Age & disability no bar: Kerala woman's IAS journey

Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram native Nisa Unnirajan, who secured the 1,000th rank in the UPSC civil services examinations, is being lauded for overcoming her hearing impairment to achieve success.

A mother of two, Unnirajan pursued her civil services dream in her thirties and finally achieved it at 40, succeeding in her seventh attempt. She currently works as an audit assistant at the accountant general’s office.

Jobin S Kottaram, one of Unnirajan’s mentors at an IAS training academy, said that her perseverance deserves praise.

“I have mentored many civil service aspirants with disabilities, but Unnirajan may be the eldest among them to clear the exam. She achieved this while balancing her office and home responsibilities,” said Jobin.

Unnirajan overcomes her impairment using hearing aids and lip-reading.