IAS Sakshi Sawhney UPSC Rank, Age, Biography

The trailblazing IAS officer Sakshi Sawhney has achieved the distinction of becoming Patiala, Punjab's first woman Deputy Commissioner, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Her remarkable journey dates back to 2014 when she secured an impressive AIR 6 in the UPSC CSE, opting to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Sawhney's roots trace back to Punjab, growing up in a family with a strong service background. Her father, a retired Indian Revenue Service official, and her mother, the principal of a school dedicated to underprivileged children, instilled a sense of purpose in her upbringing. Raised in an environment of academic excellence, Sawhney's early schooling at a private institution laid the foundation for her future endeavors.

A bright student with an initial inclination toward Law, she pursued BA LLB at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, graduating in 2012 with an outstanding record, earning eight gold medals. However, it was during her legal studies that Sawhney realized the magnitude of challenges faced by the nation and developed a keen interest in contributing to transformative change as a civil servant.

Motivated by this realization, she embarked on her UPSC journey in 2012, attempting to clear the exam while still in the fourth year of her graduation. Despite falling short due to a narrow margin, Sawhney displayed resilience, making her next attempt the following year. During this phase, she drew inspiration from the success story of Gitanjali Brandon, who secured AIR 6 in UPSC CSE 2011 on her second attempt, sharing similarities with Sawhney's own journey.

Gitanjali's story served as a source of emotional and psychological comfort for Sawhney, reinforcing her confidence and determination. In 2014, her sustained efforts culminated in an outstanding achievement – securing AIR 6 in UPSC CSE, mirroring the success of her inspirational figure.

Despite having the option to choose the celebrated diplomatic path of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Sawhney consciously opted for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), driven by her commitment to fostering development within her homeland. The decision showcased her persistent focus on bringing positive change to the nation through administrative avenues.

Offering insights to future aspirants, Sawhney emphasized the importance of thorough newspaper reading, maintaining subject-specific notebooks, and staying motivated throughout the challenging journey. Stressing the significance of constant revision and a positive mindset, she shared valuable tips for the interview phase, advocating the mindset of entering the room as an IAS officer to emerge as one.

Sakshi Sawhney's journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact within the administrative landscape, particularly as she assumes the historic role of Patiala's first woman Deputy Commissioner.