Civil services exams are the most prestigious exams in India, and for many years, boys dominated in the administration. Then females entered this field by breaking all the boundaries, after which the era of female IAS started, and the first female IAS officer in India was Anna Rajam Malhotra, from the 1951 batch, born in Kerala in 1972, who joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1951. She served the nation with dedication and hard work, and then she was also awarded the Padma Bhushan. She becomes the role model for many aspiring female students who struggle and achieve the dream of becoming IAS and are now serving our country.
In this blog, we will discuss how women are breaking the barriers and leading India, and also we will discuss the top IAS and IPS officers who are motivating thousands of females to fight for their dreams and to achieve it.
1. Introduction: Breaking Barriers, Leading India
The Indian civil services, which are a dream of every Indian to achieve, have long been considered for the male. But with the rising awareness towards education and freedom given to females now, women are not just cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam but also making their family and society by getting top ranks and becoming a shining star of India. They are bringing changes in society, and with their hard work and dedication, they are redefining governance, transforming public systems, and leading with empathy, strength, and innovation. They are not just known for handling kitchen work, but they can also tackle corruption and Naxalism for the safety of our country while contributing to rural development.
Now, female IAS and IPS officers are serving the nation while breaking the stereotypical thinking and myth related to gender in India. Whether they come from small towns or from big cities, from privileged homes or from modest families, they all have dedication and the burning desire to make India better.If you are a female who has boundaries but still wants to achieve your dream of UPSC, these female officers will inspire you to achieve that dream with confidence and belief.
Top 5 Female IAS Officers in India
1. Tina Dabi (IAS – 2016 Batch, Rajasthan Cadre)
Tina Dabi was born on 9 November 1993 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She scored UPSC Rank AIR 1 in 2015. She has completed her graduation from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University. She makes her family and society proud by becoming the first Dalit woman to top the UPSC exam at the young age of 22. Her first civil service position was in 2017 as an assistant collector in Ajmer, Rajasthan. She has served as SDM in Bhilwara, CEO of Zila Parishad in Sri Ganganagar, and currently holds a senior administrative role in Rajasthan. She is known for her calm and peaceful behavior; she is promoting women’s empowerment and health schemes that are making the roots of governance stronger. Tina Dabi set the example that age, caste, or gender are not barriers in achieving your dream, as when you prepare with smartness and your focus is clear, nothing will stop you from succeeding.
2. Smita Sabharwal (IAS – 2001 Batch, Telangana Cadre)
Smita Sabharwal was born on 19 June 1977. She is an Indian Administrative Service officer of the 2001 batch from the Telangana cadre. She scored UPSC Rank AIR 4 in 2001. She is known as the “People’s Officer.” She is the first woman IAS officer to be appointed to a chief minister’s office in Telangana. Sabharwal did her schooling at St. Ann’s High School, Secunderabad. She was the all-India topper in the ICSE exam. She graduated in commerce from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad. She won the hearts of people by working in healthcare, education, and civic development. She is working as a secretary to the Chief Minister of Telangana. IAS Smita proves that honesty and innovation can go hand-in-hand to make governance people-centric. She was awarded the Indian Express Devi Award – 2015, for Innovation and Dynamism. She was also nominated for the Prime Minister’s award under the individual category for excellence in public administration for the best district initiative, the “Ammalalana” program, in the erstwhile United Government of Andhra Pradesh.
3. Durga Shakti Nagpal (IAS – 2010 Batch, Uttar Pradesh Cadre)
Durga Shakti Nagpal is an IAS from the 2010 batch from Uttar Pradesh Cadre. She became known to people by handling anti-illegal sand mining operations in UP. She has completed her education at IIT Delhi. She is known for her fearless stand against powerful sand mafias; then her suspension in 2013 became a sensation and a national debate on administrative integrity. She is working as a joint secretary in the Ministry of Commerce under the Government of India. The journey of Durga has proved that standing up for the right may be tough, but it will always reward you.
4. Aruna Sundararajan (IAS – 1982 Batch, Kerala Cadre)
Aruna Sundararajan is an IAS from the 1982 batch from Kerala Cadre. She is working as a former secretary. in the Department of Telecom. Known as the Digital India architect, Aruna contributed to improving broadband access in rural India. Her work helped millions of students and people to connect and empowered them digitally. She stood among the few women who were leading a technology-heavy central ministry. With her contribution in the field of technology, Aruna created the path for rural students to dream and achieve success in their lives by breaking the stereotypes of society.
5. Ritu Maheshwari (IAS – 2003 Batch, Uttar Pradesh Cadre)
Ritu Maheshwari is an IAS from the 2003 batch, from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. She is working as the managing director of the Noida Authority. She was an engineer, then she cleared UPSC, and now she is working as a civil servant. Ritu has worked for the improvements in urban infrastructure and waste management. Her transparency in working style and her focused approach in governance to tackle any problem have made her one of the most efficient officers in the NCR region.
Top 5 Female IPS Officers in India
1. Kiran Bedi (IPS – 1972 Batch)
Kiran Bedi is the first woman to join the Indian Police Service. She is known for the reforms in Tihar Jail, traffic management in Delhi, and anti-corruption campaigns. Her fearless policing and reforms in jails are studied to get inspired and handle security. She received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1994. She also worked as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Kiran Bedi is the best example for women who not just broke the transparent glass ceilings but smashed them with strength and service while setting an example among men to handle situations smartly.
2. Sanjukta Parashar (IPS – 2006 Batch, Assam-Meghalaya Cadre)
Sanjukta Parashar is an IPS from the 2006 batch, from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. She is a PhD holder in international relations from JNU. She is known for anti-insurgency operations in Assam. She is known for leading operations herself with an AK-47. She became a symbol of courage in counterinsurgency zones. Her bravery earned her respect from locals and from her subordinates. She proves that brains and bravery can go hand in hand.
3. Rema Rajeshwari (IPS – 2009 Batch, Telangana Cadre)
Rama Rajeshwari is an IPS from the 2009 batch, from the Telangana cadre. She is known for community policing and fighting the spread of misinformation in rural areas. She led anti-fake news campaigns in villages of Telangana and trained people to identify digital misinformation. She also worked to solve societal issues like child marriage, caste discrimination, and gender bias in society. She is the example to prove that police work is about compassion, responsibility, and connection.
4. Meera Borwankar (IPS – 1981 Batch, Maharashtra Cadre)
Meera Borwankar is the IPS of the 1981 batch from the Maharashtra Cadre. She has investigated high-profile cases like the Abu Salem extradition and the Gulshan Kumar murder. She got the chance to become the first woman to head the Mumbai Crime Branch. She was also portrayed in the Bollywood film Mardaani. Her fearless action for justice inspired young women to fight for justice in society. Her work reminds us that power lies in purpose and action taken to tackle the situation.
5. Sangeeta Kalia (IPS – 2010 Batch, Haryana Cadre)
Sangeeta Kalia is a 2010 batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre. Sangeeta Kalia boldly stands against political pressure. She started to dream about becoming an IPS officer while watching the popular Hindi TV serial Udaan. Her father was already in the Haryana Police. She was a part of the Haryana Police the same year that her father retired. Sangeeta is good at bringing utmost honesty and people-centric policing. She walked out of a public meeting after a minister tried to publicly humiliate her for cracking down on the liquor mafia. SP of an important district in Haryana. Sangeeta’s story teaches every aspirant to live their purpose and take responsibility like a badge of honor.
Why These Stories Matter for Aspirants
These stories are not only about personal achievement or achieving their dream. But it is about those females who are breaking boundaries and working for our country above societal expectations. These women are working hard for the development of our country with loyalty and dedication. These females become role models for thousands of females in India who want to achieve the dream of clearing UPSC and struggle each day with society and family to achieve their goals. These women prove that if there is no gender assigned to the role, you can dream of achieving your targeted job, and then you will make it achievable with your hard work and passion.
These women prove that civil service is not just a career; it can be a goal of life and a mission to be achieved in life. They are shaping the future of the country and motivating young minds with courage, leadership, and empathy. They’ve proved that a woman can handle the administration work while handling their home and family issues. They are becoming an example in handling the different situations that they had to face during their service years.
Conclusion
The stories we discussed about the best female IAS and IPS are not easily built by them. These stories are the result of their hard work, patience, honesty, and dedication to achieving their dream and serving the nation. Start your preparation with the right guidance, expert mentorship, and proven strategies with Deoghar IAS Academy, which helps thousands of students every year to achieve their dream of becoming civil servants and contribute to the development of the country.
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