Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar is a name synonymous with determination, excellence, and public service. As an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2013 batch, she has carved a niche for herself as a pioneering figure from Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Muslim Kashmiri woman to join the IAS and the first Kashmiri woman to serve in the Indian Police Service (IPS). A trained medical doctor turned civil servant, Dr. Sehrish’s journey is an inspiring tale of ambition, resilience, and a deep-rooted desire to serve society.
Early Life and Family Background
Born in 1985 in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar hails from a family with a legacy of public service. Her father, Syed Asghar, was a 1977-batch Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) officer who later transitioned into politics and served as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). Growing up in a household where civil service was a respected profession, Sehrish was inspired early on to make a meaningful impact on society. Her grandfather, Peer Nizam-ud-Din, was a renowned social worker and MLA from Kishtwar in the Jammu division, further embedding a sense of duty and leadership in her upbringing.
Sehrish’s early years were spent in Jammu, where she attended the prestigious Presentation Convent School. Known for her academic brilliance, she consistently topped her classes, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors. Her inclination toward science and a desire to help people led her to pursue a career in medicine, a decision that would later shape her unique perspective as a civil servant.
Educational Journey: From Medicine to Civil Services
Dr. Sehrish Asgar’s academic journey is a testament to her intellectual prowess. After excelling in her schooling, she enrolled at Batra Medical College in Jammu in 2003 to pursue an MBBS degree. In 2009, she graduated at the top of her class, earning her medical degree from Jammu University. As a trained doctor, she briefly practiced medicine, but her aspirations extended beyond the confines of a hospital. She realized that while being a physician allowed her to heal individuals, becoming a civil servant would enable her to address societal issues on a larger scale—effectively becoming a "doctor" for the entire community.
This realization sparked her interest in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, one of India’s toughest competitive exams. Despite her medical background, Sehrish embraced the challenge of preparing for the UPSC, driven by her father’s influence and a lack of female role models from Jammu and Kashmir in administrative roles. She famously said, “There are no female role models who represent Jammu & Kashmir. Here, most women work in traditional fields like medicine or teaching. I want to prove that women can also excel in administration.”
UPSC Success and Entry into Civil Services
Dr. Sehrish Asgar’s UPSC journey was not without its hurdles. On her first attempt, she topped the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) examination in 2011, becoming the first woman from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve this feat. However, her ambitions soared higher. She appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination again in 2012 and secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 118 in 2013. This achievement made her the second Muslim woman from Jammu and Kashmir to clear the IAS exam, following Leh’s Ovessa Iqbal in 2010.
Her success in the UPSC exam marked the beginning of a remarkable career in civil services. Initially, she joined the Indian Police Service (IPS), becoming the first Kashmiri woman to do so. However, her ultimate goal was the IAS, which offered a broader platform for policy formulation and societal impact. In 2013, she officially became an IAS officer, joining the Jammu and Kashmir cadre (now part of the AGMUT cadre after the reorganization of the state into Union Territories).
Career Milestones and Contributions
Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar’s career as an IAS officer is marked by versatility, innovation, and a commitment to public welfare. Over the years, she has held several key positions, each showcasing her administrative acumen and dedication to improving the lives of people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Early Postings and Central Deputation
In her initial years, Sehrish served as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gurdaspur and Additional Deputy Commissioner in Punjab, gaining valuable experience in grassroots administration. She also served on central deputation, working as Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. During this tenure, she presented a paper titled “Cleaning of Ganga: New Approaches and Challenges” in 2015 at the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighting her ability to tackle complex policy issues.
Deputy Commissioner of Budgam
One of her most impactful roles was as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Here, she launched the innovative “Nai Soch” (New Thought) project, aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls. The initiative involved installing incinerators and sanitary pad dispensers in all government middle and higher secondary schools in the district. Additionally, she established “Pink Societies” in schools to raise awareness about menstrual health, breaking taboos and empowering young girls.
Director of Information and Other Roles
In 2019, just days before Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into a Union Territory, Sehrish was appointed Director of Information in Srinagar. During this tumultuous period, she played a crucial role in managing communication channels, helping residents connect with loved ones and access medical services amidst unrest. She also served as Mission Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission, focusing on rural development and poverty alleviation.
Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla
On May 7, 2022, Dr. Sehrish assumed the role of Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, where she continues to serve. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to enhance governance, improve public services, and address local challenges in this strategically important district.
Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence
In 2022, Dr. Sehrish Asgar received the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Civil Services, recognizing her outstanding contributions to public administration. Expressing her gratitude, she tweeted, “I take this opportunity to thank Hon’ble PM
@narendramodi
ji for acknowledging the efforts made and Hon’ble LG @manojsinha_
ji for having faith in me.” This accolade underscores her status as a multi-talented bureaucrat who excels as a public speaker, writer, and lifelong learner.Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar is married to Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, an IAS officer of the 2010 batch and a fellow civil servant from Jammu and Kashmir. The couple’s shared commitment to public service strengthens their bond. They have a son, born around 2018, adding a personal dimension to Sehrish’s busy professional life. Despite her demanding career, she remains grounded, often citing her family—particularly her father—as her biggest motivation.
Legacy and Inspiration
At approximately 40 years old as of April 2025, Dr. Sehrish Asgar continues to inspire countless individuals, especially women from Jammu and Kashmir. Her journey from a medical doctor to an IPS officer, and finally to an IAS officer, reflects her relentless pursuit of excellence. She has shattered glass ceilings, proving that women from underrepresented regions can thrive in high-stakes administrative roles.
Her story resonates with UPSC aspirants, young women, and anyone striving to make a difference. By blending her medical expertise with administrative skills, she has brought a unique perspective to governance, addressing issues like healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment with empathy and innovation.
Conclusion
Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar IAS is more than just a civil servant—she is a trailblazer, a role model, and a beacon of hope. From topping the KAS exam to securing an AIR of 118 in the UPSC, and from serving as DC Budgam to receiving the PM’s Award, her career is a testament to hard work and dedication. As she continues to serve as Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, her contributions to Jammu and Kashmir’s development remain invaluable.
Top FAQs About Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar IAS
1. Who is Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar?
Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar is an IAS officer of the 2013 batch, the first Muslim Kashmiri woman to join the IAS, and the first Kashmiri woman to serve in the IPS. She is a trained medical doctor and currently serves as Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla.
2. What is Dr. Sehrish Asgar’s educational background?
She completed her schooling at Presentation Convent in Jammu and earned an MBBS degree from Batra Medical College, Jammu University, graduating in 2009.
3. What is her UPSC rank?
Dr. Sehrish secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 118 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2013.
4. What are some of her notable contributions?
She launched the “Nai Soch” project in Budgam to promote menstrual hygiene and received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Civil Services in 2022.
5. Who is Dr. Sehrish Asgar married to?
She is married to Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, an IAS officer of the 2010 batch.
6. What is her current posting?
As of April 2025, she serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir.
7. Why did she switch from medicine to civil services?
She wanted to serve society on a larger scale, believing that as a civil servant, she could be a “doctor” for the entire community.
8. What awards has she received?
She was honored with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Civil Services in 2022 for her exemplary work.
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