The journey of becoming an IAS officer is never easy, but some individuals achieve this milestone at a very young age. When we talk about the youngest IAS officers in India, one name that stands out is Ansar Shaikh, who made history with his incredible achievement.
Who is the Youngest IAS Officer in India?
Ansar Shaikh is widely known as the youngest IAS officer in India. He cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016 at just 21 years of age and secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 361.
Coming from Jalna district in Maharashtra, Ansar’s journey was not easy. He belonged to a financially weak background, but his strong determination and focus helped him overcome all challenges. His success proves that age and background cannot stop someone who is truly dedicated to their goal.
Ansar Shaikh’s Success Story
Ansar Shaikh’s story is one of hard work and persistence. Despite financial struggles, he never gave up on his dream of becoming an IAS officer. He prepared with full dedication and made smart choices during his preparation.
He chose Marathi as his medium for the UPSC Mains exam and interview, and Political Science as his optional subject. His strategy, combined with consistent effort, played a key role in his success.
He also received support from friends and his coaching institute, which helped him stay motivated during difficult times. His journey is a perfect example of how the right mindset and support system can lead to success.
Why IAS Officers Inspire Aspirants
Stories of the youngest IAS officers in India inspire thousands of students every year. They show that:
- Age is not a barrier to success
- With the right planning, goals can be achieved early
- Hard work and consistency always pay off
Ansar Shaikh’s achievement especially motivates young aspirants to start early and stay focused on their goals.
Youngest Female IAS Officers in India
When discussing the youngest IAS officers in India, it is important to highlight female achievers as well.
- Tina Dabi became one of the youngest IAS officers at the age of 22 after securing AIR 1 in 2015. She later served as District Collector in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- Smita Sabharwal, from the 2001 batch, also achieved success at a young age and is known for her excellent administrative work.
These women prove that success in civil services is not limited by gender. Their achievements continue to inspire many young girls across the country.
Some of the Youngest IAS Officers in India
| Name | Age at Selection | Year | Rank (AIR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ansar Shaikh | 21 years | 2016 | 361 |
| Roman Saini | 22 years | 2013 | 18 |
| Tina Dabi | 22 years | 2015 | 1 |
| Smita Sabharwal | 22 years | 2001 | 4 |
| Gaurav Goyal | 22 years | 2006 | 10 |
| Amrutesh Aurangabadkar | 22 years | 2011 | 10 |
| Anudeep Durishetty | 22 years | 2017 | 1 |
| Kanishak Kataria | 22 years | 2018 | 1 |
| Ira Singhal | 22 years | 2014 | 1 |
| Artika Shukla | 22 years | 2015 | 4 |


















