Tina Dabi, an inspiring name synonymous with dedication and excellence, is one of India’s most celebrated Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. Known for topping the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination in 2015 at the tender age of 22, Tina Dabi IAS has become a beacon of motivation for millions of UPSC aspirants across the country. Her remarkable journey—from a determined student to a trailblazing civil servant—offers valuable insights into hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. This Tina Dabi biography delves into her early life, education, UPSC preparation, career milestones, personal life, and her enduring impact as a public figure.
Early Life and Family Background
Tina Dabi was born on November 9, 1993, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, into a middle-class family with a strong inclination toward education and public service. Her father, Jaswant Dabi, served as a General Manager at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), while her mother, Himani Dabi, was an Indian Engineering Services (IES) officer who later took voluntary retirement to support her daughters’ aspirations. Tina’s younger sister, Ria Dabi, followed in her footsteps, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 15 in the UPSC 2020 examination, further cementing the family’s legacy in civil services.
Growing up, Tina spent her early years in Bhopal before her family relocated to New Delhi when she was in the seventh grade. This move to the capital city exposed her to a broader academic and cultural environment, shaping her ambitions. From a young age, Tina exhibited a keen interest in academics, particularly in subjects like Political Science and History, which would later play a pivotal role in her UPSC success.
Educational Journey: Building the Foundation
Tina Dabi’s educational journey is a testament to her academic brilliance. She attended the Convent of Jesus and Mary School in New Delhi, where she excelled in her studies. In her Class 12 CBSE board exams, Tina achieved a perfect score of 100 in both Political Science and History, earning her recognition as a top-performing student. Her exceptional performance in school laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors.
After completing her schooling, Tina enrolled at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, one of Delhi University’s most prestigious institutions, to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Initially, she considered a career in commerce, but her passion for governance and public service steered her toward the humanities. During her college years, Tina emerged as a standout student, topping her batch in Political Science and actively participating in debates and parliamentary simulations. In 2012, she served as the Vice Speaker of the Youth Parliament, showcasing her oratory skills and leadership potential—qualities that would later shine in her IAS career.
UPSC Preparation: The Making of a Topper
Tina Dabi’s journey to becoming the UPSC 2015 topper began in her first year of college when she decided to pursue the Indian Administrative Service. At just 18, she joined RAU’s IAS Study Circle in New Delhi to kickstart her preparation, balancing her college studies with rigorous UPSC coaching. Her disciplined approach and strategic planning set her apart from the outset.
Tina followed a meticulous study schedule, dedicating 9 to 12 hours daily to her preparation. She emphasized the importance of revision, recommending that aspirants review each topic at least three times to retain information effectively. Her optional subject for the UPSC Mains—Political Science and International Relations—aligned perfectly with her academic background, and she scored an impressive 299 out of 500 in this paper. Tina’s preparation strategy included breaking her study sessions into slots: tackling big topics in the morning, medium-length topics in the afternoon, and revising previously studied material in the evening.
In 2015, at the age of 22, Tina appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination for the first time. Her hard work paid off when she secured AIR 1, scoring 1063 out of 2025 marks—an extraordinary feat in one of India’s toughest exams. She cleared the prelims under the Scheduled Caste (SC) category but topped the final merit list based on her stellar performance in the Mains and interview rounds. Tina’s success made her the first woman from the SC community to achieve this milestone, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams irrespective of their background.
IAS Career: From Trainee to District Collector
After topping the UPSC 2015 exam, Tina Dabi joined the IAS in the Rajasthan cadre, her second preference after Haryana, where she had hoped to work on women’s empowerment. Her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie was marked by excellence, earning her the President’s Gold Medal in 2018 for being the top trainee in her batch.
Tina’s IAS career began in 2016 with an entry-level position as Assistant Collector in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Over the years, she held various roles, including Sub-Divisional Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Bhilwara, Chief Executive Officer of Zila Parishad in Sri Ganganagar, and Joint Secretary in the Finance (Tax) Department of the Rajasthan government. In July 2022, she was appointed as the District Collector and Magistrate of Jaisalmer, becoming the 65th collector of the district at the age of 28.
As a collector, Tina initiated impactful projects like the “Jaisalmer Shakti Ladies First” campaign, aimed at breaking social barriers and promoting women’s education and empowerment. Her tenure in Jaisalmer showcased her commitment to public service, though she took maternity leave in July 2023 following the birth of her first child. In 2024, after returning from leave, Tina was posted as the District Collector of Barmer, Rajasthan, marking her second stint in this role and reaffirming her dedication to grassroots governance.
Personal Life: Marriages and Milestones
Tina Dabi’s personal life has often been in the spotlight, adding layers to her public persona. During her training at LBSNAA, she met Athar Aamir Khan, the AIR 2 rank holder of the 2015 UPSC batch. Their romance blossomed during a foreign trip to Europe, and they tied the knot in March 2018 with a court marriage in Jaipur, followed by a traditional ceremony in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Their interfaith marriage—between a Hindu and a Muslim—garnered significant media attention and public interest.
However, the marriage faced challenges, and in November 2020, Tina and Athar filed for divorce by mutual consent in a Jaipur family court. The divorce was finalized in August 2021, marking the end of their three-year union. Despite the personal setback, Tina remained focused on her career and public duties.
In March 2022, Tina announced her engagement to Pradeep Gawande, an IAS officer of the 2013 batch and former doctor, who was serving as Director of Archaeology and Museums in Rajasthan. The couple married on April 20, 2022, in a private ceremony at a hotel in Jaipur, followed by a reception on April 22. Their 13-year age difference sparked discussions, but Tina and Pradeep’s shared commitment to public service strengthened their bond. In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son, adding a new chapter to Tina’s life.
Achievements and Legacy
Tina Dabi’s achievements extend beyond her UPSC rank. She has become a role model for aspiring civil servants, particularly women and those from marginalized communities. Her disciplined approach, detailed timetables, and success tips—shared through interviews and social media—have guided countless UPSC aspirants. Tina’s Instagram account (
@dabi_tina
), with over 1.6 million followers as of February 2025, reflects her popularity and influence, though she has scaled back her social media activity in recent years to focus on her duties.Her journey underscores the power of education, perseverance, and family support. Tina credits her parents, especially her mother, for her success, often citing their sacrifices as her driving force. Her dream of becoming India’s Cabinet Secretary reflects her ambition to influence national policy and governance on a larger scale.
Tina Dabi Today: A Continuing Inspiration
As of February 20, 2025, Tina Dabi IAS serves as the District Collector of Barmer, Rajasthan, balancing her professional responsibilities with motherhood. Her current salary, estimated between ₹78,800 and ₹1.4 lakh per month (excluding allowances), reflects her seniority and the perks of an IAS officer, including housing, security, and travel benefits.
Tina Dabi’s biography is not just a story of personal triumph but a narrative of breaking barriers. From topping the UPSC at 22 to navigating personal and professional challenges with grace, she embodies resilience and determination. For UPSC aspirants searching for “Tina Dabi IAS success story” or “how to crack UPSC in first attempt,” her life offers practical lessons: follow a structured plan, prioritize revision, and stay motivated. As she continues her journey, Tina Dabi remains an enduring symbol of what dedication and vision can achieve in the realm of Indian civil services.
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