At 8, he lost most of his eyesight. How Kerala autorickshaw driver’s son cracked UPSC twice

Greatness is rarely born from privilege. It is built through determination and persistence. Humble beginnings and severe setbacks can easily cap a person’s potential, but dreams demand the courage to defy odds. True vision isn't deterred by obstacles but is fueled by an unwavering refusal to give up. Such is the story of Ajay R Raj from a small village in Kozhikode, Kerala, who, despite facing many obstacles in his life, emerged victorious. Ajay, the son of an autorickshaw driver, cracked one of the toughest examinations in India, UPSC, not once but twice.

He lost his sight, not his ambition

According to a report by Navbharat Times, Ajay revealed that he hails from a humble family. His father is an autorickshaw driver while his mother is a homemaker. Besides covering the household expenses, Ajay’s father also looked after his son’s education with much financial difficulty. This prompted Ajay to focus on his studies even more and make the situation of his home better.

However, at the age of 8 or 9, Ajay’seyesight deteriorated, making his journey even more difficult. As per The Better India, he lost most of his eyesight and couldn’t see clearly. The roadblocks did not deter him, and he topped his CBSE examination. After completing his studies at St. Stephen's College in Delhi, Ajay earned a postgraduate degree in English Literature, followed by pursuing his dream: UPSC.

Ajay’s UPSC win and more about him

Ajay’s UPSC journey was far from smooth. His first few attempts brought disappointment as he could not clear the prelims on some occasions and fell short at the mains stage at other times. With financial pressures adding to the challenge, he took up teaching English and cultural studies at a college. This allowed him to support himself while continuing to prepare for the civil services examination.

His persistence eventually paid off. Ajay first secured the 730th rank in the UPSC examination and was selected for the Railway Service. However, he remained determined to pursue the IAS and decided to attempt the examination again. On his fifth attempt, his efforts resulted in a much-improved 109th rank in the UPSC 2025 results, marking his second successful run in the examination.

Ajay has maintained that his visual impairment does not define his achievements or diminish them in any way. Beyond academics and teaching, he also has a creative side, with an interest in playing and teaching the ukulele. Swimming is another activity he enjoys, reflecting the range of interests he has pursued alongside his demanding career goals.