Dr. Pooja Gupta, IAS, is a name synonymous with perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to public service. A 2020-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, she secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 42 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. Her journey from a dental graduate to an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, and finally to an IAS officer, is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Early Life and Family Background
Dr. Pooja Gupta was born and raised in Delhi, India, in a family deeply rooted in public service. Her mother, Rekha Gupta, serves as an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Delhi Police, while her father, Rajkumar Gupta, works in the private sector. Growing up, Pooja was inspired by her mother’s uniform and her dedication to serving the public. This early exposure to a life of discipline and responsibility planted the seeds for her eventual pursuit of a career in civil services.
From a young age, Pooja exhibited exceptional academic prowess. Her family provided a supportive environment, encouraging her to dream big and pursue her goals relentlessly. Her grandfather also played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations, as he harbored a dream of seeing her become an IAS officer—a vision that would eventually come to fruition.
Educational Journey
Pooja Gupta’s educational journey reflects her versatility and determination. After completing her schooling in Delhi, she chose to pursue a career in medicine, a decision influenced by her desire to serve society in a meaningful way. She enrolled at the prestigious ESIC Dental College in Delhi, where she earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. This rigorous program honed her discipline and time-management skills, qualities that would later prove invaluable in her UPSC preparation.
Even while studying dentistry, Pooja’s heart was set on a career in civil services. Inspired by her mother’s service and her own desire to effect large-scale change, she began preparing for the UPSC exam alongside her medical studies. This dual commitment showcased her ability to balance demanding responsibilities—a trait that would define her path to success.
UPSC Journey: From IPS to IAS
Dr. Pooja Gupta’s UPSC journey is a remarkable story of grit and ambition. She appeared for the Civil Services Examination for the first time in 2018, at the age of just 21. In her very first attempt, she cleared the exam with an All India Rank of 147, securing a position in the Indian Police Service (IPS). This achievement was no small feat, as the UPSC exam is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in the world.
While becoming an IPS officer was a moment of pride for Pooja and her family, her ultimate goal remained the IAS—a service she believed would allow her to make a broader impact on society. Undeterred by her demanding IPS training, she continued preparing for the UPSC exam, determined to improve her rank. Her second attempt in 2019 did not yield the desired result, but Pooja’s resolve only grew stronger.
In her third attempt in 2020, Pooja’s hard work paid off spectacularly. She secured an All India Rank of 42, earning her a coveted spot in the IAS. This achievement marked the fulfillment of her grandfather’s dream and solidified her reputation as an inspiring figure for UPSC aspirants across the country.
Preparation Strategy for UPSC Success
Pooja Gupta’s success in the UPSC exam can be attributed to a well-thought-out preparation strategy. Unlike many candidates who rely heavily on coaching institutes, Pooja adopted a self-study approach, leveraging online resources and guidance from her husband, Shakti Avasthy, an IPS officer himself. Here’s a breakdown of her preparation methods:
1. Reliance on NCERTs and Standard Resources
Pooja emphasized building a strong foundation with NCERT textbooks, which she used to grasp basic concepts across subjects. She supplemented these with standard reference books recommended by toppers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus.
2. Current Affairs Mastery
Staying updated with current affairs was a key pillar of her preparation. Pooja relied on newspapers like The Hindu and government platforms such as the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Rajya Sabha TV. These resources helped her stay informed about national and international developments, a crucial aspect of the UPSC exam.
3. Practice with Previous Years’ Papers
To familiarize herself with the exam pattern and refine her answer-writing skills, Pooja extensively practiced solving previous years’ UPSC question papers. This approach allowed her to identify her weaknesses and improve her time management during the exam.
4. Optional Subject: Anthropology
Pooja chose Anthropology as her optional subject, a choice driven by her interest in the subject and its scoring potential. She prepared meticulously, using online resources and toppers’ notes to excel in this paper.
5. Guidance from Her Husband
Pooja’s husband, Shakti Avasthy, played a significant role in her preparation. Having cracked the UPSC exam twice himself—first securing a position in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and later the IPS—he provided her with valuable insights, study materials, and moral support. His guidance was particularly crucial during her interview preparation.
6. Self-Motivation
Pooja’s mantra for success was intrinsic motivation. She often emphasized that external encouragement can only take one so far; true drive must come from within. Her advice to aspirants—“Ask yourself why you are getting up early in the morning and studying!”—reflects this philosophy.
Personal Life: A Supportive Partnership
Dr. Pooja Gupta is married to Shakti Avasthy, an IPS officer currently serving as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) in Noida. Their relationship is a partnership built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. Shakti’s own journey mirrors Pooja’s—he initially joined the IRS but reattempted the UPSC exam to secure a position in the IPS. His experience and encouragement were instrumental in Pooja’s transformation from an IPS officer to an IAS officer.
The couple’s shared commitment to public service and their ability to balance personal and professional responsibilities make them a power duo in the civil services fraternity. Together, they exemplify how dedication and teamwork can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Career as an IAS Officer
After clearing the UPSC exam in 2020, Dr. Pooja Gupta joined the IAS, a service that allows her to influence policymaking and governance on a large scale. While specific details about her postings and contributions as of April 2025 are not widely documented, her journey suggests she is likely making significant strides in her role. As an IAS officer, Pooja is expected to undertake responsibilities such as district administration, policy implementation, and public welfare initiatives—areas where her background in medicine and policing likely give her a unique perspective.
Her transition from IPS to IAS reflects her desire to engage in broader administrative roles, and her early career is poised to leave a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
Legacy and Inspiration
Dr. Pooja Gupta’s story is more than just a tale of academic and professional success—it’s a beacon of hope for millions of UPSC aspirants. Her ability to juggle medical studies, IPS training, and UPSC preparation while maintaining focus on her ultimate goal is a powerful lesson in perseverance. She has become a role model for women in civil services, proving that with determination and the right support system, no dream is too big.
Her message to aspirants resonates deeply: success stems from self-discipline and a clear sense of purpose. Pooja’s journey also highlights the importance of family support, as her mother, husband, and grandfather played key roles in her achievements.
Conclusion
Dr. Pooja Gupta, IAS, embodies the spirit of hard work, resilience, and service. From her humble beginnings in Delhi to her rise as a top-ranking IAS officer, her life is a testament to what can be achieved with unwavering dedication. As she continues her career in the Indian Administrative Service, she remains an inspiration to countless individuals aspiring to serve the nation.
Top FAQs About Dr. Pooja Gupta, IAS
1. Who is Dr. Pooja Gupta, IAS?
Dr. Pooja Gupta is a 2020-batch IAS officer who secured AIR 42 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. She is a dental graduate and former IPS officer who transitioned to the IAS to fulfill her dream of serving in administrative roles.
2. What was Dr. Pooja Gupta’s rank in the UPSC exam?
She secured AIR 147 in her first attempt (2018), earning her an IPS position, and AIR 42 in her third attempt (2020), which qualified her for the IAS.
3. What is Dr. Pooja Gupta’s educational background?
Pooja holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from ESIC Dental College, Delhi.
4. Who is Dr. Pooja Gupta’s husband?
Her husband, Shakti Avasthy, is an IPS officer currently posted as Additional DCP in Noida. He has also cleared the UPSC exam twice, previously serving in the IRS.
5. What was Dr. Pooja Gupta’s optional subject in UPSC?
She chose Anthropology as her optional subject, which contributed to her high score in the exam.
6. How did Dr. Pooja Gupta prepare for the UPSC exam?
Pooja relied on self-study, NCERT books, newspapers, government websites, and guidance from her husband. She also practiced extensively with previous years’ question papers.
7. What inspired Dr. Pooja Gupta to join the civil services?
She was inspired by her mother’s service as an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Delhi Police and her grandfather’s dream of seeing her as an IAS officer.
8. Where is Dr. Pooja Gupta posted now?
As of April 2025, specific details about her current posting are not widely available, but she is serving as an IAS officer in the 2020 batch.
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