Ravi Raj, from Nawada, Bihar, has achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 182 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination for 2024. This accomplishment is inspiring not only because he is a farmer’s son who mostly studied at his native place but also because Ravi Raj is visually impaired. He could meet the challenge because his mother became his eyes and hands. She used to read out the text for Ravi to remember and then write down the notes, he wished to prepare.
Not only that she also wrote exam papers for him as a scribe allowed to visually impaired candidates in UPSC exam. Ravi too credits his mother for his success. “She lived like a student. She herself read each word I needed to study for the UPSC”, he said after declaration of the UPSC result.
Singnificantly, Ravi did most of his UPSC preparation at home without any coaching. His mother was his only teacher, coach, guide and assistant. Their symphony can be gauged from the fact that Ravi cracked UPSC Prelims in his first attempt itself but could not reach the interview stage. He couldn’t clear the Prelims in second and third attempt. But, he achieved AIR 182 in his fourth attempt. His success also underlines the fact that you don’t need eyes to dream and make them into a reality.
THE DISABILITY
Ravi was born as a normal child to a farmer, Ranjan Kumar Sinha in Mahuli village of Bihar’s Nawada district in 2001 but started losing sight when he was just seven. No medical aid could restore it and he lost sight completely by 2016– when he reached class 10. He accepted it as fait accompli but didn’t let it hamper his studies and the path to success. He scripted his own success story through eyes and hands of his mother.
UPSC Civil Services Examination is known for its extensive syllabus and rigorous standards. It presents humongous hurdles for the aspirants. However, these challenges are considerably amplified for visually impaired candidates like Ravi Raj. Study resources are mostly text-based, creating a major barrier for individuals with visual impairments.Note-taking, a critical component of exam preparation, also becomes a complex endeavour, often necessitating human assistance.
THE DIFFICULTY
Writing the lengthy UPSC examinations presents its own difficulties, frequently requiring the support of a scribe. Compatibility and comfort level with the scribe is another challenge they face. Besides, the emotional and psychological impact of depending on others for fundamental aspects of study can be profound, potentially leading to feelings of reliance.
Visually impaired aspirants often face difficulties in obtaining study materials in Braille.This makes candidates like Ravi Raj to heavily depend on personal support systems. Amidst these considerable obstacles, Ravi Raj found an unwavering ally and an indispensable partner in his mother, Vibha Sinha.Her role in his journey went far beyond typical parental support; she became his eyes and his scribe, immersing herself into his preparation.
THE SOLUTION
Every day, Vibha undertook the responsibility of reading aloud the extensive study materials required for the UPSC exam, ensuring Ravi Raj could access the necessary information. Moreover, she played the crucial role of transcribing his spoken answers, effectively becoming his hands during practice sessions and mock tests. This demanding task required an excellent coordination between the two besides an immense commitment of time and effort from Vibha, who also managed her responsibilities as a homemaker.
Vibha’s support went beyond just reading and writing; she actively participated in Ravi’s learning by playing YouTube lectures while managing household chores. Subsequently, Ravi Raj would articulate his answers and thoughts aloud, while his mother diligently wrote them down, ensuring he could effectively practice and revise. Their rigorous daily routine involved approximately 8 to 10 hours of dedicated study.
THE CREDIT
This demonstrates a resourceful and deeply integrated approach to supporting her son’s education, incorporating it into their daily life. They shared a deep emotional connection that served as a strong foundation for their collaborative study efforts. Ravi even drews a powerful analogy, comparing his mother’s efforts to that of Thomas Edison’s mother, Nancy Matthews, recognizing her immense dedication and nurturing role in his success.
This achievement was the result of several years of dedicated effort, as this was Ravi Raj’s fourth attempt at the UPSC examination.This demonstrates a remarkable level of perseverance and dedication over an extended period. Earlier, Ravi Raj had also cleared the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam in 2023, securing a commendable rank of 490 and earning a position as a Revenue Officer. However, driven by his aspiration to join the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), he chose not to join the BPSC and instead focused his energies on the UPSC exam.
THE ACHIEVEMENT
Securing an All India Rank of 182 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a monumental achievement. This high rank significantly enhances his prospects of being selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the most prestigious branch of the Indian civil services.
UPSC does provide certain provisions and guidelines for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), including one per cent reservations in vacancies, age relaxation of 10 to 15 years depending upon the category (general, OBC or SC), the provision of 20 minutes per hour extra time during examinations, and the option to use a scribe. These measures aim to create a more level playing field for disabled aspirants.
The experiences of other visually impaired UPSC aspirants, such as Shiwam Kumar Srivastava and Manu Garg, reveal that Ravi Raj’s journey, while inspiring, is also part of a larger narrative of resilience and struggle against systemic barriers faced by disabled individuals in the UPSC process.
