From UPSC AIR 910 to AIR 167: How this IIT Madras graduate born without forearm gradually climbed ranks despite repeated failures

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Few UPSC journeys reflect this idea better than that of Kajal Raju, a determined civil services aspirant from Kerala who refused to let physical challenges or exam setbacks stand in the way of her dream.

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Born without her right forearm due to a rare congenital condition, Kajal's story is one of resilience, hard work and an unwavering belief in herself. From securing AIR 910 in her first attempt to eventually improving her rank to AIR 167, her journey has become an inspiration for UPSC aspirants across the country.


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Who is Kajal Raju? Meet the UPSC aspirant from Kerala

Kajal Raju hails from Nileshwar in Kerala's Kasaragod district. She was born with phocomelia syndrome, a rare condition that resulted in the absence of her right forearm.

However, those around her often describe her not by her disability but by her determination. From a young age, Kajal focused on academics and consistently pushed herself to achieve more.

Her story highlights how determination and self-belief can often outweigh physical limitations.

IIT Madras graduate who dreamed of joining the civil services

Kajal pursued an Integrated Master's degree in Development Studies from IIT Madras, one of India's most prestigious institutions.

It was during her time on campus that her interest in public service deepened and the dream of becoming a civil servant began to take shape.

After graduating, she committed herself fully to preparing for one of the toughest competitive examinations in the country, the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

UPSC first attempt: AIR 910 and selection in IRMS

Kajal's hard work paid off in her very first attempt when she secured All India Rank 910.

The rank earned her a place in the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), a significant achievement that many aspirants spend years working towards.

Yet Kajal was not ready to stop there. Her ultimate goal was to secure a higher rank and move closer to joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

As the saying goes: “Dreams do not work unless you do.”

For Kajal, the first selection was only the beginning.

UPSC setbacks could not stop Kajal Raju

The road after her first success was far from easy.

In one attempt, her rank dropped. In another, she was unable to clear the Preliminary Examination altogether. These setbacks could have discouraged many candidates, but Kajal viewed them as opportunities to improve.

Instead of giving up, she analysed her mistakes, refined her preparation strategy and returned stronger with each attempt.

Her journey serves as a reminder that UPSC success is often built on persistence rather than perfection.

Balancing railway service training and UPSC preparation

One of the most challenging aspects of Kajal's journey was managing UPSC preparation alongside professional commitments.

While undergoing training in the railway service, she continued studying whenever she could find time. Balancing a demanding schedule with preparation for a highly competitive examination required discipline and consistency.

Her ability to stay focused despite multiple responsibilities became one of the defining features of her success story.

From AIR 910 to AIR 167: Kajal's breakthrough moment

Kajal's perseverance finally delivered the result she had been striving for.

In her fourth attempt, she secured AIR 167 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a remarkable improvement from her earlier rank of 910.

The achievement brought her significantly closer to her dream of becoming an IAS officer and demonstrated the power of persistence in the face of repeated challenges.

UPSC success story that inspires thousands

Kajal Raju's journey is not just about clearing an examination. It is about refusing to let circumstances define your future.

Born with a rare physical condition, facing failures along the way, balancing work and studies, and still managing to improve her rank dramatically, she has become an inspiration for thousands of UPSC aspirants.

Her story sends a simple but powerful message: setbacks may delay success, but they do not have to stop it.

Inputs from agencies