Akanksha Bhaskar, IAS, is a name synonymous with dedication, resilience, and service. A 2015-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the West Bengal cadre, she has carved a unique path by transitioning from a medical career to civil services. With an All India Rank (AIR) of 76 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Akanksha’s journey is an inspiring tale of ambition and a deep-rooted desire to uplift society.
Early Life and Family Background
Akanksha Bhaskar was born and raised in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a city renowned for its cultural and spiritual heritage. Hailing from a family of doctors, her parents’ profession significantly influenced her early aspirations. Both her mother and father are distinguished medical practitioners, and their commitment to serving others left an indelible mark on Akanksha. Growing up in such an environment, she was exposed to the importance of healthcare and community welfare from a young age.
Her formative years were spent in Varanasi, where she attended St. John’s School, Marhauli. Known for its academic rigor, the school provided her with a strong foundation in education. Akanksha excelled in her studies, displaying a natural aptitude for learning and a curiosity about the world around her. Her parents envisioned her following in their footsteps as a doctor, a dream she initially embraced.
Educational Journey: From MBBS to UPSC
Akanksha pursued her medical education at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, one of the premier medical institutions in India. She completed her MBBS degree, equipping herself with the knowledge and skills to serve as a doctor. After graduating, she was posted as a government doctor in a remote village, an experience that would prove to be a turning point in her life.
During her rural posting, Akanksha encountered the harsh realities of healthcare disparities in India. She witnessed firsthand the appalling living conditions, lack of awareness, and inadequate medical infrastructure that plagued rural communities. While she could treat patients’ symptoms as a doctor, she realized that addressing the root causes—poverty, poor sanitation, and lack of education—was beyond her reach in that role. This realization ignited a desire to effect broader systemic change, prompting her to set her sights on the Indian Administrative Service.
Determined to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Akanksha began preparing while balancing her responsibilities as a doctor. Her medical background gave her an edge; she was accustomed to handling vast syllabi and rigorous study schedules. In her own words, “I was a medical student, so the syllabus never scared me, even though it was extremely vast.” Her disciplined approach paid off when she cleared the UPSC exam in her first attempt in 2015, securing an impressive AIR of 76.
Transition to IAS: A New Chapter
Akanksha Bhaskar joined the IAS in the 2015 batch, allocated to the West Bengal cadre. Her training as an IAS officer spanned 18 months, including district-level assignments that exposed her to the intricacies of administration. Unlike many of her peers, Akanksha brought a unique perspective to her role, blending her medical expertise with administrative acumen.
Her decision to switch careers was driven by a vision to serve on a larger scale. As she explained in an interview with The Times of India, “Although being a doctor could have also helped, it would be inadequate if their lifestyle needs to be improved. An IAS officer can easily interact with people and benefit thousands of them.” This philosophy has guided her work ever since.
Career Highlights and Postings
Akanksha’s career as an IAS officer has been marked by a series of impactful postings across West Bengal. Her journey reflects her commitment to public welfare, particularly in healthcare and rural development. Below are some key milestones in her career:
1. Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Raghunathpur
One of her early postings was as the SDO of Raghunathpur in West Bengal. Here, Akanksha’s medical background came to the forefront. During an official visit to a block hospital in Santuri, Purulia, she found the designated doctor absent and the facility understaffed. Without hesitation, she stepped in to treat the waiting patients herself. This incident, reported by The Better India, highlighted her hands-on approach and dedication to service.
Beyond such interventions, Akanksha organized health camps in rural areas to raise awareness about safe maternity, menstrual hygiene, and common health issues. She viewed these efforts as temporary measures, emphasizing the need for long-term improvements in living conditions to reduce ailment rates among tribal communities.
2. Assistant Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Burdwan
As Assistant Collector and SDM in Burdwan, Akanksha continued to champion public welfare. In a 2017 interview with Times Now on Women’s Day, she stressed the importance of effective law enforcement and timely justice for women’s safety—issues she worked to address in her jurisdiction.
3. Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Purulia
Later, as ADM in Purulia, Akanksha honed her administrative skills, focusing on rural development and governance. Her tenure here laid the groundwork for her subsequent roles in higher administrative positions.
4. Joint Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department
In 2021, Akanksha was appointed Joint Secretary in the Panchayat and Rural Development Department of West Bengal. This role allowed her to influence policy and programs aimed at uplifting rural communities—a cause close to her heart.
5. Chief Executive Officer, Asansol Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA)
By 2023, Akanksha had risen to the position of CEO of the Asansol Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA). She was entrusted with overseeing urban development and infrastructure projects in this industrial region. Her leadership in this role showcased her ability to manage complex administrative challenges.
6. Additional District Magistrate, North 24 Parganas
In May 2024, Akanksha was appointed ADM (Basirhat) in North 24 Parganas, a district with significant administrative demands. This transfer underscored her growing stature within the West Bengal bureaucracy.
Contributions and Impact
Akanksha Bhaskar’s tenure as an IAS officer is distinguished by her dual expertise in medicine and administration. Her contributions include:
- Healthcare Initiatives: She has consistently leveraged her medical knowledge to improve healthcare access in underserved areas, conducting camps and stepping in during emergencies.
- Rural Development: Her focus on improving living conditions aligns with her vision of reducing health disparities through systemic change.
- COVID-19 Response: During the pandemic, Akanksha played a key role in managing public health measures, though specific details of her contributions are yet to be widely documented.
- Women’s Empowerment: As a female IAS officer, she advocates for gender equality and safety, inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams.
Her philosophy—that ensuring people’s health and happiness is an IAS officer’s foremost duty—resonates in her work. She doesn’t view her efforts as extraordinary but as an integral part of her responsibility.
Personal Life and Inspiration
Akanksha hails from a supportive family, with her parents’ medical careers serving as her initial inspiration. While little is publicly known about her personal life beyond her professional achievements, her journey reflects a deep sense of purpose. She credits her rural posting as a doctor for shaping her career choice, a testament to how real-world experiences can redefine one’s path.
Legacy and Future Prospects
At a relatively young age, Akanksha Bhaskar has already made significant strides in her career. Promoted to the Junior Administrative Grade in 2024, she continues to rise through the ranks. Her blend of compassion, intellect, and administrative prowess positions her as a potential leader in India’s civil services. Whether she continues to focus on healthcare, rural development, or broader governance, her impact is likely to grow.
Conclusion
Akanksha Bhaskar, IAS, embodies the spirit of service and resilience. From her roots in Varanasi to her current role in West Bengal, she has transformed challenges into opportunities to serve. Her story is a beacon for UPSC aspirants and anyone aspiring to make a difference. As she continues her journey, Akanksha remains a symbol of how education, determination, and empathy can converge to create lasting change.
Top FAQs About Akanksha Bhaskar, IAS
- Who is Akanksha Bhaskar, IAS?
Akanksha Bhaskar is a 2015-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre. A doctor-turned-civil servant, she secured AIR 76 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt. - What is Akanksha Bhaskar’s educational background?
She completed her MBBS from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and attended St. John’s School, Marhauli, in Varanasi for her schooling. - Why did Akanksha Bhaskar switch from medicine to IAS?
Her rural posting as a doctor exposed her to systemic issues like poor healthcare and living conditions, inspiring her to join the IAS to effect broader change. - What are some of Akanksha Bhaskar’s notable postings?
She has served as SDO of Raghunathpur, ADM in Purulia and North 24 Parganas, Joint Secretary in the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, and CEO of the Asansol Durgapur Development Authority. - How has Akanksha Bhaskar contributed to healthcare?
She has treated patients during emergencies, organized health camps, and worked to improve healthcare access in rural West Bengal. - What is Akanksha Bhaskar’s rank in UPSC?
She achieved an All India Rank of 76 in the 2015 UPSC Civil Services Examination. - Where is Akanksha Bhaskar posted now?
As of May 2024, she is the Additional District Magistrate (Basirhat) in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. - What inspires Akanksha Bhaskar’s work?
Her parents’ medical careers and her experiences in rural healthcare have driven her commitment to public service and systemic improvement.
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