Meet man, who delivered newspapers, lived in orphanage, worked as phone operator, became IAS officer without clearing UPSC exam, he is…

Every year, lakhs of young people across India prepare for the UPSC exam. Among them are many whose stories of struggle are both emotional and deeply inspiring. One such story is that of IAS officer B Abdul Nasar. He faced great hardships early in life, especially after losing his father at a young age, which left his family in a tough financial situation. But despite everything, he didn’t give up. He stood strong, even when life seemed most unfair.

B Abdul Nasar was born in Thalassery, a town in Kerala’s Kannur district, and grew up in poverty. After his father passed away when Nasar was just five, things got worse. His mother worked as a house help, but the family still struggled so much that Nasar and his siblings had to live in orphanages.

He spent around 13 years in various orphanages across Kerala. There were times when he tried to run away from them, but the hope for a better future and love for learning always brought him back. Against all odds, Nasar achieved his dream of becoming an IAS officer.

From orphanage to collector’s chair

At just 10 years old, while living in an orphanage, he began working to support his education and family. From cleaning in hotels, delivering newspapers, supplying goods, giving tuitions, to working as a phone operator—he did it all, while never letting go of his dream for a better future.

He remained dedicated to his studies throughout. After completing his graduation from a government college in Thalassery, he earned his post-graduate degree in 1994. His first government job came through the Kerala Health Department.

In 2006, he cleared the Kerala State Civil Service exam and became a Deputy Collector. His honest work and dedication to public service earned him recognition, and in 2015, he was honored as the Best Deputy Collector in Kerala.

What makes his journey even more inspiring is that he became an IAS officer without even taking the UPSC exam. Recognizing his outstanding work in administration, the Kerala government promoted him to the IAS cadre in 2017. Since then, he has served in high-ranking positions such as District Collector of Kollam and Housing Commissioner for the state government.

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