Explore the extraordinary IAS success story of Ummul Kher. Unveil the layers of determination, struggle, and triumph against frail health and societal challenges in her inspiring journey to the UPSC exam.
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Ummul Kher
Ummul Kher, a 28-year-old woman, has had a tumultuous journey marked by immense struggle, hardship, and unwavering determination.
Born into a conservative family from Marwar, Rajasthan, she was afflicted with a fragile bone disorder, which led to 16 fractures and eight surgeries.
Ummul harbored a steadfast dream of becoming an IAS officer despite these challenges.
Early Life and Educational Background
Ummul grew up in impoverished conditions, living in slums in Delhi, where her father worked as a street cloth vendor.
After facing opposition from her family due to their conservative beliefs and gender biases, Ummul left her family to pursue her education.
Disowned by her parents for her decision, she endured hardship and safety issues while living alone in a slum, supporting herself by giving tuition.
Her educational journey is marked by perseverance after initial schooling at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for the Physically Handicapped and Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, she excelled academically, scoring 91% in class XII and subsequently gaining admission to Gargi College, Delhi University, where she graduated in Psychology (Hons).
Later, she pursued her master’s in International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where she secured a Junior Research Fellowship.
IAS Journey
Ummul’s unyielding resolve cleared the UPSC civil services exam on her first attempt, securing an All India Rank of 420.
Throughout her IAS preparation, she remained resilient despite facing numerous adversities, including health issues and financial hardships.
Her success story is an emblem of triumph over adversity, inspiring countless others.
Notable Accomplishments and Support
Instances of support and recognition also marked Ummul’s journey.
She received significant educational support from Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust and earned money by winning debate competitions in college.
Ummul’s endeavor towards her goal was marked by moments of hardship, such as a year of confinement to a wheelchair due to an accident, but also moments of triumph and support that helped her move forward.
Honors & Awards
National Outstanding Woman Award
- Issued by Government of India (NCW) · Mar 2013
- As the youngest recipient of this distinguished award, I was honored alongside luminaries such as Kathak exponent Padam Bhushan Guru Uma Sharma, Ms. Sumitra Singh (Speaker of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly), Indian Missile Woman Dr. Tessy Thomas, and National Squash Champion & Arjuna Awardee Padam Shri Ms. Bhuvaneshwari Kumari, amongst others.
Junior Research Fellowship
- Issued by University Grant Commission · Jan 2013
- It is associated with Jawaharlal Nehru University, furthering academic pursuits and research excellence.
Representative of Indian Youth in World Congresses in 2011 & 2012
- Issued by RI World Congress and APDF General Assembly
- She represented Indian youth globally in Seoul and Incheon, South Korea, sharing platforms with esteemed personalities, including Mr. Ban Ki Moon, the United Nations Secretary-General.
Ummul Kher Background Information
| Name | Ummul Kher |
| Date of Birth | August 16, 1988 |
| Age | 36 |
| Birthplace | Marwar, Rajasthan |
| Home Town | Marwar, Rajasthan |
| Current Residence | Delhi |
| *Physical Condition | Fragile bone disorder that made her bones weak and brittle |
| Number of Surgeries | 8 |
| Number of Fractures | 16 |
| Heights | in centimeters- 148 cm in meters- 1.48 m in Feet Inches- 4’ 10” |
| Weight | in Kilograms- 40 kg in Pounds- 88 lbs |
| Figures | 41-36-42 |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Hobbies | Reading, Teaching |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Affairs/Boyfriends | Not Known |
| Husband | N/A |
Educational Journey
| Upto 5th Grade | Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for the Physically Handicapped | |
| Upto 8th Grade | Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust | |
| 12th Grade | Gargi College | Secured 91% |
| Graduation | Delhi University | Psychology (Hons) |
| Post-Graduation | Jawaharlal Nehru University | International Studies |
| Working | Ministry of Finance | India |
IAS Exam Details
| Written Total | 795 |
| Interview | 206 |
| Final Total | 1001 |
| All India Rank | 420 |
| Attempt Number | First |
| Year of Exam | 2016 |
Support and Challenges
| Financial Support | Tuitions, Scholarships, Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, JRF |
| Major Challenges | Financial Struggles, Unsupportive Family, Physical Disorder |
| Major Achievements | Clearing IAS in First Attempt, Admission in Prestigious Colleges |
On Social Media
| Ummul Kher | |
| X | Ummul Kher |
| @ummulkher_1 | |
| ummul kher | |
| YouTube | Ummul Kher |
Conclusion
Ummul Kher’s story is a poignant tale of resilience, tenacity, and unyielding ambition, marked by significant struggles but leading to an inspirational achievement.
Despite the odds, Ummul has emerged victorious, turning adversities into milestones on her journey to becoming an IAS officer.
Her journey, filled with insurmountable odds, paints a picture of triumph over life’s hardships, embodying determination and the power of dreams.
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