Calicut | Some victories are seen with the eyes, but Jaseela’s is one that truly fills the heart. Defying. Against all odds, turning her personal challenge into an inspiration for differently-abled UPSC aspirants, visually impaired 30-year-old Jaseela Jannath P from Vadakara, Calicut, has secured the 397th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.  

This marks Jaseela's fourth attempt at the exam. Her optional subject, Sociology, reflects her deep passion for social issues, honed through her M.A. in Social Work with a Women-Centred Practice specialization from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Prior to her focused UPSC preparation, Jaseela worked as a Project Associate at Prajaahita Foundation in Kozhikode from July 2021 to March 2022, channeling her skills into community impact.    

Jaseela credits much of her success to her one-year journey that comprises Prelims, Mains and interview guidance coaching at Xylem IAS, joining their civil services batch in March 2025.  Speaking on her learning modules, Jaseela incorporated audio-based learning methods, voice-to-text tools, and peer-led discussions to master vast syllabi.  

“Blindness tested me, but it never defined me. With the right support like personalized mentorship, innovative tech-aided learning modules, and a supportive community, I could able to crack it. She adds. Looking ahead, Jaseela aspires to serve people like her.  

Apart from studies, she has also established herself as an eloquent public speaker and secured A grades in Mimicry, Vanchippattu (boat song), Folk Song, and Malayalam Recitation at school youth festivals. Jaseela is the daughter of the late Kunhabdulla P and homemaker Sainaba.  

Including Jaseela, a total of 29 students from Xylem have achieved ranks.