Chandrajyoti Singh, a name synonymous with determination, intellect, and patriotism, stands as an inspiration for millions of UPSC aspirants across India. At the tender age of 22, she achieved the remarkable feat of clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) in her first attempt, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 28 in 2019. This extraordinary accomplishment not only made her one of the youngest IAS officers in India but also the youngest female IAS officer, a title that underscores her exceptional dedication and strategic approach to one of the toughest competitive exams in the world.
Early Life and Family Background
Chandrajyoti Singh was born into a family deeply rooted in service to the nation, which played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations. Her father, Colonel (Retd.) Dalbara Singh, served as an army radiologist, while her mother, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Meena Singh, was also a distinguished army radiologist before transitioning to the role of a homemaker. Growing up in a disciplined and patriotic household, Chandrajyoti was instilled with values of perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to serve the country from an early age. Her parents’ military background inspired her to pursue a career that would allow her to contribute meaningfully to society.
Due to her parents’ transferable jobs in the Indian Army, Chandrajyoti’s early education took place across various states, exposing her to diverse cultures and environments. This adaptability and exposure to different perspectives likely contributed to her well-rounded personality and ability to connect with people from varied backgrounds.
Educational Journey
Chandrajyoti Singh’s academic excellence was evident from her school days. She completed her Class 10 at APJ School in Jalandhar, Punjab, where she secured a perfect 10 CGPA, showcasing her academic brilliance. For her higher secondary education, she attended Bhavan Vidyalaya in Chandigarh, achieving an impressive 95.4% in her Class 12 board examinations. Her consistent academic performance laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
In 2015, Chandrajyoti moved to Delhi to pursue higher education at the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. She earned a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science, graduating in 2018 with a commendable CGPA of 7.75. Her choice of subjects reflected her keen interest in understanding governance, history, and societal dynamics, which later proved instrumental in her UPSC preparation. During her time at St. Stephen’s, she was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including the Gender Studies Cell, which deepened her commitment to issues like women’s empowerment.
The UPSC Journey: A Testament to Self-Discipline
After completing her graduation, Chandrajyoti made a strategic decision to take a year-long break to focus exclusively on preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Unlike many aspirants who rely heavily on coaching institutes, Chandrajyoti’s success story is unique because she cleared the exam without any formal coaching, relying entirely on self-study. Her disciplined approach, meticulous planning, and unwavering focus were key to her remarkable achievement.
Preparation Strategy
Chandrajyoti’s preparation strategy was a blend of structured planning and consistent execution. She began her UPSC preparation in June 2018, choosing History as her optional subject due to her academic background and interest in the field. Her daily study routine was rigorous yet balanced, initially involving 6-8 hours of study, which she later increased to 10-12 hours as the exam approached. She emphasized the importance of a well-thought-out strategy, advising aspirants to create both short-term and long-term goals and stick to them diligently.
One of the cornerstones of her preparation was her focus on current affairs. She dedicated 1-2 hours daily to reading newspapers and creating concise digital notes using tools like Evernote. This digital approach allowed her to organize her notes efficiently, categorizing them into topics such as polity, governance, and international relations. She supplemented her newspaper reading with resources from websites like Insights IAS and Vajiram, where she was briefly enrolled for three months before opting for self-study.
Chandrajyoti also placed significant emphasis on mock tests and answer writing practice, which helped her refine her time management and presentation skills for the UPSC Mains examination. Weekly revisions and online test series were integral to her revision strategy, ensuring she retained key concepts and stayed updated with current events. Her ability to complete the syllabus well in advance and focus on revision set her apart from many aspirants who struggle with time management.
Clearing UPSC in First Attempt
In 2019, Chandrajyoti Singh appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination and achieved an extraordinary All India Rank of 28 in her very first attempt. This feat was particularly remarkable given the exam’s reputation for requiring multiple attempts from even the most dedicated candidates. Her success without coaching underscored her self-discipline, clarity of thought, and ability to leverage available resources effectively. At the age of 22, she became an IAS officer, fulfilling her childhood dream of serving the nation.
Career as an IAS Officer
Chandrajyoti Singh’s journey as a civil servant began with her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, from August 2020 to October 2022. During this period, she honed her administrative skills and gained insights into the complexities of governance. Following her training, she was posted as an Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs for four months, where she gained valuable experience in diplomatic and administrative functions.
In October 2022, Chandrajyoti joined the Government of Punjab as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Sultanpur Lodhi. Her role as an SDM allowed her to work closely with local communities, addressing their concerns and implementing government policies at the grassroots level. In April 2025, she was appointed as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) in Rupnagar, Punjab, a position she currently holds. Her contact details, as listed on the Rupnagar Web Portal, include her official email (chandrajyoti[dot]219[at]punjab[dot]gov[dot]in) and phone number (01881-221168).
As an IAS officer, Chandrajyoti has expressed a strong commitment to issues such as women’s empowerment and the preservation of India’s historical and cultural heritage. Her work reflects her dedication to creating a positive impact in society, inspired by the values instilled by her parents and her own experiences.
Personal Traits and Inspirational Impact
Chandrajyoti Singh’s journey is a testament to the power of self-belief, discipline, and strategic planning. Her ability to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and UPSC preparation while maintaining mental well-being sets her apart as a role model. She advises UPSC aspirants to prioritize mental health, maintain positivity, and trust their preparation strategy. Her story resonates with young aspirants, particularly women, who see her as a symbol of breaking barriers and achieving excellence against all odds.
Her patriotism, rooted in her family’s military background, drives her commitment to public service. Chandrajyoti’s focus on women’s health and heritage preservation highlights her vision for a more inclusive and culturally rich India. Her journey from a small-town girl to a trailblazing IAS officer continues to inspire countless individuals to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.
Recent Contributions and Updates
As of May 2025, Chandrajyoti Singh continues to serve as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) in Rupnagar, Punjab. Her work in this role focuses on rural development initiatives, ensuring effective implementation of government schemes and addressing the needs of rural communities. While specific recent achievements are not widely documented in the provided sources, her consistent dedication to public service suggests she is making significant contributions to the development of her assigned region.
FAQs About Chandrajyoti Singh, IAS
1. Who is Chandrajyoti Singh?
Chandrajyoti Singh is an IAS officer who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2019 with an All India Rank of 28 at the age of 22. She is recognized as India’s youngest female IAS officer and achieved this feat in her first attempt without coaching.
2. What is Chandrajyoti Singh’s educational background?
She completed her Class 10 at APJ School, Jalandhar, with a 10 CGPA and Class 12 at Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh, with 95.4%. She graduated from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, with a dual degree in History and Political Science, earning a 7.75 CGPA.
3. How did Chandrajyoti Singh prepare for the UPSC exam?
Chandrajyoti relied on self-study, dedicating 6-8 hours daily initially and increasing to 10-12 hours closer to the exam. She used digital note-making tools like Evernote, focused on current affairs, took mock tests, and chose History as her optional subject.
4. What is Chandrajyoti Singh’s current posting?
As of April 2025, she serves as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) in Rupnagar, Punjab.
5. What inspired Chandrajyoti Singh to become an IAS officer?
Her parents’ service in the Indian Army and their dedication to the nation inspired her to pursue a career in civil services. She was particularly motivated to work on issues like women’s empowerment and heritage preservation.
6. Did Chandrajyoti Singh attend any coaching for UPSC preparation?
No, she cleared the UPSC exam without formal coaching, relying on self-study and online resources like Insights IAS and Vajiram for a brief period.
7. What is Chandrajyoti Singh’s All India Rank in UPSC?
She secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 28 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2019.
8. What are Chandrajyoti Singh’s key areas of interest as an IAS officer?
She is passionate about women’s empowerment, women’s health, and the preservation of India’s historical and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Chandrajyoti Singh’s journey from a disciplined student to India’s youngest female IAS officer is a powerful narrative of hard work, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to serve the nation. Her story continues to inspire UPSC aspirants and young Indians to dream big and pursue their goals with determination. As she continues her service in Punjab, Chandrajyoti remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the impact one individual can make through dedication and public service.
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