Renu Raj, a 2015-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, is a name synonymous with determination, intellect, and public service. Known for securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 2 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2014 on her first attempt, she transitioned from a medical career to become one of India’s most admired civil servants. Currently serving as the District Collector of Wayanad, Kerala, Renu Raj’s journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and ambition. This detailed biography explores Renu Raj’s early life, education, IAS career, personal milestones, and the strategies that led to her remarkable success, offering insights into her life as of February 21, 2025.
Early Life and Family: A Kerala Roots Story
Renu Raj was born on January 11, 1987, in Changanassery, Kottayam district, Kerala, into a modest yet supportive family. Her father, M.K. Rajakumaran Nair, was a retired conductor with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), while her mother, Latha V.N., a homemaker, holds a third-rank distinction in BA Malayalam from Mahatma Gandhi University. Renu grew up alongside her younger sister, Remya Raj, who followed in her footsteps to become a doctor. This family of medical professionals and public servants fostered an environment where education and service were paramount.
From a young age, Renu exhibited a keen intellect and a desire to make a difference. Her childhood in Kerala, a state known for its high literacy and progressive values, shaped her worldview. She dreamed of becoming an IAS officer, inspired by the potential to impact thousands of lives—a vision that crystallized during her medical career.
Education: A Blend of Medicine and Aspiration
Renu Raj’s academic journey is a testament to her brilliance. She completed her schooling at St. Teresa’s Higher Secondary School in Changanassery, Kottayam, where she consistently ranked among the top ten students in her 10th and 12th board exams. Her academic prowess led her to pursue an MBBS degree from the Government Medical College, Kottayam, a prestigious institution in Kerala. Graduating as a trained surgeon, Renu began her career at ASI Hospital in Kalluvathukkal, Kollam district, where she gained firsthand experience with diverse societal challenges.
During her internship and early practice, Renu’s encounters with patients from varied backgrounds deepened her resolve to serve on a larger scale. She often cited this period as pivotal, saying in interviews that while a doctor could help 50 to 100 patients, an IAS officer’s decisions could benefit thousands. This realization prompted her to prepare for the UPSC exam alongside her medical duties, a feat that showcased her multitasking ability and discipline.
UPSC Journey: Cracking the Exam with AIR 2
Renu Raj’s UPSC success is a standout chapter in her biography. In 2013, at age 26, she began preparing for the Civil Services Examination while working full-time as a surgeon. Balancing a demanding career with study, she dedicated 3–6 hours daily to her preparation, focusing on quality over quantity. After six to seven months, she shifted to full-time study, increasing her hours to 7–8 daily, a regimen she maintained with precision—sleeping 7 hours and eating on schedule, guided by her medical knowledge.
In 2014, Renu appeared for the UPSC exam and achieved an extraordinary AIR of 2 in her first attempt—a rare accomplishment. Her optional subject, Malayalam Literature, reflected her cultural roots and her mother’s academic influence, earning her scores of 147 and 172 in the Mains. Her strategy included a prelims-plus-mains approach, avoiding group study, and relying on key resources like The Hindu, Yojana, Kurukshetra, and NCERT books. She emphasized understanding over rote memorization, particularly in history, and practiced answer writing extensively, a tip she shares with aspirants.
Her success was celebrated widely, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeting his congratulations in 2015, noting her humble background—daughter of a pensioner father and homemaker mother. Renu’s journey from a small-town doctor to UPSC topper remains a beacon for aspirants.
Renu Raj IAS Career: A Trail of Impact
Assigned to the Kerala cadre in 2015, Renu Raj’s IAS career began with training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Her postings since then highlight her commitment to governance and her tough stance on issues like corruption and illegal activities.
Sub-Collector, Thrissur and Devikulam
Renu started as Sub-Collector in Thrissur on June 12, 2015, serving over two years before moving to Devikulam on November 9, 2018. As the first woman Sub-Collector of Devikulam, near Munnar, she tackled rampant land encroachments by the land mafia. Despite resistance—including public humiliation from CPM MLA S. Rajendran, who later apologized—she removed over 100 illegal structures in the Munnar-Chinnakanal region, earning accolades for her resolve.
District Collector Roles
In March 2022, Renu assumed her first District Collector role as the 53rd Collector of Alappuzha, focusing on administrative efficiency and public welfare. Her tenure was brief, as she was transferred to Ernakulam in July 2022 amid a bureaucratic reshuffle, handing over Alappuzha to her husband, Sriram Venkitaraman. In Ernakulam, she managed urban challenges until March 2023, when a fire at the Brahmapuram waste plant led to her transfer to Wayanad as District Collector—a role she holds as of February 21, 2025. In Wayanad, she addresses rural development and environmental concerns, continuing her legacy of impactful governance.
Personal Life: Marriages and Resilience
Renu Raj’s personal life reflects her strength and adaptability. She has been married twice, both times to doctors, navigating personal transitions alongside her demanding career.
First Marriage: Dr. L.S. Bhagat
Renu’s first husband, Dr. L.S. Bhagat, was a classmate from Kottayam Medical College. The couple married during her early career, but the union ended in divorce after a few years. Details about Bhagat, a government physician, and the reasons for their separation remain private, as Renu maintains discretion about this chapter.
Second Marriage: Dr. Sriram Venkitaraman
On April 28, 2022, Renu married Dr. Sriram Venkitaraman, a fellow IAS officer of the 2013 Kerala cadre with an AIR of 2 in 2012. Sriram, also a qualified doctor, serves as Managing Director of Kerala Medical Services Corporation. Their love marriage followed two and a half years of courtship, uniting two high-achieving civil servants with shared values. As of 2025, they have no children, focusing on their careers and mutual support.
Controversies: Facing the Heat
Renu Raj’s career has not been without scrutiny, with notable incidents highlighting her firm stance.
Devikulam Clash with MLA
In Devikulam, her confrontation with CPM MLA S. Rajendran over encroachments drew criticism from political quarters. His public outburst and subsequent apology underscored her refusal to bow to pressure, though it sparked debate about her approach.
Brahmapuram Fire Fallout
The 2023 Brahmapuram fire in Ernakulam led to her transfer to Wayanad, with some attributing the incident to administrative lapses. While no formal charges emerged, it marked a challenging moment in her tenure.
Achievements and Legacy
Renu Raj’s accolades include:
- AIR 2 in UPSC CSE 2014 on her first attempt.
- Recognition for tackling illegal constructions in Munnar.
- A reputation as a skilled administrator in Kerala.
Her net worth, estimated at ₹20 crore INR, reflects her success, though her true wealth lies in her impact. Her salary, as per the 11th Pay Matrix (Z-class designation), includes a basic pay of ₹67,700 plus allowances, totaling a gross of ₹99,669 monthly.
Renu Raj in 2025: Current Role and Influence
As of February 21, 2025, Renu serves as Wayanad’s District Collector, addressing ecological and developmental challenges in this scenic yet complex region. Her leadership continues to inspire, with her UPSC tips—consistency, quality study, and self-belief—resonating with aspirants. A trained classical dancer, she balances her professional rigor with cultural roots, embodying a holistic persona.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Service
Renu Raj’s IAS biography is a narrative of transformation—from a surgeon saving lives to a civil servant shaping society. Her AIR 2 rank, bold career moves, and personal resilience make her a role model. As she navigates her role in Wayanad in 2025, Renu Raj remains a testament to how dedication and purpose can redefine success, inspiring generations to pursue public service with unwavering resolve.
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