Where Merit Wins: The Kerala PSC Story of Three Trailblazing Women

Thiruvananthapuram: When the Kerala Public Service Commission announced just three vacancies for the post of Drugs Inspector, it triggered an inspiring tale of friendship, resilience, and success. In a sea of aspirants, three young women,Busthana, Swabeeha, and Thanziya,chose not rivalry, but solidarity. Former classmates from Kozhikode Pharmaceutical College, they had completed their M.Pharm in 2023 and parted ways. But when this rare PSC notification appeared, fate brought them back together.

They made a pact,not only to prepare, but to succeed together. They created a WhatsApp group titled ‘Drug Inspector Notes’, which soon turned into their virtual classroom. From morning to evening, the trio stayed connected, discussing doubts, sharing resources, and conducting mock interviews. They built a rigorous timetable, dividing the syllabus among themselves. Each one took charge of her strong subjects and helped the others grasp the concepts. Their days were devoted to 12 hours of study, seven hours of rest, and time for family.

In the final weeks, they focused entirely on mock tests and revision. Short notes adorned their walls, and spontaneous revisions happened in the midst of conversation. Their preparation was not just academic,it was emotional, disciplined, and united. When results were declared, the dream came true. Busthana ranked first, Swabeeha second, and Thanziya third. All three vacancies were claimed by three friends who dared to dream together. Today, they serve as Drugs Inspectors in Thiruvananthapuram, proving that with dedication and companionship, even the most competitive exams can be conquered.

Their story is more than a personal triumph, it is also a reflection of how Kerala’s PSC system functions with unmatched integrity and efficiency. In a country where irregularities, delays, and political interference plague public recruitment, Kerala’s model stands tall. Yet, ironically, it is this very system that is under attack by the Congress- led opposition and its friendly media ecosystem. They allege that the Kerala PSC has become a “rubber stamp,” a hollow body that denies opportunities to deserving youth. These claims, however, collapse under the weight of hard data.

According to official figures released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which tracks recruitment across the country, Kerala has consistently outperformed every other state in public appointments. Between January and June 2023, of the 19,644 appointments made across all state PSCs and the UPSC, a staggering 15,140 came from Kerala alone, 77 percent of the national total. The next closest state, West Bengal, managed only 3,605. In the following period, January to June 2024, Kerala again led with 18,055 appointments out of 30,936, accounting for 58.4 percent.

In the last nine years under continuous LDF rule, Kerala PSC has made 2.8 lakh appointments, the highest in the state’s history. No other state, not even those with five times Kerala’s population, has come close. These figures expose the deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at discrediting the state government and its institutions.

It is also important to understand why not every candidate in a rank list gets appointed. PSC includes more names than actual vacancies to accommodate unforeseen openings during the list’s validity. This generous approach ensures that no vacancy goes unfilled. Yet, some rank holders who fall at the bottom of the list express disappointment when they don’t get appointments. The Congress and certain media groups amplify these isolated voices to construct a misleading narrative of injustice.

The reality is that Kerala PSC functions strictly by constitutional principles. Appointments are made transparently, based on merit and reservation norms. Every rank list carries a clear disclaimer stating that inclusion does not guarantee appointment. The state government has taken firm steps to ensure that all public and cooperative sector appointments go through PSC, unlike many other states where backdoor appointments and political interference are common.

Kerala’s model is not without challenges. With nearly one crore applications processed each year, PSC bears the highest workload among all state commissions. While annual recruitment for all categories remains a goal, the focus is now on ensuring yearly exams for major posts. Reforms are underway to expand the PSC's capacity, without compromising reservation policies or fairness.

Today, the story of Busthana, Swabeeha, and Thanziya is not just a celebration of individual brilliance. It is a shining example of what Kerala has achieved, an ecosystem where dreams are not sold to the highest bidder, but earned through merit and effort. The Congress’s attempt to belittle this system is not only intellectually dishonest but also a cruel mockery of thousands of deserving youth who find their future through PSC.