Adiba Anam, the daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver from Maharashtra's Yavatmal district, has shown that with hard work and determination, success is possible even in tough conditions. She is set to become Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer after securing the 142nd All India Rank (AIR) in the UPSC 2024 exam.
Adiba’s father, who could not finish his education due to difficult circumstances, has been working as an auto driver. Despite many challenges, his daughter has made her family proud by clearing one of the toughest exams in the country.
Yavatmal, which is part of the Vidarbha region known for its farming problems and farmer suicides, is where Adiba grew up. After completing her graduation in mathematics, she moved to Pune to prepare for the civil services exam.
Adiba had been a bright student and did well in her board exams. However, the journey wasn’t easy — she faced failures in her first two attempts at UPSC, though she reached the interview stage once. She did not give up and kept trying until she finally succeeded.
Former Maharashtra Minister and Congress leader Manikrao Thakre, who is from Yavatmal, praised Adiba’s success. In a post on social media platform X, he said, "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 the 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."
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He also added that Adiba was a student at the Haj House IAS Training Institute and later at the Jamia Residential Coaching Academy. He said her achievement would inspire many other students and congratulated her warmly.
Top officials from Yavatmal also congratulated her. The Yavatmal Police posted a message congratulating UPSC selected candidates, including Adiba Anam Ashfaq Ahmad Sheikh (Rank 142) and Dr Jay Kumar Ade (Rank 300).
Rais Sheikh, the MLA from Bhiwandi East, also praised Adiba. He said, "Adiba Anam's journey is a story of courage, dreams, and a father’s strong support. From an auto-rickshaw in Nanded to securing AIR 142 in UPSC — what an inspiration! I salute her spirit and congratulate her on becoming Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer."
Even though her family came from a humble background, Adiba says her father made sure her education never stopped. She remembers how her parents gave her both emotional and financial support, even when times were hard.
Now, as she starts her journey in the civil services, Adiba says she is committed to working for the underprivileged, especially to support the education and empowerment of girls.
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