Meet India’s Youngest IAS Officers

John Mathai served as the Chief Secretary of Kerala, India, and he was part of the 1971 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). His career began as the sub-collector of Thalassery, and in 1978, he became the Collector of Kottayam. Over the years, he took on various roles such as Managing Director of the State Cooperative Marketing Federation, Director of Public Instruction, and Secretary for Industries, Power, and Forests and Wildlife Departments. In 1996, he became the Principal Secretary of Industries. Later, he served as the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes and Commissioner of Excise. He was promoted to Additional Chief Secretary in 2005 and, in 2006, became the Chief Secretary to V.S. Achuthanandan.

Ansar Ahmad Shaikh's story is nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from a humble background, Ansar's exceptional educational achievements paved the way for his success as the youngest IAS officer in India at the age of 21. His unwavering determination and commitment to serving society have become an inspiration for aspiring civil servants. He secured AIR 361 and he was just 21; beating Roman Saini who was 22 when he became an IAS officer. He is currently serving as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) at Dinhata, Cooch Beharat, West Bengal.

Roman Saini's brilliance was evident from a young age. With a passion for education and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he not only cracked the IAS examination but also became one of the youngest individuals to do so at the age of 22. Roman's revolutionary initiatives in the field of education continue to empower young minds across the country. Roman Saini has resigned from the Indian Administrative Service to focus on free educational initiative Unacademy . In an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Roman said that the decision to leave civil service was difficult. But this initiative of ours will change the picture of education.

Gaurav Agrawal's exceptional achievements set him apart as the youngest IAS topper of his time. With excellent academic credentials and unmatched dedication, Gaurav secured the top rank in the prestigious UPSC examination. His success story serves as an inspiration for countless IAS aspirants striving to make a difference. Gaurav Agarwal is a 2013 batch IAS officer who is currently posted in Rajasthan. He first cracked the UPSC exam in 2012 with AIR 244 and got selected as an IPS officer. However, the next year in 2013, he again appeared in the exam and cleared it with flying colours with AIR 1. He became the first person in his home state to get AIR 1 in the UPSC exam.

Amrutesh Aurangabadkar has emerged as a visionary young IAS officer, leaving an indelible mark on society. His early achievements and passion for public service have propelled him to accomplish great things within the bureaucratic framework. Aurangabadkar is a 2012-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Gujarat cadre. He is currently posted in his home cadre. "He may kindly be relieved of his duties immediately with instructions to take up his new assignment as Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Women & Child Development Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai in the Ministry of Women & Child Development," the order further read.

Tina Dabi's journey to becoming an IAS officer is a testament to her remarkable talent and perseverance. Breaking barriers at the age of 22, Tina secured the top rank in the UPSC examination, making her the youngest qualifying candidate in her year. Despite facing challenges as a young IAS officer, Tina's accomplishments resonate with aspiring civil servants nationwide. In the 2015 UPSC exam, the first rank went to Delhi-girl Tina Dabi. This was Tina’s first attempt, and she was only 22 when she cracked the IAS exam.

Vijaylakshmi Bidari's achievements as an IAS officer are nothing short of awe-inspiring. With remarkable educational accomplishments, Vijaylakshmi established herself as a force to be reckoned with at the young age of 22. Her journey serves as a shining example of what can be achieved with determination and an unwavering spirit. Vijayalakshmi Bidari has the honour of being the first person from Karnataka to top the Civil Service Examination in the history of the Civil Services in India (including the ICS).

Smita Sabharwal broke gender norms and shattered glass ceilings when she became the youngest woman IAS officer at the age of 23. A trailblazer and an inspiration to countless aspiring female civil servants, Smita's accomplishments redefine success and empower women across the nation. Smita Sabharwal IAS is also known as the ‘People’s Officer’. Her exemplary work as an IAS officer has earned her many accolades and she has become an inspiration to IAS aspirants all over the country. She was an IAS topper, securing 4th rank in the 2000 UPSC exam. Read on about Smita Sabharwal’s incredible journey.

Nishant Jain's unique approach to public service has earned him recognition as a young IAS officer with a difference. With notable achievements and a focus on unconventional areas, Nishant's determination to bring about change in society sets him apart as a beacon of hope for a better India. This proves that age is never an issue for the exam, your willpower and hard work will decide your result. His current posting is in Rajasthan and is the joint secretary to the government in the Finance (taxation) Department.

Nidhi Gupta's fire and determination drive her to solve real-world issues at the young age of 23. Overcoming challenges and making impactful contributions in her role as an IAS officer, Nidhi serves as an inspiration to her peers, encouraging them to make a tangible difference in society. She further said “UPSC wants to know from the candidates why they want to join the civil services and for that it is very much necessary that a candidate should have a clear concept about it. Nidhi also spoke about how the path from motive to motivation has to be done by the contestant and how it forms an important part while preparing for the exams.