Defying Limits: Visually Impaired Sita Kumari Cracks SSC MTS, Sets Sights on BPSC and Para-Olympics

Against all odds, Sita Kumari has become a beacon of hope and determination for millions. With just 10% vision, she not only cleared the Staff Selection Commission – Multi-Tasking Staff (SSC MTS) exam on her first attempt but is now gearing up for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam — with dreams of serving the country as both an officer and a sportsperson.

Hailing from Katihar, Bihar, and raised in a financially struggling family, Sita's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. “For my family, where we faced daily hardships, this success felt like winning a war,” she told Education Times. The SSC MTS exam recruits Group C (non-gazetted, non-ministerial) staff for top ministries and government departments — a milestone for anyone, but especially significant for someone with limited sight and limited resources.

Sita grew up in a family of six, including two visually impaired siblings. Her father, a labourer, worked tirelessly to support their education, while her homemaker mother and younger brother stood by her unconditionally. “We didn’t have much, but we had each other. My mother’s faith in me and my brother’s help during late-night study sessions were my biggest strengths,” she says.

How She Prepared

Sita’s strategy combined digital learning with smart analysis. She relied on SSC Wallah for video lectures and consistently took mock tests, meticulously analysing her performance to identify areas of improvement. “I started with NCERT books and built my understanding step by step. My friends shared notes, which were a great help,” she recalls.

Overcoming Barriers

A major turning point in Sita’s life came when she moved to Delhi for higher education. The shift brought its own set of challenges — unfamiliar language, isolation, chaotic cybercafés, and the relentless pace of city life. Yet, Sita adapted quickly. She studied independently in cybercafés and never let her visual limitations define her path. “What kept me going was the thought that my success could transform my family’s future and motivate others like me,” she says.

A Star in Sports

Sita’s grit isn’t confined to academics. She has represented her region in cricket and athletics, using sports to break stereotypes around disability. “Sports is where I express my strength — physical and mental. It’s not about limits, it’s about possibilities,” she says.

Now training for the international Para-Olympics, Sita juggles academics and athletics with remarkable discipline. “It’s all about time management. I prioritise both my studies and training, while also making sure to rest and recover,” she adds.

A Vision for Change

As she prepares for the BPSC exam, Sita is motivated by a desire to uplift others like her. “I want to change the system from within, to ensure that people with disabilities get the dignity and support they deserve,” she says. Her dream: to become a civil servant who not only serves the nation but continues to represent India on the global sports stage.