Success Story: Bus Conductor's Daughter Leaves Job As Doctor, Cracks UPSC In First Attempt
Dr. Renu Raj, a 2015 batch IAS officer, is an inspiration to millions of young people. Despite having completed 10 years in civil service, she remains a role model for UPSC aspirants. Dr Raj, who hails from a poor family, first earned an MBBS degree, worked as a doctor for a while, and then became an IAS officer by clearing the UPSC exam. She transformed her struggle into success through hard work.
Although her family's financial situation was not very strong, her parents ensured she received a good education. Her father, Rajkumaran Nair, retired from his job as a bus conductor, while her mother, Lata, is a homemaker. A resident of Kottayam district in Kerala, Renu was a brilliant student from childhood. She aspired to serve as many people as possible by becoming a doctor, which motivated her to study medicine.
Raj received her primary education from St. Teresa Higher Secondary School in Kottayam, Kerala. After completing her schooling, Raj earned her MBBS degree from the Government Medical College in Kottayam. Following this, she began working as a house surgeon at ASI Hospital in Kollam district. In 2013, while practicing medicine, she started preparing for the UPSC exam.
While working in the hospital, Raj closely observed issues like poverty, lack of healthcare facilities, and social inequality. One day, she encountered a patient whose condition made her realise that societal problems could not be solved solely through treatment. She understood that joining the administrative service would enable her to bring about large-scale change. She prepared for the UPSC exam alongside her job, and her hard work paid off when she passed the exam in 2014. She cleared the prestigious exam on her very first attempt, securing an impressive All India Rank 2.
As an IAS officer, Raj has held many important positions, always prioritising work for the poor and needy. Raj currently serves as the Director of the Scheduled Tribes Development Department of the Government of Kerala. She is also the Special Officer of the Tribal Resettlement and Development Mission. Previously, she has served as the collector of Wayanad and Ernakulam districts.
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