Pranjal Patil becomes India's first visually challenged woman IAS officer

Gaurav Das

Nov 29, 2023 - 16:29

Cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or the Civil Services Examination is no small feat, requiring years of hard work and unwavering perseverance. Pranjal Patil, hailing from Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, exemplifies extraordinary determination, emerging as India's first visually challenged IAS officer.

Pranjal's inspiring journey began in her childhood when she lost her eyesight. Undeterred by this challenge, she pursued her education at the Kamala Mehta Dadar School for the Blind in Mumbai. Her academic pursuits led her to St. Xavier's College, where she earned a degree in political science.

Further defying odds, Pranjal completed her postgraduate degree in international relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, followed by a PhD and M.Phil. Undoubtedly, her journey through the UPSC examinations was no less challenging. She attempted the exams in 2016 and 2017, securing the 744th rank in her first try and achieving an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 124 in her second attempt.

What makes Pranjal's achievement even more remarkable is that she accomplished this without attending any coaching for IAS preparations. Utilizing special software that read books aloud, she navigated the challenges posed by her visual impairment. Her keen sense of hearing, despite the absence of sight, became a valuable asset in her educational pursuits.

In 2018, Pranjal's dedication bore fruit as she was appointed Assistant Collector in Ernakulam, Kerala, following her success in the Civil Services Examinations. Currently serving as the Sub-Collector of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, Pranjal Patil continues to break barriers and inspire countless individuals.

It's noteworthy that despite her qualifications and achievements, Pranjal faced adversity when she was denied a job in the Indian Railway Accounts Service due to her visual impairment. Her story stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power to overcome challenges on the path to success.