Yaseen Shan Muhammad’s journey from a delivery boy to a civil judge in Kerala is a shining example of hard work and determination. Coming from Humble beginnings, he faced and overcame many challenges to achieve his dream of becoming a judge. His story inspires many, proving that dedication and effort can lead to great success. Yaseen’s achievement highlights the importance of education and ambition in building a better future.

All the words used to describe resilience seem small compared to the strong determination of a young delivery man who, at just 29 years old, has risen to the respected position of a civil judge.
The journey of Yaseen Shan Muhammad is sure to inspire anyone striving for success in any field. His unwavering conviction and sincere purpose helped him overcome significant obstacles, ultimately achieving success in the Kerala Judicial Services Examinations 2024.
Yaseen believes that the key to success lies in unstoppable determination and hard work. A closer look at his life story offers immense hope to those feeling lost or depressed, facing an uncertain and difficult future.
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Yaseen comes from Palakkad district in Kerala. His mother, a school drop-out by the sixth grade, married at 14 and divorced by 19. She gave birth to Yaseen when she was just 15, and he has never known his father. As a single mother, she had to support her two children and their grandmother, working for daily wages as an Asha worker.
The family obtained housing through a state government scheme for the poor. Yaseen wore used clothes and struggled to afford books. Out of necessity, he began working early, delivering newspapers and milk while diligently continuing his studies, occasionally laboring at construction sites.
Yaseen reflected on his school years, noting he was a below-average student due to a lack of time and guidance. After completing the 12th grade, he pursued a diploma in electronics, which led to job opportunities. He worked in Gujarat for a year before returning to Kerala, where he graduated in Public Administration and pursued a legal education. He secured the 46th rank in the state law entrance examination, earning admission to the prestigious Government Law College in Ernakulam. During his studies, he tutored school-children and worked as a delivery boy for Zomato, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to give up that job.
After enrolling as an advocate in March 2023, he began his career as a junior lawyer under Advocate Shahul Hameed at the Pattambi Munsif-Magistrate Court. Notably, two other lawyers from the same office, Shahina NV and Reshma NR, also passed the Kerala Judicial Service Examinations and encouraged him to prepare for the exam.
Yaseen heartily recalls how having a mentor like Shahul Hameed provided him with invaluable guidance amidst the daily court proceedings. Achieving second rank in the Kerala Judicial Service examination was beyond his expectations; his initial goal was simply to pass the exam and secure a job. This was his second attempt; he had previously ranked 58th but did not clear the mains.
Yaseen began tutoring law students to aid their preparation for judicial service examinations, which also benefited his own studies. He expressed gratitude to a close friend who supported him financially during tough times.
He shared,
“I sought a personal loan during COVID-19 but was unable to secure one. With exams approaching and no work, I realized how much support from friends like Anjitha helped me navigate difficult times during my LL.B. journey,”
Although Yaseen does not believe in offering motivational tips, he is firm in his conviction that hard work pays off.
He remarked,
“Read judgments. Have subject knowledge. There are no shortcuts. Instead of reading excessively, focus on understanding what you read. For me, the main exam was the most challenging. The prelims were based on MCQs, so I felt confident qualifying. My weak point was English; studying in a Malayalam-medium school made the English paper especially difficult. Writing for a total of 12 hours over two consecutive days was another challenge,”
Yaseen believes personal growth is largely influenced by circumstances.
He explained,
“Some privileges may have helped me enter the judicial services and overcome my situation. Being a male in this male-dominated society is an obvious advantage. If I were a girl born into similar circumstances, society might not have afforded me the same opportunities. I have succeeded, but many others in similar situations have failed despite their efforts. It’s not their fault; society is unequal. Many have to abandon their dreams or cannot study because of this disparity. I recognize I’m among the few who have succeeded, and I wish to represent those from similar backgrounds,”
Yaseen now aspires to pursue a postgraduate degree in law, time permitting. Despite his youth, he has a profound story of hardship and diligence to share. His experiences have nurtured in him a deep understanding of empathy and strength, qualities he aims to bring to his role in the judiciary.
He stated,
“I want to work within the system, doing my job honestly, sincerely, and according to my conscience,”
He sees the role of a judge as an opportunity to help people and deliver justice.