Skip to main content

Sonalika Jiwani, IAS: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family



Sonalika Jiwani, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2017 batch, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspirants aiming to crack the prestigious UPSC examination. With an All India Rank (AIR) of 192 in her very first attempt, Sonalika’s journey exemplifies dedication, strategic planning, and resilience. Currently serving as the Special Secretary of Urban Development in Delhi, she combines her technical expertise with a passion for public service to drive impactful urban governance.
Early Life and Background
Sonalika Jiwani was born and raised in Delhi, India, a city that would later become the canvas for her professional contributions. While specific details about her family and childhood remain private, it is evident that her upbringing in a dynamic urban environment instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility toward public welfare. From an early age, Sonalika displayed an aptitude for academics and a keen interest in problem-solving, traits that would shape her future career.
Her academic journey reflects a blend of technical prowess and a commitment to excellence. Sonalika pursued her schooling in Delhi, excelling in her studies and laying a strong foundation for higher education. Her curiosity and determination led her to one of India’s most prestigious institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where she embarked on a transformative academic chapter.
Educational Journey: From IIT Delhi to Public Service
Sonalika Jiwani graduated from IIT Delhi with a Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering between 2011 and 2015. IIT Delhi, renowned for its rigorous curriculum and competitive environment, honed her analytical skills and technical expertise. During her time at IIT, she developed a strong foundation in engineering principles, problem-solving, and time management—skills that would later prove invaluable in her UPSC preparation and administrative career.
Not content with resting on her laurels, Sonalika furthered her education by pursuing a Master’s in Public Management. This advanced degree equipped her with insights into governance, policy-making, and urban planning, aligning perfectly with her aspirations to serve the nation through civil services. Her educational background, combining technical and managerial expertise, set her apart as a versatile and capable candidate for the IAS.
UPSC Journey: Cracking the Exam in the First Attempt
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in India, requiring years of preparation for most candidates. However, Sonalika Jiwani defied the odds by securing an All India Rank of 192 in her first attempt in 2016. Her success with Geography as her optional subject is a testament to her strategic approach and disciplined preparation.
Preparation Strategy
Sonalika’s UPSC strategy has been widely discussed and admired by aspirants. She emphasized the importance of a well-structured routine and efficient time management. Her preparation can be broken down into key components:
  1. Daily Routine: Sonalika advocated waking up early (around 7:30 a.m.) and dedicating at least three hours daily to reading newspapers comprehensively. She made online notes to stay updated with current affairs, a critical component of the UPSC syllabus.
  2. Focus on Mains First: Unlike many aspirants who prioritize the Preliminary exam, Sonalika began her preparation with the Mains examination in mind. She covered static subjects like History, Polity, and Economy early on, supplementing them with daily newspaper reading to connect static knowledge with current events.
  3. Optional Subject Mastery: Choosing Geography as her optional subject, Sonalika tackled it alongside her General Studies preparation. She ensured a deep understanding of concepts, leveraging her analytical skills from her engineering background.
  4. Pre-Prelims Shift: Three months before the Preliminary exam, Sonalika shifted her focus to factual revision and current affairs, ensuring she was well-prepared for the objective format.
  5. Ethics and Essay Writing: Post-Prelims, she prioritized essay writing and Ethics (GS Paper IV), subjects often overlooked during early preparation. This balanced approach helped her excel in the Mains examination.
Her mantra of breaking time management into daily routines and exam schedules resonated with aspirants, showcasing her ability to plan meticulously. Sonalika’s success in her first attempt at the age of approximately 24-25 highlights her exceptional dedication and intellectual capacity.
Career in the Indian Administrative Service
Sonalika Jiwani joined the IAS in the 2017 batch, assigned to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories) cadre. After completing her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, she embarked on a career marked by significant postings and contributions.
Early Postings
  • Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Commerce (2019): Upon completing Phase II training at LBSNAA, Sonalika was appointed Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, for a 13-week stint from July to September 2019. This role provided her with exposure to national-level policy-making and trade administration.
  • Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mehrauli (2021): Returning to Delhi, Sonalika served as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Mehrauli, handling local governance and administrative challenges in one of Delhi’s key areas.
  • Deputy Commissioner (HQ), Revenue Department (2021): Later in 2021, she was transferred to the role of Deputy Commissioner (HQ) in the Revenue Department, a position that demanded coordination and oversight of revenue-related matters across Delhi.
Key Roles in Urban Governance
  • Deputy Commissioner (South), Revenue Department (2021): Sonalika took on the role of Deputy Commissioner (South) with the additional charge of Director, Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management (DIHRM). This posting allowed her to contribute to both revenue administration and heritage preservation.
  • Special Secretary, Urban Development (2022-Present): As of May 2022, Sonalika was appointed Special Secretary of Urban Development in Delhi, a role she continues to hold as of March 27, 2025. She also briefly held the additional charge of Special Secretary (NCR), reflecting her growing influence in urban planning. At 32 years old, she is driving initiatives to make Delhi a sustainable and efficient city, leveraging her technical and managerial expertise.
Contributions to Urban Development
As Special Secretary of Urban Development, Sonalika Jiwani has been instrumental in shaping Delhi’s urban landscape. Her work focuses on sustainable urban planning, infrastructure development, and efficient governance. With Delhi facing challenges like population growth, pollution, and resource management, Sonalika’s role involves crafting policies that balance growth with sustainability. Her engineering background aids in addressing technical aspects of urban projects, while her Master’s in Public Management ensures a holistic approach to governance.
Though specific projects under her leadership are not widely publicized, her tenure aligns with Delhi’s ongoing efforts to improve waste management, public transportation, and green spaces. Her contributions are poised to leave a lasting impact on the capital’s future.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Sonalika Jiwani maintains a low profile regarding her personal life. Details about her family, marital status, or hobbies are not publicly available, reflecting her focus on professional commitments. She is active on platforms like LinkedIn and X, where she shares insights into urban governance and her work, inspiring countless followers.
Her story resonates with UPSC aspirants, particularly women, as she exemplifies how determination and education can break barriers. Sonalika’s journey from IIT Delhi to the IAS underscores the power of perseverance and strategic planning.
Top FAQs About Sonalika Jiwani IAS
  1. What is Sonalika Jiwani’s UPSC rank and batch?
    Sonalika Jiwani secured an All India Rank of 192 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2016 and joined the IAS in the 2017 batch.
  2. What is Sonalika Jiwani’s educational background?
    She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering from IIT Delhi (2011-2015) and a Master’s in Public Management.
  3. What is Sonalika Jiwani’s current posting?
    As of March 27, 2025, she serves as the Special Secretary of Urban Development in Delhi.
  4. Which optional subject did Sonalika Jiwani choose for UPSC?
    She opted for Geography as her optional subject, contributing to her success in the Mains examination.
  5. How did Sonalika Jiwani prepare for UPSC in her first attempt?
    She followed a structured routine, prioritized Mains preparation, read newspapers daily, and focused on Ethics and essay writing post-Prelims.
  6. What is Sonalika Jiwani’s age?
    Born around 1992-1993, she is approximately 32 years old as of 2025.
  7. Where can I follow Sonalika Jiwani’s updates?
    You can follow her on LinkedIn or X for insights into her work and urban governance.
  8. What cadre does Sonalika Jiwani belong to?
    She is part of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories) cadre.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rini Ann George, Actress: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

Rini Ann George , a versatile Malayalam actress , model, dancer, former journalist, and media personality, has steadily risen in Kerala’s entertainment industry. Known for her debut in 916 Kunjoottan and engaging presence as an anchor, Rini balances creative passion with a commitment to social issues. In 2025, she gained significant attention beyond cinema—speaking candidly about political harassment from a youth leader, which resonated widely across Kerala audiences. Early Life & Career Beginnings Though personal details like birth date and early education remain private, Rini Ann George’s professional trajectory is visible on her LinkedIn profile: she describes herself as "Bold and beautiful sailing on rough weathers" , pursuing modeling, anchoring, acting, journalism, dance, and choreography.( LinkedIn ) Before transitioning fully into films, she gained recognition as a media professional and model—a foundation that sharpened her public-facing skills. Career Mil...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ajit Hanamakkanavar: Profile, Wiki, Family, Caste and Wife

Ajit Hanamakkanavar is a prominent Indian journalist and news anchor, known for his outspoken style in the Kannada-language media. He currently holds a leadership position as Head of News and Programmes at Asianet Suvarna News , a popular regional news channel in Karnataka ( casemine.com ). Ajit initially gained attention through debate shows such as Left, Right & Centre , where his provocative questions and sharp commentary helped build his reputation as a bold and controversial figure ( casemine.com ). 📚 Early Life & Education Public records on Ajit's personal background, including birth year, hometown, and educational credentials, are limited. His rise in journalism appears rooted in local Kannada media, where he transitioned from reporting roles to anchoring and editorial responsibilities. 💼 Career Trajectory Regional Journalist – He began in Kannada-language television, gaining experience in reporting and anchoring for local audiences. Suvarna News Anch...
Post a Comment
Read more

Marya Shakil, CNN - IBN: Profile, Husband, Family and Age

Marya Shakil is one of India’s most respected political journalists. With nearly two decades of experience, she has established herself as a sharp, insightful voice across television journalism, in‑depth reporting, and political analysis. 🧬 Early Life & Education Born in Patna, Bihar , Marya inherited her political acumen from her father, Shakil Ahmad Khan , a veteran politician who served as a Bihar MLA and cabinet minister in Rabri Devi’s administration. He passed away in August 2012 ( en.wikipedia.org ). Marya completed her MA in Mass Communication (2005) from AJK Mass Communication Research Centre , Jamia Millia Islamia, after which she interned with Times Group (Bennett Coleman & Co.) in 2004 ( en.wikipedia.org ). 📺 Career & Rise in Journalism CNN‑IBN / CNN‑News18 : Marya started her TV career in 2005 with Network18. Notable early work includes a documentary on the 2008 Bihar floods and The Muslim Manifesto ahead of the 2012 UP elections, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mausami Singh, Aaj Tak: Profile, Bio, Age and Family

Mausami Singh – Fearless Voice of Indian Journalism Introduction Mausami Singh is a prominent Indian journalist, currently serving as the Deputy Editor at India Today’s National Bureau and its Hindi news channel, Aaj Tak . Known for her sharp political analysis, unwavering courage, and fearless reporting, she has carved a niche for herself among India’s leading journalists. Her work balancing hard-hitting political stories and sensitive social issues has earned her both respect and widespread recognition. ( आज तक ) Early Life & Education Born and raised in New Delhi, Mausami is a private person when it comes to her personal background. Her academic journey, however, laid a strong foundation for her career. She graduated in journalism and mass communication from the Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) around the 2004 batch—an institution renowned for producing media professionals of top caliber. During her college years, she demonstrated a natural flair for investigative stor...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Relationship Between Mansi Soni and Narendra Modi: Separating Truth, Myth, and Rumors

The alleged relationship between Mansi Soni and Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, has been a subject of intense speculation, particularly following the 2013 “Snoopgate” controversy. This episode, centered around claims of illegal surveillance, sparked debates about Modi’s personal and political conduct during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. While some narratives suggest a personal connection between Modi and Soni, others dismiss these as politically motivated rumors. Who is Mansi Soni? Mansi Soni is an architect from Gujarat, born into a Bhuj-based business family known for its jewelry enterprise, Hem Jewellers. Her father, Pranlal Soni, is a prominent businessman and Rotarian who played a role in Bhuj’s reconstruction after the 2001 earthquake. Mansi graduated from BMS College of Engineering in Bangalore in 1999 with a degree in architecture and later became a director at Ecolibrium Energy, a smart-grid company founded by her brothers, Chintan and Harit Soni. The company ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Relationship Between Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Preity Zinta: Exploring Their Familial Connection

The relationship between Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and Indian politician Rajiv Pratap Rudy has sparked curiosity among fans and media alike, primarily due to their familial ties and occasional public appearances together. This article delves into the details of their relationship, addressing whether Preity Zinta is indeed the sister-in-law of Rajiv Pratap Rudy, and explores any statements made by public personalities regarding their connection. We'll also ensure the content is SEO-optimized to provide valuable information for readers searching for insights into this intriguing bond. Who Are Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Preity Zinta? Before diving into their relationship, let’s briefly introduce the two individuals: Rajiv Pratap Rudy : Born on March 30, 1962, in Patna, Bihar, Rajiv Pratap Rudy is a prominent Indian politician affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A four-time Member of Parliament from Saran, Bihar, Rudy has held significant ministerial roles, including Mini...
Post a Comment
Read more

Chetna Jhamb: Profile, Bio, Age, Caste, Husband and Family

Early Life & Education Chetna Jhamb, originally from India, developed an entrepreneurial spark early in life. Although details about her birthplace and educational background are not widely publicized, her LinkedIn profile highlights over 13 years of corporate and leadership experience across managerial roles( LinkedIn ). Her multilingual exposure and global outreach—evident from launching ventures in the U.S. and India—indicate a strong academic foundation and international exposure. Corporate Career & Business Ventures Director at Skanda HEI HR International Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru Chetna holds a leadership role at this firm that focuses on protective healthcare equipment like PPE and oxygen concentrators. Founder and Global Entrepreneur She launched her first business in the U.S. in 2016, followed by expansions in India. Operations & Media Leadership Managing multifaceted businesses spanning media, tech, and healthcare, she positions herself as an innovativ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Arzoo Kazmi, Journalist: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

Arzoo Kazmi is a prominent journalist and human rights advocate from Pakistan, known for incisive political analysis and fearless reporting. Over the years, she has covered sensitive topics—from constitutional reforms to national security—and has been embroiled in controversies that highlight issues of press freedom and state pressure. Early Life & Education Background : Born in Pakistan, Arzoo developed a keen interest in journalism and public affairs early on. Education : Attended top journalism institutions (specifics kept private), where she honed her writing, analysis, and investigative skills. Entry into Media : Began as a researcher before quickly transitioning to on-screen reporting, earning respect for her clarity on constitutional and geopolitical matters. Career & Professional Highlights Rise as a Political Journalist Television & Digital Presence : Regularly appears on Pakistani and international news networks. She provides commentary on constitution...
Post a Comment
Read more

Priyanka G, IAS Kerala: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

Introduction Priyanka G (born circa 1993), an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2017 Kerala cadre, has garnered attention for her rapid rise, impactful postings, and recent controversies. Known for her transparent approach and social commitment, she currently serves as the District Collector of Palakkad—a role she assumed on February 5, 2025 ( LinkedIn ). Early Life & Education Hometown & Background : Hailing from Karnataka, Priyanka grew up in a middle-class family with a strong emphasis on education and public service . Academic Journey : After excelling academically through schooling and college, she focused on cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam , succeeded in 2017, and joined the IAS. POSTING : Post-training at LBSNAA, she was assigned to the Kerala cadre—a coveted break for many aspirants from outside the state. Career Progression Director, Women & Child Department : Before becoming Palakkad Collector, Priyanka served as the Di...
Post a Comment
Read more

Saurabh Jorwal, IAS: Profile, Wiki, Girlfriend, Age and Educational Details

Saurabh Jorwal (b. circa 1988–89) is a distinguished 2014-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Bihar cadre. An alumnus of IIT Delhi , his journey from engineering to impactful public service reflects resilience, innovation, and a hands-on governance style. 🎓 Early Life & Education Academic Foundations Jorwal earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Delhi , a training ground for analytical excellence and technological problem-solving. UPSC Tenacity First attempt (2013) : Ranked well enough to join the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Second attempt (2014) : Cracked the UPSC Civil Services with an All India Rank (AIR) of 802, securing an IAS position under the ST category . 📍 Bihar Cadre: Postings & Impact SDO Saharsa: Tech Meets Administration As Sub‑Divisional Officer of Saharsa , he leveraged Google Maps to locate and clear encroachments, easing traffic and reducing waterlogging. These tech-driven initiatives gained positive local and online...
Post a Comment
Read more