ISRO Scientist with Muscular Dystrophy Clears UPSC Four Times, Faces Service Denial

Kartik Kansal, an ISRO scientist with muscular dystrophy, has faced substantial challenges despite clearing the UPSC civil services exams four times. His high rankings did not lead to service allocation due to the exclusion of muscular dystrophy from conditions eligible for the IAS. Instead, he was considered for other services like the IRS.

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Initially, Kartik's disability certificate indicated a 60% disability. However, a medical board later certified him with 90% muscular dystrophy, while affirming his abilities in seeing, hearing, speaking, communicating, reading, and writing. This certification highlighted his functional capabilities despite his condition.

Unified Criteria and Advocacy:

Retired IAS officer Sanjeev Gupta has championed Kartik's cause, pointing out inconsistencies in the functional classifications and physical requirements across services. Gupta emphasized the need for unified criteria and noted that since 2024, the criteria have been merged, making Kartik eligible for the IAS.

Kartik's case is currently pending in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), where he seeks rectification of the injustice and allocation of a suitable service. Despite the AIIMS certificate affirming his abilities, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) declined to allocate any service to him.

Challenges and Legal Battle:

The DoPT cited that Kartik did not meet the physical standards required for the service, despite medical certification affirming his functional abilities. Consequently, Kartik moved to CAT to challenge this decision and seek justice.

Kartik remains hopeful that justice will be served through CAT's decision. His case could set a precedent for the fair treatment of candidates with disabilities in future UPSC allocations.

Kartik's story highlights the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities in achieving their aspirations. Even after overcoming significant hurdles like clearing competitive exams multiple times, systemic barriers continue to impede their progress.