In a historic first for Maharashtra, Adiba Anam, the daughter of an autorickshaw driver from the Yavatmal district, has secured the 142nd All India Rank in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2024. With this achievement, she is poised to become the state’s first Muslim woman IAS officer, marking a significant milestone in both gender and community representation in India’s premier civil services.
Born and raised in a modest household in Yavatmal, a district often associated with agrarian distress in the Vidarbha region, Adiba’s journey to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) reflects resilience in the face of social and economic adversity.
Overcoming Adversity through Education
Adiba’s father, Ashfaq Ahmed Sheikh, could not complete his formal education and has worked for years as an autorickshaw driver to support the family. Despite financial constraints, he prioritized his daughter’s education, determined that she would not be denied opportunities due to the limitations he once faced.
“My father’s sacrifices are the foundation of my success. He ensured that my focus remained on my studies, even when resources were scarce,” said Adiba in a statement following the declaration of results.
After completing her graduation in Mathematics, Adiba relocated to Pune to prepare for the civil services. Despite facing two unsuccessful attempts, including one where she reached the interview stage but did not make the final list, she remained undeterred. Her success in the third attempt stands as a testament to her perseverance and clarity of purpose.
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Institutional Support and Mentorship
Adiba credits her success not only to her family’s unwavering support but also to structured mentorship at prominent coaching institutes. She received guidance from the Haj House IAS Training Institute in Mumbai and the Residential Coaching Academy at Jamia Millia Islamia, both of which have played a critical role in nurturing aspirants from underrepresented backgrounds.
Her mentors describe her as disciplined, methodical, and deeply committed to public service. “She never saw failure as the end. She understood it as a process of growth,” said a senior faculty member from Jamia RCA.
Widespread Recognition and Celebration
Adiba’s achievement has drawn accolades from across the state and country. Former Maharashtra Minister and Congress leader Manikrao Thakre, a native of Yavatmal, took to social media to extend his congratulations. “Adiba’s accomplishment will serve as an inspiration to thousands of young aspirants, especially girls from minority communities,” he wrote.
The Yavatmal District Police and several local administrative officers also commended her, recognizing the symbolic significance of her success for a region grappling with educational and socio-economic challenges.
Rais Shaikh, MLA from Bhiwandi East, also lauded her journey, calling it a reflection of “grit, ambition, and a father’s belief.” His message read: “From an autorickshaw in Nanded to AIR 142 in UPSC — what an inspiring transformation.”
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A Vision for Inclusive Governance
Now preparing for her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Adiba has expressed her intent to focus on social equity, women’s empowerment, and educational reform. Drawing from her own experiences, she hopes to serve communities that remain marginalized in both policy and practice.
“I want to work at the grassroots level to ensure that no girl is denied access to education due to financial hardship or social barriers,” she said.
Symbol of Aspirational India
Adiba Anam’s success story is emblematic of the transformative power of education and institutional support. At a time when concerns over inclusivity in civil services remain critical, her achievement underscores the importance of enabling structures for underrepresented communities.
As she prepares to enter public administration, Adiba carries with her the aspirations of countless families — not just from Yavatmal, but across India — who see in her a reflection of possibility, progress, and promise.
