The blind IAS Officer stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination that transcends physical limitations. Despite facing the formidable challenges posed by his visual impairment, this remarkable individual has not only overcome societal expectations but has excelled in one of the most competitive and demanding fields—the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Through sheer grit, intelligence, and an unyielding commitment to public service, the blind IAS Officer has shattered preconceived notions about disability, proving that the human spirit can triumph over adversity. His journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities in fostering a society where every individual, regardless of physical abilities, can contribute meaningfully to the betterment of the community.
“We must never give up, we will get that one breakthrough that we are hoping for”
said by India’s first blind IAS Officer, Pranjal Patil.
Imagine a person with complete loss of eyesight in this era which is technically so advanced and lots of beautiful things to be missed out.
Just imagining this, chills came through your body, right?
Well here is an extraordinary person Pranjal Patil who is completely blind yet has not stopped herself from reaching her goals.
Pranjal Patil is India’s first IAS Officer.
Competing against 7-8lakh students for India’s one of the toughest exams, the UPSC exam is itself a challenge, and for Pranjal the difficulty is multiplied like a thousand times as for her eyesight.
She has to compete with herself and overcome her difficulties first before competing with the vast majority in qualifying for the UPSC exam.
She shows that power is everything in achieving your dream. Here is the story of the first blind female IAS Officer of India.
BIOGRAPHY, family, hometown of Pranjal Patil.
Pranjal Patil is originally a resident of Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra.
Her eyesight was weak when she was born and it got disoriented with time in spite of being given the best treatment her parents could afford.
She lost her eyesight completely at the age of six and since then her struggles have begun.
Pranjal did her schooling from Mumbai’s Kamala Mehta Dadar School which is for the blind.
She pursued her graduation in Political Science from the esteemed St. Xavier’s College.
Pranjal also did a post-graduation in international relations from Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University and continued her study for M.Phil. and Ph.D. After doing such higher studies, she did not put herself in any sort of boundary.
She believed that the sky was the limit. So she started working towards her goal to be an IAS Officer and started preparing for the UPSC exam.
How to prepare for the UPSC exam?
Some students take classes from a coaching center and some students do self-preparation. But all students read books, solve mock papers, and practice writing the answers. Is the case the same with Pranajl Patil? The answer is quite obvious, no. She is not like other students, she is physically disabled and blind. So her method of preparation is totally different from other students.
Pranjal Patil did not attend any coaching classes. She used software which used to read out the books to her. Though she did not have eyesight, she used her hearing ability at its peak. She trained her mind to function to blend in like a normal student.Â
For her interviews, she used to hear them from different sites and attend sessions that described how to answer questions in the interview round. It was not in her nature to resist herself because of her disability, instead, she used her all other senses to overpower one difficulty to get the success she deserved.Â
UPSC ATTEMPTS AND RANK
The Maharashtrian-born IAS Officer Pranjal Patil, who is the first blind IAS Officer in India has attempted the UPSC twice. Cracking this exam is not so easy as it sounds, a lot of dedication, hard work, perseverance, and consistency are required.
Besides the questions being tough, there is another factor that makes this exam tougher, and that is the number of students who sit for this exam every year.
Around 7-8 lakh students take this exam every year, so naturally, it becomes harder to qualify for it. For this reason, maximum students take multiple attempts at the UPSC exam with few exceptions of course.
Pranjal also took the UPSC exam more than once. First, in 2016, she ranked 744, and in her second attempt in the year 2017, she scored brilliantly with a mind-blowing rank of 124.
Getting AIR 124 takes a lot of effort and Pranjal overcame her difficulties and scored such high marks has truly been an inspiration for all the candidates out there.
She justifies the quote, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
UPSC MARKSHEET of IAS Pranjal Pratil.
In 2017, Pranjal Patil scored brilliantly for which she received AIR 124. Below is the marksheet of the great personality.
| Subject | Marks |
| Mains Exam | 854 |
| Personal Interview | 179 |
| Total Marks | 1033 |
The aforementioned marks have actually been scored in the UPSC exam by a person with visual impairment. Pranjal showed that there are no excuses in life. That is why she is such an inspirational figure for everyone.
IAS JOURNEY AND CURRENT POSTING.
IAS Officer Pranjal Patil did not achieve her goal that easily. She had tried to be part of the Indian Railways Accounts Service in her first attempt. However, she was rejected from the job due to her visual impairment. She did not lose motivation though. Pranjal studied harder than ever and scored even higher on her next attempt. From 744, her rank moved higher to 124, which is purely an art of hard work and the attitude of never giving up.Â
As Pranjal never gave up, she fulfilled her dreams and showed everybody that dreams can be fulfilled how hard they may be and now she is an IAS Officer. IAS Pranjal Patil is currently posted in Thiruvananthapuram as the Sub-Collector.
Preparation tips from the topper to ace yours.
- The first and foremost thing is making a timetable and following it sincerely. This really helps a lot in preparation for each of the subjects without a single one being neglected.
- Do not study from too many sources which will only confuse your mind. Research thoroughly about your subjects and choose the books accordingly. NCERT must be followed along with other notes.Â
- Choosing an optional subject is a very crucial decision. It should not be chosen randomly. Firstly you must have an interest in that subject and there is a plus point if the subject coincides with the main subjects.Â
- Doing revision after the completion of the syllabus is very important, followed by practicing the previous year’s questions. These two are unavoidable steps as these help in multiple ways. Besides helping in the enhancement of the preparation, it helps to clearly understand the question pattern of the UPSC exam.
- Last but definitely not least another mandatory step is the practicing of mock papers. The more you give a mock test, the higher the chance is of qualifying for the UPSC exam.
CONCLUSION
After reading the life story of the great personality, IAS Pranjal Patil, you have already realized how to never give up in life no matter how hard the circumstances are.
How big the problem is, there is always a solution to that problem as learnt in mathematics, every problem has a solution.
IAS Pranjal Patil never made an excuse for her vision and stopped working for her aim, instead, she heightened her other senses and overcame her difficulties. Pranjal faced many rejections but never stopped.
She knew that hard work always pays off, so she worked harder each time she faced rejection and came back stronger.
This is why she is a truly inspirational figure for every candidate as well as non-candidates. Remember to work hard and never give up, that is all to be learned.
Read Our SUCCESS STORIES.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can a blind person become an IAS officer?
A1: Yes, a blind person can become an IAS officer. The eligibility criteria for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam do not discriminate based on physical abilities. However, they must meet the educational qualifications and other requirements set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Q2: How does a blind IAS officer perform tasks that require visual input?
A2: Blind IAS officers use various assistive technologies and support systems to perform tasks that require visual input. These may include screen reading software, Braille displays, and personal assistants. Additionally, they often rely on their organizational and communication skills to effectively delegate and manage responsibilities.
Q3: What challenges do blind IAS officers face in their day-to-day work?
A3: Blind IAS officers face challenges related to accessing printed materials and visual data. They may need alternative formats for documents, such as Braille or audio, and may require assistance in navigating physical spaces. However, with the right accommodations and a supportive work environment, many overcome these challenges successfully.
Q4: Are there any success stories of blind individuals who have become IAS officers?
A4: Yes, there are several inspiring success stories of blind individuals who have become IAS officers. Their achievements highlight the importance of determination, adaptability, and inclusive policies. These stories serve as a testament to the potential of individuals with visual impairments to excel in challenging roles.
Q5: How can workplaces support blind IAS officers in their professional roles?
A5: Workplaces can support blind IAS officers by providing accessible technologies, reasonable accommodations, and creating an inclusive environment. This includes ensuring that information is available in alternative formats, making physical spaces accessible, and promoting awareness among colleagues about the capabilities of individuals with visual impairments. Creating a supportive workplace culture is crucial for the success of blind professionals in any field, including the civil services.
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