Thanya Nathan is a young lawyer from Kannur district in Kerala who has made history by becoming the first visually challenged woman to clear the Kerala Judicial Service Examination. Born blind in 2000, she overcame many challenges in her education and career. After completing her law degree at Kannur University, where she graduated with first rank, she enrolled as an advocate in 2024 and began practicing at the Taliparamba district court.
In 2025, following a Supreme Court ruling that opened judicial services to differently abled candidates, Thanya appeared for the exam and secured the top position among benchmark disability candidates. At just 24 years old, she is now awaiting her appointment as a Civil Judge (Junior Division). Her journey reflects resilience, determination, and the growing inclusivity of India’s judiciary, inspiring many across the country.
Thanya Nathan Age, Family, Husband, Career, Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thanya Nathan |
| Profession | Advocate; Selected for appointment as Civil Judge (Junior Division) |
| Known For | First visually challenged woman to clear the Kerala Judicial Service Exam |
| Birth Year | 2000 |
| Birthplace | Mangad village, Kannur district, Kerala, India |
| Disability | Blind from birth |
| Education (Schooling) | Dharmadom Special School (till Class 10); Parassinikadavu High School; Morazha Govt. Higher Secondary School |
| Higher Education | LLB from Kannur University (Graduated First Rank, 2024) |
| Enrollment as Advocate | August 2024, under senior advocate K. G. Sunilkumar at Taliparamba court |
| Judicial Exam | Kerala Judicial Service Exam, 2025 |
| Exam Performance | 206.5 marks (written), 29 marks (viva‑voce); First rank in benchmark disability category |
| Landmark Achievement | First visually challenged woman judge in Kerala |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Food Habits | Non‑vegetarian |
| Awaiting Appointment | Civil Judge (Junior Division), as of February 2026 |
Early Life and Childhood
Thanya was born in the year 2000 in Mangad village, Kannur district, Kerala. From birth, she was completely blind. Growing up with total visual impairment in a small village was not easy. Her childhood was filled with challenges that most children never face. She learned to use Braille from a young age, which became her gateway to knowledge. Teachers at her special school in Dharmadom helped her build confidence, and she completed her studies there until Class 10.
After Class 10, she moved to mainstream schools—Parassinikadavu High School and later Morazha Government Higher Secondary School. This transition was not easy because most study materials were not available in accessible formats. Still, she adapted quickly, using Braille and digital tools to keep pace with her classmates.
Education Journey
After completing her early schooling in Dharmadom, Thanya moved to mainstream schools for higher studies. She joined Parassinikadavu High School and later Morazha Government Higher Secondary School. This was a turning point in her life. Unlike her special school, these institutions did not have ready-made accessible materials.
Thanya did not let this stop her. She relied on Braille books, digital recordings, and the help of teachers and classmates to continue her studies. She showed remarkable patience and discipline, often spending extra hours to prepare for exams.
Law Studies at Kannur University
Thanya joined Kannur University to pursue her LLB degree. She was the only visually impaired student in her batch. While her classmates could easily read printed textbooks, Thanya had to depend on Braille versions, digital materials, and screen-reading software. She often converted study materials into accessible formats with the help of technology.
Her hard work paid off. In 2024, she graduated with first rank in her LLB examination. This accomplishment was remarkable since she had not only outperformed her colleagues but also won the batch. It proved her academic excellence and her ability to overcome barriers.
Entry into Legal Practice
After completing her LLB with distinction, Thanya Nathan enrolled as an advocate in August 2024. This was the first step in her professional journey. She began her practice under the guidance of senior advocate K. G. Sunilkumar at the Taliparamba district court in Kannur. Working in a busy court environment was not easy for a visually impaired lawyer.
She prepared her case notes entirely in Braille, a method that required patience and precision. She also used screen‑reading software and digital tools to access judgments and legal texts. These technologies allowed her to stay updated and present her arguments effectively. Her colleagues admired her dedication, and she soon became known for her sharp legal mind and clear reasoning.
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Preparing for Judicial Service Examination
While practicing as an advocate, Thanya set her sights on a bigger goal—the Kerala Judicial Service Examination. Traditionally, candidates are required to complete at least three years of practice before appearing for the exam. For visually impaired aspirants, this rule was a barrier. But in 2025, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment that allowed candidates with disabilities to sit for the exam without waiting for three years. This ruling opened the door for Thanya.
Preparing for the exam was a demanding process. She balanced her daily court practice with long hours of study. She relied on accessible materials, digital notes, and the help of scribes during mock tests. The examination authorities also arranged fair facilities, ensuring that she could compete on equal terms.
Landmark Achievement in Kerala Judicial Service Exam
In 2025, Thanya appeared for the Kerala Judicial Service Examination under the benchmark disability category. Her performance was outstanding. She scored 206.5 marks in the written papers and 29 marks in the viva‑voce, securing the first rank among benchmark disability candidates. This was a historic achievement because she became the first visually challenged woman in Kerala to clear the exam.
Her success was not just about marks. It was about breaking barriers in a system that had long excluded differently abled candidates. The Supreme Court’s ruling earlier that year had made it possible for her to sit for the exam, and she proved that given equal opportunity, candidates with disabilities can excel. Her achievement was widely reported in Kerala and celebrated across India as a milestone in judicial inclusivity.
Awaiting Appointment as Civil Judge
After the results were announced, the Kerala High Court forwarded the selection list to the state government. As of February 2026, Thanya is awaiting her official appointment letter. Once appointed, she will serve as a Civil Judge (Junior Division).
Her appointment is eagerly awaited not only by her family and supporters but also by the legal community. Many believe that her presence on the bench will bring fresh perspectives and highlight the importance of accessibility in the judiciary.
Interesting Facts
- Studied at Dharmadom Special School until Class 10, then moved to mainstream schools.
- Decided to pursue law during higher secondary education.
- Graduated with first rank in LLB from Kannur University in 2024.
- Enrolled as an advocate in August 2024, practicing under senior advocate K. G. Sunilkumar.
- Prepared case notes entirely in Braille.
- Cleared the Kerala Judicial Service Exam 2025 with first rank among benchmark disability candidates.
- Scored 206.5 marks in written papers and 29 marks in viva‑voce.
- Awaiting appointment as Civil Judge (Junior Division) as of February 2026.
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