Becoming an IAS officer is a cherished dream for many, but only a few achieve this prestigious milestone each year. IAS B Abdul Nasar’s inspiring journey is a testament to perseverance and determination. Remarkably, Nasar did not follow the traditional route of excelling in the UPSC exam to become an IAS officer.
Hailing from Thalassery in Kerala’s Kannur district, Nasar faced immense challenges early in life. He lost his father when he was just five years old, and his mother worked as a domestic worker to support the family. Nasar and his siblings lived in an orphanage for 13 years, where he started working as a hotel supplier and cleaner at the age of ten. Despite fleeing the orphanage at one point, he eventually returned to complete his studies.
Nasar persevered through difficult circumstances, completing his high school education and graduating from Thalassery’s government college. To support his family, he worked various jobs, including as a phone operator, tuition teacher, and newspaper delivery man.
He then joined Farook College in Kozhikode, where he pursued his Master’s and B.Ed degrees. After receiving his postgraduate degree, Nasar was hired by the government in 1994 as an official in the Kerala Health Department. His dedication and hard work led to his promotion to Deputy Collector within the State Civil Service in 2006. He was recognized as the top Deputy Collector of Kerala in 2015.
In 2017, Nasar was promoted to the prestigious rank of IAS officer. He served as Housing Commissioner to the Government of Kerala and was appointed as the District Collector of Kollam in 2019.
