Ashhar Alam

This is the story of an extraordinary human who rose to become a top bureaucrat despite having grown up in an orphanage in Kerala for 13 years.

IAS officer B Abdul Nasar is a legend in Kerala; the rest of the world must know him for inspiration.

B Abdul Nasar hails from Thalassery in Kerala’s Kannur district. His early life was anything but easy.

He lost his father at the age of five, forcing his family into extreme financial distress. His mother worked as a domestic helper to make ends meet and admitted B Abdul Nasar and his siblings into an orphanage.

What could have broken many instead became the foundation of his resilience.

 B Abdul Nasar with his family in his office

He lived in the orphanage for 13 years, where he became highly disciplined and also determined to rise above circumstances.

At just 10 years old, Nasar began working as a cleaner and supplier in a local hotel to support his family.

Growing up, he juggled studies with multiple jobs, delivering newspapers, taking tuition classes, and even working as a phone operator.

Each responsibility added pressure, but also built an unshakeable work ethic. For Nasar, survival and ambition walked hand in hand.

Despite financial hardships, Nasar never allowed his dreams to fade. He completed his graduation from Government College, Thalassery, and later pursued postgraduate studies.

In 1994, he entered public service through the Kerala Health Department. His sincerity and dedication soon stood out, earning him respect and promotions.

 B Abdul Nasar interacting with people

By 2006, he had risen to the position of Deputy Collector in the State Civil Service, a remarkable achievement for someone who began life with almost nothing. Yet, the dream of becoming an IAS officer continued to drive him forward.

In interviews, Nasar has often reflected on his journey with humility and clarity.

He once shared, “Hardships are not obstacles; they are training grounds. Every struggle I faced prepared me for a bigger responsibility.”

Speaking about his UPSC journey, he admitted that failure was part of the process. “I could not clear the exam initially, but I never saw it as the end. I believed consistency matters more than immediate success,” he said. His words resonate deeply with aspirants who often feel overwhelmed by setbacks.

What makes his story even more powerful is his approach to preparation. Without access to expensive coaching or resources, Nasar relied on self-study, discipline, and time management.

In interviews, he has said that “clarity of basics, regular reading, and staying mentally strong” are far more important than shortcuts. His journey dismantles the myth that only privilege guarantees success in competitive exams like UPSC.

Nasar refused to give up despite initial failure in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Instead of being discouraged, he continued to work diligently, proving his capabilities through service.

 B Abdul Nasar

His efforts were recognised in 2015 when he was named Kerala’s best Deputy Collector, a milestone that paved the way for his induction into the IAS in 2017.

He later served as Housing Commissioner for the Government of Kerala and went on to take charge as District Collector of Kollam in 2019.

For thousands of UPSC aspirants, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, Nasar’s story is more than just inspiring; it is deeply reassuring. It breaks the myth that success in one of India’s toughest exams is reserved only for those with access to expensive coaching and resources.

His life is a proof that perseverance, discipline, and self-belief can overcome even the toughest odds.

Parwez M, a UPSC aspirant at Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), says, “Reading about Abdul Nasar sir completely changed my perspective. His journey shows that struggles are not barriers, they are stepping stones. It motivates me to stay consistent, no matter how tough the preparation gets.”

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Jishad Muhammad, another aspirant from Kerala studying at Jamia RCA, finds a personal connection in Nasar’s story. “Coming from the same state and seeing someone rise from such humble beginnings gives me immense hope. It makes me believe that UPSC is not just a dream for the privileged, but for anyone willing to work hard and stay determined,” he says.

As the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination approaches, stories like that of B Abdul Nasar continue to ignite hope and determination among young aspirants. His life is not just a success story, it is a blueprint of resilience. From delivering newspapers to leading districts, his journey reminds us that beginnings do not define destinies. What truly matters is the courage to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the path may seem.