Clearing UPSC exam needs some serious piece of hard work, grit and determination. Students who get started on the path towards achieving their goals always give their heart to pull off something special.
Everyone dreams to clear the Civil Services Exam, but very few are fortunate to crack the exam. Today, we are talking about such a woman named Smita Sabharwal who cracked the exam in just her second attempt, while there are many people who do not dare to appear for the second attempt.
This story is quite inspiring. If you come to know the story of Smita Sabharwal, you will be perplexed for sure. Hailing from Darjeeling, the 22-year-old woman not only cleared the notoriously tough exam but also secured an all-India rank 4.
Smita is the daughter of Colonel PK Das, a retired Army Officer and Purabi Das. She created history by becoming one of the youngest IAS officers. 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.
Smita studied in Hyderabad from standard IX. She completed her 12th from St Ann’s, Marredpally, Hyderabad. She secured the all India first rank in her class XII (ICSE Board).
After that, she did her B.Com from St. Francis Degree College for Women. Smita, however, could not clear the IAS prelims exam in her first attempt. She surprised everyone by cracking the exam in her second attempt in 2000 and secured fourth rank. She was just 22 years old when she cracked the exam.
She has so far been posted in places such as Warangal, Visakhapatnam, Karimnagar, and Chittoor. The locals of these places still remember Smita for her excellent work.
When she was appointed the Nagar Panchayat Commissioner in Warangal, she launched a campaign called ‘Fund Your City’, appealing to the residents to help her build the infrastructure of Naxal-affected areas, which resulted in the construction of traffic junctions and foot over bridges.
After her appreciable work in Warangal, she was appointed the DM in Karimnagar, where she worked for the improvement of the health and education department. She has also become the first lady IAS officer to be appointed to the Chief Minister’s Office.
Currently, she is Secretary to CM, Govt. of Telangana. She also holds additional charge as Secretary, Rural Water Supply Department, and Mission Bhagiratha.
