In a story of extraordinary resilience and determination, a 30-year-old woman from Kerala has overcome life-altering adversity to secure All India Rank 483 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2025.

Athira, a native of Kozhikode, was left wheelchair-bound and struggling with memory loss after a road accident in Bengaluru in February 2016, where she had been pursuing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS).

The accident marked the beginning of a long and uncertain recovery. For nearly two years, Athira battled severe memory loss, forgetting even that she had been studying dentistry.

“For two years, I suffered from memory loss. I had even forgotten that I was pursuing BDS,” Athira recalled. “Gradually, after Ayurvedic treatment, my memory started returning and I decided to complete the course.”

Determined to reclaim her life, she returned to her college in Bengaluru with the support of her family, who arranged a caretaker to assist her. Despite having forgotten much of what she had studied in the first three years, Athira slowly rebuilt her academic foundation and eventually completed her degree.

Her journey took another decisive turn in 2020 when she returned to Kozhikode and began volunteering with a non-governmental organisation working with persons with disabilities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Those were difficult days during the pandemic. Working closely with differently-abled people helped me understand their struggles and challenges,” she said. “I wanted to work on a larger canvas and contribute to social mobility. That is when I began thinking about the civil services.”

With that goal in mind, Athira enrolled at the 

Thiruvananthapuram-based Absolute IAS Academy, which runs a special programme called Butterfly for physically challenged aspirants preparing for the UPSC examination. 

She chose Malayalam as her optional subject and largely attended classes online, occasionally travelling to Thiruvananthapuram with the support of her parents, Sugathan and Mini, both LIC agents.

Her path, however, was far from easy.

Athira credits much of her strength to her younger sister, Anagha, whose support proved pivotal. Then a BSc Psychology student, Anagha made a difficult decision to leave her course midway and pursue BSc Nursing so she could better care for her elder sister. 

She has since completed the programme.

“I am deeply indebted to my sister. Her sacrifice and dedication made this possible,” Athira said. “During the UPSC interview, when I was asked who my best friend was, I said it was her.”

Now aiming to join the Indian Administrative Service, Athira says her journey has reshaped her outlook on life.

“The crisis revealed a stronger and more courageous person within me,” she said. “Being in a wheelchair should never limit one’s dreams.”

If she does not secure the IAS this time, Athira is prepared to try again — carrying forward a journey that has already become a powerful testament to perseverance.