Kanishak Kataria, the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2018 All India Rank (AIR) 1 topper, is a name that resonates with ambition, intellect, and unwavering dedication. An IIT Bombay alumnus, Kanishak’s journey from a high-flying corporate career to becoming India’s top civil servant is a story of sacrifice, hard work, and a deep-seated desire to contribute to the nation’s growth. At just 26 years old, he aced one of the toughest exams in the world on his first attempt, securing an impressive 1121 out of 2025 marks. This SEO-optimized biography explores Kanishak Kataria’s early life, education, career, UPSC preparation strategy, personal life, and his inspiring legacy as an IAS officer.
Early Life and Family Background
Kanishak Kataria was born in 1992 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, into a family steeped in civil service tradition. Hailing from a middle-class background, he grew up surrounded by role models who shaped his aspirations. His father, Sanwar Mal Verma, is an IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, currently serving as the Director of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department. His uncle, K.C. Verma, holds the position of Divisional Commissioner in Jaipur, while his maternal grandfather, S.L. Bunkar, served in the state administrative service. This legacy of public service instilled in Kanishak a sense of duty and purpose from a young age.
Kanishak’s mother is a homemaker who provided a nurturing environment, while his elder sister, Tanmaya Kataria, pursued a Master’s in ENT from SMS Medical College, Jaipur. The Kataria family’s emphasis on education and service left an indelible mark on Kanishak, guiding him toward a path of excellence.
Raised in Jaipur and later spending time in Kota, Kanishak’s early years were marked by academic rigor and a curiosity for learning. His exposure to a family of civil servants planted the seeds for his eventual decision to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), though his journey initially took him through the world of technology.
Education: From Kota to IIT Bombay
Kanishak Kataria’s academic journey is a testament to his brilliance and determination. He completed his schooling at St. Paul’s Senior Secondary School in Kota, Rajasthan, a city renowned for its coaching institutes. A consistently high-performing student, Kanishak scored an impressive 94% in Class 10 and 96% in Class 12, showcasing his academic prowess early on.
His exceptional performance in the IIT-JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) secured him a rank of 44th in India, earning him admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. At IIT Bombay, Kanishak pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, graduating with a stellar cumulative GPA of 9.07 out of 10. His time at IIT was not just about academics; he explored his interests in machine learning, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, fields that would later define his early career.
During his college years, Kanishak gained practical experience through internships, including a three-month stint with Microsoft on the Windows RFX Team and a role as an Assistant Teacher in the Mathematics Department at IIT Bombay in 2014. His academic achievements also included securing 11th rank in the National Science Olympiad and 2nd rank in the International Maths Olympiad, further highlighting his intellectual versatility.
Early Career: From Software Engineer to Data Scientist
After graduating from IIT Bombay, Kanishak Kataria embarked on a promising career in the tech industry. His first major role was as a software engineer at Samsung in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, where he worked from 2014 to 2016. Earning a lucrative salary reportedly close to 1 crore rupees annually, Kanishak thrived in a cutting-edge environment, contributing to software development projects.
However, the allure of a high-paying job abroad couldn’t satisfy his deeper aspirations. In 2016, he returned to India and joined QPLUM, a Bengaluru-based startup, as a data scientist. His work focused on machine learning and data analysis—skills honed during his IIT days. Despite his success in the private sector, Kanishak felt a growing disconnect. He later reflected, “Somewhere down the line, I had developed an aspiration to be a part of India’s growth story,” signaling a pivotal shift in his career trajectory.
This realization prompted him to leave the corporate world in 2017 and pursue a path that aligned with his desire to serve the nation—preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
UPSC Journey: Cracking the Exam on the First Attempt
Preparation Strategy
Kanishak Kataria’s UPSC journey is a masterclass in focus, discipline, and strategic planning. With no prior knowledge of the UPSC syllabus, he moved to Delhi in 2017 and enrolled in coaching for 7-8 months to build a strong foundation. However, he soon returned to Jaipur in March 2018, opting for self-study to fine-tune his preparation.
For the Prelims, Kanishak relied on solving previous years’ question papers and enrolling in mock test series to identify gaps in his knowledge. His approach was practical—using tests not just to assess performance but to expand his understanding of new topics.
For the Mains, he chose Mathematics as his optional subject, a decision rooted in his love for the subject and his strong academic background. Mathematics, with its vast syllabus, demanded extra effort, and Kanishak dedicated significant time to mastering it. He scored an impressive 361 out of 500 in his optional papers (170 in Paper 1 and 191 in Paper 2), contributing significantly to his overall tally.
His daily study routine was rigorous—averaging 8-10 hours initially and escalating to 13-14 hours in the two months leading up to the Mains. Kanishak emphasized smart work over exhaustive reading, advising aspirants to focus on quality resources rather than quantity. His booklist included staples like R.S. Sharma’s Ancient History and Satish Chandra’s Medieval India, alongside standard NCERTs and current affairs materials.
A key element of his strategy was eliminating distractions. Two months before the Mains, he deactivated all social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter, and limited his WhatsApp usage to study groups. This laser focus ensured he remained immersed in his preparation.
UPSC 2018 Results and Marksheet
On April 5, 2019, the UPSC declared the results of the 2018 Civil Services Examination, and Kanishak Kataria emerged as the All India Rank 1 holder. Out of approximately 10 lakh applicants, only 759 candidates were recommended for appointment, making his achievement extraordinary.
His marksheet reflects his exceptional performance:
- Mains (Written): 942/1750 (53.8%)
- Interview: 179/275 (65%)
- Total: 1121/2025 (55.36%)
Kanishak’s success in his first attempt stunned even him. “It’s a very surprising moment. I never expected to get the 1st rank,” he told ANI, crediting his family and girlfriend for their unwavering support.
Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Support System
Kanishak Kataria’s personal life garnered attention when he publicly thanked his girlfriend, Sonal Chouhan, alongside his family after topping the UPSC exam—a rare and refreshing gesture among toppers. Sonal, also an IIT Bombay graduate in Computer Science, worked with Kanishak in Japan before returning to India to support his UPSC journey. Her steadfast presence was instrumental, and Kanishak openly acknowledged her role in his success.
After completing his training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Kanishak married Sonal in 2020. Post-marriage, Sonal transitioned into entrepreneurship, while Kanishak began his career as an IAS officer. Their love story, built on mutual trust and sacrifice, has inspired many and added a relatable dimension to his public persona.
Kanishak’s family also played a crucial role. His father, Sanwar Mal Verma, whom he considers his role model, offered guidance without pressure, allowing Kanishak to carve his own path. His sister, Tanmaya, shared the joyous moment of his result announcement, amplifying the family’s pride.
Career as an IAS Officer
Kanishak Kataria joined the 2019 IAS batch and was allotted the Rajasthan cadre, fulfilling his dream of serving his home state. His initial posting was as the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Ramganj Mandi, Kota. Over time, his career progressed, and he served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zila Parishad in Alwar.
As of early 2025, Kanishak holds the position of Joint Secretary, Department of Personnel (DoP), Government of Rajasthan, based in Jaipur. His postings reflect his commitment to grassroots governance and administrative excellence, aligning with his vision of contributing to India’s development.
Legacy and Inspiration for UPSC Aspirants
Kanishak Kataria’s success mantra—“hard work and staying positive”—resonates with millions of UPSC aspirants. His journey from a cushy tech job to IAS stardom underscores the power of purpose-driven ambition. He has shared his handwritten notes via platforms like Telegram, offering valuable insights into his preparation strategy.
His story also challenges stereotypes. Belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, Kanishak’s rank was achieved purely on merit, silencing critics who questioned his path. His candid acknowledgment of Sonal’s support broke conventional norms, making him a relatable figure for the youth.
At 33 years old (as of February 21, 2025), Kanishak continues to inspire through his service and humility. His advice to aspirants—focus on self-strategy, prioritize strengths, and maintain discipline—remains a blueprint for success.
Conclusion
Kanishak Kataria’s biography is more than a tale of academic and professional triumph; it’s a narrative of passion, sacrifice, and love for one’s country. From IIT Bombay to UPSC AIR 1, his journey exemplifies what’s possible with determination and the right support system. As an IAS officer in Rajasthan, he continues to uphold his family’s legacy while forging his own, leaving an indelible mark on India’s administrative landscape.
FAQs About Kanishak Kataria
- Who is Kanishak Kataria?
Kanishak Kataria is the UPSC 2018 AIR 1 topper and an IAS officer of the 2019 batch, currently serving as Joint Secretary in Rajasthan. - What was Kanishak Kataria’s optional subject in UPSC?
He chose Mathematics, scoring 361/500 in the Mains optional papers. - What is Kanishak Kataria’s educational background?
He holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Bombay. - Is Kanishak Kataria married?
Yes, he married Sonal Chouhan in 2020 after completing his IAS training. - What is Kanishak Kataria’s current posting?
As of 2025, he is the Joint Secretary, Department of Personnel, Government of Rajasthan.
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