Abhilasha Abhinav, IAS, is a name synonymous with perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to public service. As an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2018 batch of the Telangana cadre, she has inspired countless UPSC aspirants with her remarkable journey. Securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 18 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2017, Abhilasha’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and an unrelenting pursuit of her dreams. From her humble beginnings in Patna, Bihar, to her current role as District Collector of Nirmal, Telangana, her life is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and a clear vision.
Early Life and Family Background
Abhilasha Abhinav was born in Patna, Bihar, into a family with a strong legacy of public service. Her father, Bhola Nath Sarkar, is a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, while her mother, Kalyani Sinha, has been a pillar of support throughout her journey. The family originally hails from Habibpura, a small town in Sohsaray, Nalanda district, approximately 80 kilometers east of Patna. However, they later settled in Rajiv Nagar, Patna, where Abhilasha spent much of her formative years.
Growing up in a household with a father in the IPS instilled in Abhilasha a deep sense of duty and responsibility toward society. Her parents played a significant role in shaping her aspirations, encouraging her to pursue a career that would allow her to make a meaningful impact. Despite societal pressures that often push young women toward early marriage, Abhilasha’s family supported her ambition to prioritize education and career over conventional expectations—a decision that would later define her success.
Education: A Foundation of Excellence
Abhilasha’s academic journey reflects her brilliance and determination. She completed her schooling in Patna, attending Don Bosco Academy, where she excelled in her Class 10 CBSE examinations in 2005, securing an impressive 91%—a testament to her academic prowess from an early age. She continued her education at Delhi Public School, Bokaro, completing her Class 12 in the science stream in 2007 with 84% marks. Her strong performance in school laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors.
With a keen interest in technology, Abhilasha pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Electronics and Communication Engineering from A.C. Patil College of Engineering in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. Graduating in 2012, she demonstrated not only her intellectual capability but also her ability to adapt to a competitive academic environment far from home. Beyond academics, Abhilasha was a well-rounded individual, excelling in sports like volleyball—where she was a school champion—and nurturing a passion for painting.
Early Career and UPSC Aspirations
After completing her B.Tech, Abhilasha briefly worked in the private sector, joining IBM in Pune as a software engineer. For two and a half years, she gained valuable experience in a corporate setting, but her heart was set on a larger goal—serving the nation through the civil services. Despite lucrative job offers, including one from London, she chose to stay in India and chase her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
Her decision to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination while working full-time showcases her exceptional time management skills and determination. Balancing a demanding job with rigorous UPSC preparation was no easy feat, but Abhilasha’s resolve kept her going. She often utilized weekends, office downtime, and even her commute—listening to study materials on her phone—to stay on track.
UPSC Journey: From IRS to IAS
Abhilasha’s UPSC journey was not without its challenges. Her first attempt in 2014, while still working at IBM, ended in disappointment as she failed to clear the Preliminary stage. Undeterred, she took a break in 2015 to focus solely on preparation, moving to Delhi to immerse herself in a conducive environment for UPSC studies. In 2016, during her second attempt, she cracked the exam with an AIR of 308, earning a position in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). While this was a significant achievement, it did not fulfill her ultimate ambition of joining the IAS.
Determined to reach her goal, Abhilasha attempted the UPSC CSE again in 2017, this time while working as a probationary officer at Syndicate Bank—a role she took up after her IRS selection. The period coincided with India’s demonetization in November 2016, which meant long working hours at the bank. Despite the grueling schedule, she studied late into the night, embodying what she calls an “athletically active spirit” to face tough times. Her perseverance paid off spectacularly when the 2017 results were announced—she secured an AIR of 18, earning her coveted spot in the IAS.
Her optional subject, Sociology, despite her engineering background, proved to be a strategic choice. Abhilasha credits her deep interest in humanities and guidance from mentors like Vikash Ranjan at Triumph IAS for her success in this subject. Her interview with the PK Joshi Board on February 20, 2018, further highlighted her confidence and clarity of thought, sealing her place among the top ranks.
Career as an IAS Officer
Abhilasha Abhinav joined the IAS in the 2018 batch, assigned to the Telangana cadre. Her career has been marked by a commitment to grassroots development and innovative governance. She has held several key positions, including Additional Collector of Mahabubabad and Khammam districts, where she earned a reputation for efficiency and empathy.
Currently, as the District Collector of Nirmal, Telangana (as of April 2025), Abhilasha has spearheaded transformative initiatives. Her flagship project, Bal Shakti, focuses on the holistic development of children in residential schools, targeting around 45,000 students from underprivileged backgrounds. The program rests on four pillars: Health & Wellness, Financial Literacy, Skill Development & Empowerment, and Exposure to Social Institutions. Under her leadership, health profiles for nearly 20,000 students have been completed, identifying and addressing issues like anemia, thyroid problems, and vision impairments. Financial literacy sessions with local banks and skill-building activities like self-defense and public speaking have empowered students, indirectly benefiting their families as well.
Abhilasha’s emphasis on inter-departmental coordination and her hands-on approach have made her a respected figure in Telangana’s administrative circles. Her vision extends beyond Nirmal, as she aims to improve education, health, and women’s empowerment across rural areas—issues she has been passionate about since her UPSC days.
Personal Traits and Philosophy
Abhilasha’s journey is defined by her resilience, humility, and belief in self-discipline. She advises UPSC aspirants to maintain self-belief, manage time effectively, and stay honest with themselves. “To become a top-notch IAS officer is difficult but not impossible,” she once said, emphasizing the importance of facing challenges head-on. Her advice to women aspirants—urging parents not to pressure daughters into early marriage and encouraging girls to dream big—reflects her commitment to gender equality.
A volleyball champion and painter, Abhilasha brings a creative and dynamic perspective to her work. Her ability to connect with people, coupled with her analytical skills from her engineering background, makes her a unique and effective administrator.
Legacy and Inspiration
Abhilasha Abhinav’s story is a beacon of hope for millions of UPSC aspirants, especially those balancing jobs and studies or facing societal pressures. Her transition from IRS to IAS with an AIR of 18 in 2017, followed by her impactful tenure in Telangana, showcases her as a role model for perseverance and public service.
Top FAQs About Abhilasha Abhinav IAS
1. Who is Abhilasha Abhinav?
Abhilasha Abhinav is an IAS officer from the 2018 batch of the Telangana cadre. She secured AIR 18 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017 and currently serves as the District Collector of Nirmal, Telangana.
2. What was Abhilasha Abhinav’s rank in UPSC?
She achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 18 in the UPSC CSE 2017. In her earlier attempt in 2016, she secured AIR 308, joining the IRS before aiming higher.
3. What is Abhilasha Abhinav’s educational background?
Abhilasha holds a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from A.C. Patil College, Navi Mumbai (2012). She completed her schooling at Don Bosco Academy, Patna, and Delhi Public School, Bokaro.
4. What is the Bal Shakti program by Abhilasha Abhinav?
Bal Shakti is her flagship initiative as District Collector of Nirmal, focusing on the holistic development of children through health, financial literacy, skill development, and social exposure.
5. How many attempts did Abhilasha take to become an IAS officer?
She cleared the UPSC exam in her third attempt in 2017. Her first attempt in 2014 failed at the Prelims, and her second in 2016 earned her an IRS position with AIR 308.
6. What is Abhilasha Abhinav’s optional subject in UPSC?
She chose Sociology as her optional subject, leveraging her interest in humanities despite her engineering background.
7. Where is Abhilasha Abhinav posted now?
As of April 1, 2025, she is the District Collector of Nirmal, Telangana.
8. What advice does Abhilasha give to UPSC aspirants?
She emphasizes time management, self-belief, and honesty in preparation. She also encourages women to dream big and resist societal pressures.
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