Indore, March 6 Akshat Baldwa, a 25-year-old law graduate originally from Indore, has been visually impaired since childhood, but his life goals have always been clear.
Despite physical limitations, he achieved an impressive 173rd rank in the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 in his first attempt.
The results of the exam were announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday.
Baldwa holds a BA-LLB (Hons) degree from the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru. He currently resides in the capital of Karnataka.
"When I was in the 11th grade, I had decided that I would one day pass the Civil Services Examination. Achieving success in this exam on my first attempt has filled me with surprise and joy, and I am truly savoring this moment," he told
According to Baldwa, he lost his eyesight when he was just one-and-a-half months old due to a serious illness and is now completely visually impaired.
"I have always faced challenges, but I don't dwell on them. I always think about ways to overcome them. I don't want to be just another person. I want to achieve bigger goals," he insisted.
Baldwa said his mother, Meena, played a major role in his preparation and success in what is widely considered the toughest exam in India.
"My mother left our family home (in Indore) and stayed with me during my studies in Bengaluru," he informed.
Meanwhile, a celebratory atmosphere prevailed at Baldwa's home in Indore, about 1,450 kilometers from Bengaluru.
His jubilant father, Sanjay, said, "My son's success in the Civil Services Examination has filled us with pride. He has been passionate about studies since childhood."
Baldwa, a music enthusiast, has also learned to play the tabla and harmonium, he added.