From Blindness to IAS: How Ravi Raj Cracked UPSC with All India Rank 182, Guided by His Mother Who Made Notes and Read to Him Daily

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): At just 24 years old, Ravi Raj from Bihar’s Nawada district has scripted an extraordinary success story by securing the 182nd All India Rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. What makes his achievement even more remarkable is that Ravi is blind — a challenge that could have deterred many, but for him, became a motivation to push harder.

Ravi lost his eyesight in class 10 due to a medical condition. While such a life-altering event could have shaken anyone's confidence, Ravi refused to let it hinder his aspirations. His love for learning remained strong, and he completed all his education in Nawada. After graduating, he began preparing for the highly competitive UPSC examination. This success came in his fourth attempt, after facing setbacks in the previous three.

Earlier in November 2024, Ravi had cleared the 69th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam and was selected for the post of Revenue Officer. Yet, he chose not to join. His heart was set on becoming an IAS officer, and he remained focused on that dream.

A critical support in his journey was his mother, Vibha, a graduate who became his study partner and scribe. She would read out books and notes for Ravi, help him write answers, and even play educational lectures on YouTube while managing household chores. Her unwavering support formed the backbone of Ravi’s preparation. His father, a farmer, also stood by his side as the family rallied together to support Ravi’s ambition. He enrolled in coaching to strengthen his preparation for the mains examination, identifying and improving on the areas where he had fallen short in his earlier attempts.

Ravi studied for nearly 10 hours every day, driven by an unshakable will and a disciplined routine. His journey is not just a story of academic achievement, but one of resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son. Now on the path to becoming an IAS officer, Ravi Raj stands as a symbol of what can be accomplished when determination meets support and persistence.