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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.

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