off in 2024, during which she was shortlisted in the final list of selected candidates.

Adiba’s success was also shaped by support from specialised training institutes. She was a student of the Haj House IAS Training Institute and Jamia Residential Coaching Academy, which played crucial roles in refining her preparation.

Recognition and Praise

Former Maharashtra Minister and Congress leader Manikrao Thakre, who is also from Yavatmal, congratulated Adiba through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, "Today, the final result of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC 2024) has been declared. Adiba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed from Yavatmal district of Maharashtra has secured 142nd rank in India. Earlier, Adiba had appeared for the UPSC interview but was not selected for the final list. However, in this attempt, she has made it to the final list and is on track to secure an IAS post. Adiba has become Maharashtra's first female Muslim IAS officer."

He further commended her dedication and expressed hope that her journey would inspire countless others from underprivileged and minority communities.