Kerala Woman’s Inspiring UPSC Exam Success

Akhila BS, a woman from Kerala, defied all odds and achieved an impressive 760th position in the civil service exam of 2022, proving that disability was not a barrier to her success. At the age of five, Akhila lost her right arm in a bus accident, but she didn’t let this setback hinder her determination.
In 2000, the accident resulted in a right arm amputation from the shoulder down. Although German physicians were consulted and examined her, her arms could not be restored due to the loss of her shoulder joint.
Undeterred by her disability, Akhila adapted to using her left arm for daily tasks and mastered writing. She excelled in her board exams, earning top grades. After completing an Integrated MA at IIT Madras, she embarked on her journey to prepare for the civil service exam. This was her third attempt, having passed the preliminary exams in her previous tries. Akhila expressed her joy and gratitude, mentioning that one of her lecturers inspired her to pursue a career in the Collector profession, which motivated her to prepare for the UPSC exam.
Throughout her preparations and during the exam, Akhila faced challenges, such as using her left hand and enduring back pain from sitting for long periods. Writing continuously for three to four hours was particularly difficult. Despite feeling exhausted and uncomfortable, she persevered. In the days leading up to the main tests, she had to write nonstop, which posed additional difficulty. However, her determination to become an IAS officer fueled her study efforts, and she remained committed to achieving her goal.
Among the numerous success stories emerging from the UPSC Exam results, Akhila BS’s story stands out.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Zee News.