It's Never Too Late: Inspiring Story Of Nisa Unnirajan, Who Cracked UPSC With AIR 1000
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Each year civil services examination results brings stories of unwavering dedication, and resilience. Years of waiting to secure a spot in one of the India’s most fiercely contested exams, patience and endurance of a candidate is being tested. Every inspirational story of the rank holder is of steadfastness and overcoming life’s challenges. The story of Nisa Unnirajan, who secured rank 1,000 in the civil services examination is even more inspiring because she proves that it is never too late to working towards one’s dreams.
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Nisha, a mother of two, living with a hearing disability and hustling a full-time job, she cleared the exam in her seventh attempt. Unlike many, who starts their preparation for the examinations at an early stage, her civil service ambitions started a bit late. But her spirit and determination to fight against the timing and challenges thrown by hearing limitations is ever more stimulating. At 40, when Nisha clears the examination, it just not only a story of empowerment, but of unwavering commitment and diligence. She will get Indian Administrative Service (IAS) since is under the disabled category.
Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Nisha balanced her personal responsibilities with the support from her husband, Arun, a software engineer. Her parents, Unnirajan, retired police clerk father and Jayasree, mother also acted as supporting system. The civil service coaching from a private academy in Thiruvananthapuram also helped in big way. Kottayam sub-collector Ranjith, who also has a hearing impairment and trained under the same coaching institute was a huge inspiration for Nisha. Real-life stories, biographies and motivational videos helped her to stay focused during the course.
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Sharing the news article of her success story on social media platform X, Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor wrote, “It’s never too late — an inspiring story! A 40 year old disabled mother from Thiruvananthapuram cracked the IAS while raising two kids. Congratulations Nisa Unnirajan!”
It’s never too late — an inspiring story! A 40 year old disabled mother from Thiruvananthapuram cracked the IAS while raising two kids. Congratulations Nisa Unnirajan! pic.twitter.com/sF8fZDCYXk
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 24, 2025
(with inputs from Times of India)
