Nagpur: Adiba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed from Yavatmal district has made Vidarbha proud by securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 142 in UPSC 2024. Her success story has sparked hopes of Maharashtra welcoming a Muslim woman IAS officer after several decades.
Adiba pursued her coaching at Haj House IAS Coaching Centre in Mumbai and further enhanced her preparation at the Jamia Residential Coaching Academy in Delhi. Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan congratulated her on social media, highlighting her remarkable journey. Despite missing the final selection in her previous attempt after reaching the interview stage, her unwavering persistence led her to achieve a position in the final merit list this year.
Other notable women achievers from Vidarbha include:
- Savi Balkunde (AIR 517)
- Namrata Thakare (AIR 671)
- Bhagyashree Naikale (AIR 737)
Among male candidates, Jaikumar Ade from Nagpur emerged as a top performer with an AIR of 300.
Former bureaucrat Abdul Rauf Sheikh mentioned that Maharashtra has not seen any Muslim woman IAS officer for decades. "Currently, there is no Muslim woman IAS in the Maharashtra cadre," he confirmed.
Toppers' Inspirational Journeys
Shreerang Kaore (AIR 396)
Graduated from IIT-Bombay in 2018 and appeared for his fifth attempt this year. Involved in college administration, he developed a passion for governance and policymaking. He expects to be allotted the Indian Audit and Accounts Service, with aspirations for IAS or IRS.
Rahul Atram (AIR 481)
Previously qualified for IPS, he reappeared for UPSC while training at the police academy in Hyderabad, aiming for the IAS cadre.
Savi Balkunde (AIR 517)
On her sixth attempt, she reached the interview stage for the second time. Balkunde, an electrical engineering graduate, maintained a study schedule of 8–12 hours daily closer to the exam.
Sachin Bisen (AIR 688)
Hailing from Gondia, he faced a lack of resources and guidance but remained determined to clear the UPSC examination.
Apoorva Balpande (AIR 649)
Currently serving in IRS (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Balpande has been allotted IPS, Maharashtra cadre, but still dreams of joining the IAS.
Saurabh Yewale (AIR 669)
A mechanical engineering graduate from Nagpur, Yewale is determined to aim for IAS in his next attempt. Growing up in a bureaucratic environment greatly influenced his career goals.
Namrata Thakre (AIR 671)
From the small village of Haturna, Namrata battled hardships such as poor connectivity and limited resources. Her seventh attempt finally bore fruit, driven by a strong resolve formed by witnessing societal challenges firsthand.
Bhagyashree Naikale (AIR 737)
Cleared UPSC in her very first attempt with sheer determination and self-study despite financial difficulties, crediting her success to her supportive parents.
Shritesh Patel (AIR 746)
Originally from Dhule, Patel studied in Nagpur and overcame financial constraints, dedicating his success to his hardworking mother.
These success stories are a testament to the resilience and determination shown by aspirants from Vidarbha, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams against all odds.