Ajay defies impaired vision to score AIR 109 in fifth attempt

Kozhikode: Success of Thottilpalam native Ajay R Raj, who secured an All India rank (AIR) of 109 in Civil Services Examination (CSE), is a stirring saga of grit and unwavering determination in the face of challenges as he has achieved the feat while navigating partial visual impairment.His achievement is particularly remarkable as Raj significantly climbed the rankings from his previous year's performance to move closer to his dream of joining Indian Administrative Service (IAS) despite the challenges. Having secured AIR 730 in 2024 examination he had joined railway service but he chose not to settle with that and instead opted for a fifth attempt."This was my fifth attempt and my third serious one," Raj told the media. "I viewed UPSC preparation not merely as a test, but as a journey for skill development. Even if one doesn't make it, the skills gained would be invaluable elsewhere," he said.Raj's aspirations took root during his college years at St Stephen's College, Delhi, from where he took his postgraduation in English literature. Even as he made attempts in CSE, he also served as faculty at Christ College, Irinjalakuda, for two years after 2023.Raj credited his success to a robust ecosystem at LEAD IAS Academy, Thiruvananthapuram, and dedicated support system consisting of his family and his academic mentors. "My preparation was built around the mechanism developed by the academy, bolstered by constant support of my seniors and juniors," he added.