Srushti Jayant Deshmukh, an IAS officer of the 2019 batch, is a name that echoes determination, brilliance, and resilience. Securing an All India Rank (AIR) 5 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2018 on her very first attempt, Srushti became a beacon of inspiration for millions of aspirants, particularly women, across India. At just 23 years old, this chemical engineering graduate from Bhopal defied the odds to achieve one of the most coveted positions in the country. Today, as an IAS officer posted in Madhya Pradesh, she continues to make a mark with her dedication to public service and her influential social media presence. This SEO-optimized biography delves into Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s early life, education, UPSC journey, career, personal life, and her lasting impact as a role model.
Early Life and Family Background
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh was born on March 28, 1996, in Kasturba Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, into a supportive middle-class family. Her father, Jayant Deshmukh, is an engineer working with a private company, while her mother, Sunita Deshmukh, is a pre-primary school teacher. Growing up in Bhopal, a city known for its educational hubs and cultural richness, Srushti was nurtured in an environment that valued learning and hard work. Her parents played a pivotal role in fostering her ambitions, offering unwavering support without imposing pressure—something Srushti often credits for her success.
From a young age, Srushti exhibited a keen interest in academics and a deep desire to contribute to society. Her childhood dream of becoming an IAS officer was sparked by observing the impactful work of civil servants in her hometown. This aspiration, coupled with her family’s encouragement, set the stage for her extraordinary journey. Unlike many UPSC toppers with a lineage of civil servants, Srushti was the first in her family to pursue this path, making her achievement even more remarkable.
Education: A Foundation of Excellence
Srushti’s academic journey is a testament to her intellectual prowess and disciplined approach. She attended Carmel Convent School, BHEL, Bhopal, where she excelled in her studies. In her Class 10 board exams, she secured a perfect 10 CGPA, showcasing her consistency and dedication. She continued her stellar performance in Class 12, scoring an impressive 93.4%, which laid a strong foundation for her higher education.
Initially, Srushti aspired to join the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and prepared for the IIT-JEE entrance exam. However, despite her efforts, she couldn’t clear the highly competitive test. Undeterred, she chose Chemical Engineering as her undergraduate course, enrolling at Lakshmi Narain College of Technology (LNCT), affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV), Bhopal, from 2014 to 2018. Her decision to pursue engineering was strategic—she saw it as a viable fallback career if her IAS dream didn’t materialize.
During her college years, Srushti remained an active participant in extracurricular activities, including debates, cultural events, and the National Cadet Corps (NCC), where she earned an NCC A Certificate. These experiences honed her leadership skills and broadened her perspective, qualities that would later prove invaluable in her civil services career.
The UPSC Journey: Triumph in the First Attempt
Decision to Pursue UPSC
While pursuing her B.Tech, Srushti’s childhood dream of becoming an IAS officer grew stronger. She realized that joining the administrative system would allow her to address pressing societal issues, particularly women’s empowerment and education—causes close to her heart. Determined to give it her all, she decided to prepare for the UPSC CSE with a unique resolve: her first attempt would be her only attempt. This high-stakes approach underscored her confidence and commitment.
Srushti began her UPSC preparation in her final semester of engineering, balancing college commitments with rigorous self-study. Unlike many aspirants who flock to Delhi for coaching, she relied heavily on online resources and self-study, proving that determination and smart planning can triumph over conventional paths.
Preparation Strategy
Srushti’s preparation strategy was methodical and tailored to her strengths. She studied for 6-7 hours daily, supplementing her efforts with online test series to gauge her progress. Her optional subject, Sociology, was a deliberate choice—although her engineering background didn’t align with UPSC’s optional offerings, she found Sociology relatable and manageable. This decision paid off, as she scored 162 in Optional Paper 1 and 133 in Optional Paper 2, totaling an impressive 295/500.
For the Prelims, Srushti focused on solving past papers and refining her knowledge through mock tests, scoring 105 marks to clear the cutoff. In the Mains, her standout performance included 113 in the Essay paper and strong scores across General Studies papers, culminating in 895/1750. Her interview fetched her 173/275, reflecting her poise and clarity of thought.
Srushti’s approach was marked by discipline—she deactivated her social media accounts to eliminate distractions and relied on resources like newspapers, NCERT books, and online platforms. Her mantra was simple: consistency, quality over quantity, and staying informed about current affairs—a strategy she later shared with aspirants through interviews and her book.
UPSC 2018 Results
On April 5, 2019, the UPSC announced the CSE 2018 results, and Srushti Jayant Deshmukh emerged as the AIR 5 holder, topping among female candidates. Out of over 8 lakh applicants, only 759 were selected, making her feat extraordinary. Her total score of 1068/2025 (52.7%) placed her among the elite, with Kanishak Kataria securing AIR 1 that year. The news sent waves of celebration through her family and Bhopal, with Srushti expressing disbelief and gratitude: “It was my childhood dream, and I never expected to rank so high.”
Career as an IAS Officer
Srushti joined the 2019 IAS batch and was allotted the Madhya Pradesh cadre, aligning with her desire to serve her home state. After completing her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, she began her career with her first posting as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh. Her tenure there showcased her commitment to rural development and governance.
Currently, as of February 21, 2025, Srushti serves as the SDM of Gadarwara in Narsinghpur district, Madhya Pradesh. Her work focuses on implementing government schemes like the Laadli Bahna Yojana, launched by MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, which provides financial aid to women for health, nutrition, and economic independence. Srushti’s on-field efforts—captured in viral Instagram videos where she interacts with locals and schoolchildren—highlight her compassionate and hands-on approach.
Beyond fieldwork, Srushti has become an advocate for voter awareness. In 2019, the Bhopal district election office appointed her as an icon for the Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program, encouraging first-time female voters—a role she embraced with zeal.
Personal Life: Love and Partnership
Srushti’s personal life gained attention when she married Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, an IAS officer of the same 2019 batch, on April 24, 2022. The couple reportedly met during their training at LBSNAA, where their shared aspirations and mutual support blossomed into love. Nagarjun, originally from the Manipur cadre, switched to Madhya Pradesh post-marriage, aligning their professional journeys.
Their wedding, attended by family and close relatives, marked a union of two driven individuals committed to public service. Srushti’s decision to keep her personal life low-key reflects her focus on her career, though her husband’s presence has been a source of strength, much like her family’s support during her UPSC days.
Achievements and Contributions
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s accolades extend beyond her UPSC rank:
- AIR 5 in UPSC CSE 2018: Topping among women in her first attempt.
- Author of “The Answer Writing Manual”: A 500-page guide for UPSC Mains aspirants, featuring strategies, flowcharts, and her personal notes.
- Social Media Influence: With over 2.4 million Instagram followers, she shares insights into her work and inspires aspirants.
Her book has become a go-to resource for civil service candidates, detailing answer-writing techniques and preparation methods—a reflection of her desire to give back to the UPSC community.
Legacy and Inspiration
At 28 years old (as of February 21, 2025), Srushti Jayant Deshmukh stands as a symbol of grit and grace. Her journey from failing IIT-JEE to topping UPSC CSE showcases resilience, while her focus on women’s empowerment and education highlights her vision for societal change. Her down-to-earth demeanor—seen in videos where she shares midday meals with schoolchildren—endears her to the public.
Srushti’s story resonates with aspirants who lack access to traditional coaching hubs, proving that self-study and determination can lead to success. Her advice—“Stay consistent, use resources wisely, and believe in yourself”—continues to guide countless dreamers.
Conclusion
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s biography is a narrative of ambition realized through hard work and support. From Bhopal’s Kasturba Nagar to the corridors of administration, she has transformed her childhood dream into a reality that inspires millions. As an IAS officer, author, and influencer, Srushti’s legacy is one of empowerment, excellence, and unwavering resolve—a shining example for India’s youth.
FAQs About Srushti Jayant Deshmukh
- Who is Srushti Jayant Deshmukh?
Srushti is an IAS officer of the 2019 batch who secured AIR 5 in UPSC CSE 2018. - What was her optional subject in UPSC?
She chose Sociology, scoring 295/500 in the Mains optional papers. - Where is Srushti Jayant Deshmukh posted now?
She is currently the SDM of Gadarwara, Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh (as of 2025). - Is Srushti Jayant Deshmukh married?
Yes, she married Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, an IAS officer, in April 2022. - What is her educational background?
She holds a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from LNCT, Bhopal.
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