Name: Safna Nazarudeen
Cadre & Batch: Kerala‑cadre IAS, 2020 batch
Hometown: Peyad, Valiyavila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Educational Background: BA in Economics (Mar Ivanios College, 2018); alumnus of Kendriya Vidyalayas in Kerala
UPSC Rank: All‑India Rank 45 (Civil Services Examination 2019) (newindianexpress.com)
Early Life & Education
Born in Peyad, Thiruvananthapuram, Safna nurtured her ambition to join the civil services from a young age. She attended Kendriya Vidyalaya Peroorkada (10th standard) and Kendriya Vidyalaya Pangode (12th standard), both with a strong focus on social sciences (newindianexpress.com).
After scoring highly in her board exams, she pursued BA Economics at Mar Ivanios College, securing top rank in 2018 (keralakaumudi.com). Her academic grounding in economics and familiarity with societal issues laid a solid foundation for her future UPSC ambitions.
UPSC Triumph: 45th Rank in First Attempt
In 2020, Safna cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an impressive All‑India Rank 45—a remarkable achievement, especially as she was the only Muslim and one of the youngest in the top 100 that year (newindianexpress.com, inspiringindianmuslimwomen.org).
Key factors in her success included:
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First attempt success
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Disciplined study regime: daily targets, avoiding social media distractions (newindianexpress.com)
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Strong encouragement from her father—retired police Sub‑Inspector Haja Nazarudeen—and her mother Ramla Beevi, a typist at Kattakada Employment Exchange (newindianexpress.com)
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Support from coaching institutes, especially Fortune IAS Academy (newindianexpress.com)
She credits a combination of discipline, hard work, and excellent support systems for her success.
Professional Journey So Far
1. Assistant Collector, Malappuram
Safna began her bureaucratic career in Malappuram, gaining hands‑on experience in revenue and field duties (keralakaumudi.com).
2. Sub‑Collector, Kottayam & Thiruvalla
She was later posted as Sub‑Collector in Kottayam and Thiruvalla, adapting to diverse administrative environments and responsibilities (keralakaumudi.com).
3. Labour Commissioner, Kerala
In September 2024, Safna was appointed the Labour Commissioner of Kerala, succeeding Arjun Pandiyan. This role places her at the forefront of labour welfare, regulation, and compliance (keralakaumudi.com).
4. Additional Charge: Director, Fisheries Department
In February 2025, during a routine reshuffle, she was given additional responsibilities as Director, Fisheries Department, while retaining her duty as Labour Commissioner (indianmasterminds.com).
Recent News & Updates
⚙️ Administrative Reshuffle (Feb 2025)
As part of the Kerala bureaucracy's reorganization, Safna was assigned dual roles—continuing as Labour Commissioner, with added oversight of the Fisheries Department .
✅ No Controversies Reported
A thorough review of recent news shows no controversies, allegations, or disciplinary cases linked to Safna. Her public image remains honorable, focused on duty and good governance.
Personal Traits & Leadership Style
Discipline & Dedication:
Her disciplined UPSC preparation (deactivating social media, setting daily goals, structured learning) speaks to her enduring commitment and strong work ethic (newindianexpress.com).
Empathetic Leadership:
Guided by a strong social sciences background, Safna emphasizes inclusive policies, workers' rights, and women’s empowerment.
Inspirational Role Model:
Safna's achievement as the youngest Malayalee IAS and the sole Muslim in the top 50 resonates deeply in Kerala’s Muslim communities, promoting inclusivity and representation.
Why Safna Matters
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Breaking Stereotypes: As a young Muslim woman excelling in civil services, Safna challenges social norms, inspires youth, and underscores meritocracy.
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Kerala’s Pride: A shining example of the state’s high academic and administrative achievements.
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Multi-Portfolio Leadership: Balancing labour and fisheries departments reflects her strong organizational and administrative acumen.
Top Interesting Facts
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Cracked UPSC in first attempt, securing AIR 45—a rare feat (youtube.com, newindianexpress.com).
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Only Muslim candidate among top 50 in UPSC CSE 2019 (inspiringindianmuslimwomen.org).
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Youngest Malayalee IAS, celebrated widely by regional academic and social circles .
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Maintained high academic excellence, topping her college and earning first-rank Economics degree in 2018 .
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Dual administrative role: Labour Commissioner plus additional charge as Director, Fisheries (Feb 2025) (indianmasterminds.com).
๐ FAQs About Safna Nazarudeen
Q1: What is Safna Nazarudeen’s UPSC rank?
A: She secured All‑India Rank 45 in the 2019 Civil Services Examination .
Q2: Which stream did she graduate in and from where?
A: She holds a BA in Economics (2018 graduate, Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram) .
Q3: What are her current IAS postings?
A: Since September 2024: Labour Commissioner, Kerala; since February 2025: also Director, Fisheries Department .
Q4: Any controversies or allegations?
A: No controversies or allegations have been reported about Safna as of June 2025.
Q5: What makes her unique?
A: Notable as the youngest Malayalee IAS, successful first‑attempt candidate, only Muslim in UPSC top 50 in 2019, and a dual-role administrator in Kerala.
✍️ In Her Own Words
Safna credits her discipline and guidance for success:
“I used to cover a certain amount of portion daily. … Instead, a daily target should be set and should be achieved.” (newindianexpress.com)
“I deactivated my Facebook and Instagram accounts once I started preparing …” (newindianexpress.com)
Final Thoughts
Safna Nazarudeen’s journey from a motivated hometown student to a celebrated civil servant mirrors Kerala’s educational ethos and India’s evolving administrative landscape. A role model for disciplined preparation, steadfast dedication, and inclusive public service, she exemplifies how passion and perseverance can transform dreams into impactful reality.
Her dual leadership roles since late 2024 underscore her growing influence in Kerala’s governance. As her responsibilities expand, so does public interest in her journey—an embodiment of excellence, representation, and administrative promise.
✅ Top Interesting Facts (Quick Recap)
No. | Fact |
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1 | IAS officer in first attempt – AIR 45 |
2 | Only Muslim candidate among UPSC top 50 (2019) |
3 | Youngest Malayalee IAS |
4 | First-rank Economics graduate from Mar Ivanios College (2018) |
5 | Holds dual administrative roles: Labour Commissioner + Fisheries Director |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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UPSCRank? → 45 (2019 CSE)
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Academic stream & institution? → BA Economics, Mar Ivanios College (2018)
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Current postings? → Labour Commissioner (Sep 2024), Fisheries Director (Feb 2025)
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Controversies? → None reported
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Unique distinctions? → Young, disciplined, representation, dual roles
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