- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Young UPSC IAS officers: Indian Administrative Service (IAS) stands as the pinnacle of aspirations for countless young minds across India. Known for its notoriously rigorous selection process, requiring not just immense intellectual prowess but also unwavering dedication and relentless hard work, cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a monumental feat. Yet, amidst this daunting challenge, a select few exceptional individuals have not only conquered this formidable examination but have done so at an astonishingly young age. Their achievements resonate far beyond mere academic success, illuminating pathways for a generation with their extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering spirit.
Their inspiring narratives serve as a guiding light for countless others, demonstrating that with sheer willpower and astute strategy, the dream of serving the nation can be realised sooner than imagined. Each life story offers unique lessons in perseverance, sacrifice, and the transformative power of dedication, proving that true impact transcends years.
Profiles in Excellence: India's Youngest IAS Achievers
Ansar Ahmad Shaikh: Triumph Over Adversity at 21
Ansar Ahmad Shaikh's journey is a powerful testament to overcoming immense challenges. Hailing from an extremely humble background in Maharashtra, his educational achievements were nothing short of extraordinary, propelling him to become one of India's youngest IAS officers at the remarkable age of 21.
Key Facts about Ansar Ahmad Shaikh:
Fact | Detail |
IAS Batch | 2016 |
AIR | 361 |
State | Maharashtra (Origin) |
DOB | June 1, 1994 |
Current Role | Sub-Divisional Officer, Dinhata, West Bengal |
Inspiring Lesson: Ansar's story is a vivid reminder that socio-economic background is no barrier to achieving the highest echelons of public service. His success underscores the power of fierce determination and relentless academic pursuit.
Roman Saini: A Prodigy's Educational Revolution at 22
Roman Saini exhibited exceptional brilliance from a very young age. Driven by an intense passion for education and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he not only aced the IAS examination but also became one of the youngest officers to do so, achieving this feat at just 22 years old.
Key Facts about Roman Saini:
Fact | Detail |
IAS Batch | 2013 |
AIR | 18th |
State | Rajasthan |
DOB | July 27, 1991 |
Current Role | Co-Founder of Unacademy |
Inspiring Lesson: Roman Saini's journey teaches that true impact can transcend conventional roles. His decision to leave the IAS for a broader educational mission demonstrates a profound commitment to societal change through innovation.
Tina Dabi: Breaking Barriers with Brilliance at 22
Tina Dabi's journey to becoming an IAS officer is a celebrated narrative of remarkable talent and unwavering perseverance. Breaking conventional barriers, Tina secured the coveted top rank in the 2015 UPSC examination in her very first attempt, making her the youngest qualifying candidate in her year at just 22 years old.
Key Facts about Tina Dabi:
Fact | Detail |
IAS Batch | 2015 |
AIR | 1st |
State | Delhi (Origin) |
DOB | November 9, 1993 |
Current Role | District Collector-cum-District Magistrate of Jaisalmer |
Inspiring Lesson: Tina Dabi's success is a powerful symbol of breaking gender barriers and achieving top ranks through focused hard work, proving that merit truly prevails.
Vijaylakshmi Bidari: A Pioneering Force at 22
With an outstanding academic record, Vijaylakshmi notably holds the distinction of being the first person from Karnataka to top the Civil Service Examination in the history of Indian Civil Services (including the ICS). Joining the IAS in the 2001 batch at just 22.
Key Facts about Vijaylakshmi Bidari:
Fact | Detail |
IAS Batch | 2001 |
AIR | 1st |
State | Karnataka (Origin) |
DOB | January 10, 1977 |
Current Role | Nagpur Divisional Commissioner |
Inspiring Lesson: Vijaylakshmi Bidari's achievement highlights that a focused, determined approach, combined with innate talent, can lead to historic firsts and enduring impact.
Smita Sabharwal: The 'People's Officer' at 23
Smita Sabharwal stands as a trailblazer who defied gender norms and shattered glass ceilings, becoming one of the youngest women IAS officers at the age of 23. A prominent figure from the 2000 batch, she secured an impressive 4th rank in the UPSC exam.
Key Facts about Smita Sabharwal:
Fact | Detail |
IAS Batch | 2000 |
AIR | 4th |
State | Darjeeling (Origin, as per input) |
DOB | June 19, 1977 |
Current Role | Senior bureaucrat and secretary in Telangana |
Inspiring Lesson: Smita Sabharwal's journey underscores that impactful leadership and 'people-centric' governance are achievable from a young age, serving as a beacon for women in civil services.
Nidhi Gupta: Fiery Spirit, Real-World Impact at 23
Nidhi Gupta's remarkable drive and determination to tackle real-world issues propelled her into the IAS at the young age of 23. A 2013 batch IAS officer, she achieved an outstanding AIR of 3rd. Nidhi's journey is an inspiration to her peers, encouraging them to make tangible differences in society.
Key Facts about Nidhi Gupta:
Fact | Detail |
IAS Batch | 2013 |
AIR | 3rd |
State | Haryana (Origin) |
DOB | August 13, 1987 |
Current Role | Municipal Commissioner, BAREILLY |
Inspiring Lesson: Nidhi Gupta's early success highlights the importance of clarity of purpose and strong motivation in not just clearing the exam but also in making meaningful societal contributions.
Neha Byadwal: Discipline and Resilience at 24
Neha Byadwal's success story is a powerful narrative of immense hard work and unwavering dedication, culminating in her becoming one of India's youngest IAS officers. Hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, Neha faced the challenging UPSC Civil Services Examination four times.
After realizing that mobile phones and social media were significant distractions during her initial attempts, she made a life-changing decision: she completely abstained from using her smartphone for three years. This extreme discipline, coupled with focused study and limited social interactions, eventually paid off. She cleared the UPSC exam on her fourth attempt in 2021, at just 24 years old. Neha now uses her social media platform to guide and motivate other UPSC aspirants, sharing tips and strategies.
Key Facts about Neha Byadwal:
Fact | Detail |
Year of Clearing UPSC | 2021 (4th attempt) |
Age at Clearing | 24 |
State (Origin) | Rajasthan (Jaipur) |
Key Strategy | Abstaining from phone for 3 years |
Current Role | IAS Officer (specific posting not provided in text, but generally serves in a district/department) |
Inspiring Lesson: Neha Byadwal's journey underscores the vital role of extreme discipline and the willingness to make significant sacrifices for long-term goals. Her story is a testament to the fact that persistence, even after multiple failures, can lead to ultimate success.
A Generation Redefining Public Service:
In conclusion, the inspiring narratives of these extraordinary young IAS officers demonstrate that age is no barrier to achieving remarkable success and making a profound impact in public service. Their individual journeys are powerful exemplars of resilience, unwavering determination, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to contributing to national development.
These bright minds not only serve as shining examples of what can be accomplished at a tender age but also instill immense hope and motivation in countless aspiring civil servants across India. Their collective achievements truly redefine the landscape of success, proving that with the right blend of intellect, grit, and purpose, dreams of serving the nation can transform into tangible realities.
Official Website (for UPSC Civil Services Exam related information): upsc.gov.in
Also Read: SSC MTS, Havaldar 2025: Registration Begins At ssc.gov.in, Direct Link To Apply