Dr. Akshita Gupta, IAS, is a shining example of determination, intellect, and public service. A medical doctor by training, she transitioned into one of India’s most prestigious roles as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 69 in her first attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2020. Born on October 14, 1998, in Chandigarh, Haryana, Dr. Akshita has become an inspiration for UPSC aspirants, particularly those balancing demanding careers with rigorous exam preparation. At 26 years old (as of 2024), she serves as the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (SBS Nagar), Punjab, where her contributions to public administration and community welfare have earned national recognition.
Early Life and Family Background
Dr. Akshita Gupta was born and raised in Chandigarh, with roots in Barara town, Ambala district, Haryana. Coming from an academically inclined family, she was instilled with values of hard work and discipline from an early age. Her father, Pawan Gupta, serves as the Principal of Sarthak Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School in Sector 12A, Panchkula, while her mother, Meena Gupta, is a Mathematics lecturer at Government Senior Secondary School in Ramgarh, Panchkula. Her younger brother, Shashij Gupta, is an IIT Bombay alumnus and works as a software engineer, further highlighting the family’s academic excellence.
Growing up in a household of educators, Akshita was exposed to a culture of learning and intellectual curiosity. Her parents’ dedication to education and public service inspired her to pursue a career that combined knowledge with societal impact. The family’s modest yet intellectually rich environment in Chandigarh, where they resided in rented accommodation in Sector 32, shaped Akshita’s grounded personality and commitment to serving the public.
Education and Medical Career
Dr. Akshita Gupta’s academic journey is a testament to her brilliance and perseverance. She completed her schooling in Chandigarh before enrolling at the prestigious Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh, where she pursued her MBBS degree, graduating in the 2015 batch. Her medical education was rigorous, demanding long hours of study and clinical practice. During her internship, which she completed in March 2021, Akshita worked 14-hour shifts in the hospital, gaining hands-on experience in patient care and medical administration.
Despite the demanding nature of her medical career, Akshita’s ambition to serve society on a larger scale led her to aspire to become an IAS officer. Inspired by a family friend who was an IPS officer, she recognized that civil services offered a broader platform to leverage her medical expertise for public welfare. This realization sparked her decision to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of the toughest competitive exams in India, while still in her third year of medical school.
UPSC Journey: A Remarkable First Attempt
Dr. Akshita Gupta’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is nothing short of extraordinary. She began preparing for the UPSC exam during her third year of MBBS, balancing her medical studies and hospital duties with exam preparation. With no formal coaching, Akshita relied on self-study, dedicating 13–14 hours daily to her UPSC preparation during breaks from her hospital shifts. Her strategic approach included focusing on her weaknesses, particularly in subjects like surgery and anatomy, and leveraging her medical background by choosing Medical Science as her optional subject for the UPSC Mains.
Akshita’s preparation strategy was unique and resourceful. She meticulously went through her medical books, tearing out pages relevant to the UPSC syllabus and stapling them into concise chapters to streamline her revision. This innovative method allowed her to focus on essential topics without being overwhelmed by the vast syllabus. She also emphasized revising highlighted points repeatedly to reinforce her understanding, a technique that proved effective in her success.
In 2020, at the age of 22, Akshita appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination and cleared it on her first attempt, securing an impressive AIR 69 with a total score of 992. Her achievement was widely celebrated, as she became the first in her family to secure a position in the Union services, marking a significant milestone for both her and her family.
Career as an IAS Officer
Dr. Akshita Gupta was allotted the Punjab cadre in the 2021 batch of IAS officers. She began her civil service career with district training in Patiala, Punjab, where she served as SDM Patran and contributed to initiatives like flood management and mitigation during the 2023 monsoon season, as well as organizing health camps and monitoring the DC Dashboard. Currently, she serves as the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (SBS Nagar), Punjab, where she has made significant strides in public administration.
One of her notable achievements as SDM was leading SBS Nagar to be recognized by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) as one of the “Best Performing Districts” for its efforts in preventing drug and substance abuse among children. During the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, Akshita served as the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) in Nawanshahr, managing critical responsibilities to ensure smooth electoral operations. Her leadership and dedication have earned her national attention and admiration from peers and the public alike.
In addition to her administrative roles, Akshita has contributed to public health discourse. She co-authored an editorial article with Dr. Ashish Vat, published on January 31, 2024, in the Indian Journal of Public Health, titled “Navigating Challenges and Opportunities within Universal Health Care.” The article highlighted the global burden of hypertension, noting that it is responsible for approximately 13% of deaths worldwide and emphasizing the need for better diagnosis and treatment.
Personal Life and Social Media Presence
Dr. Akshita Gupta is married to Avinash Pandey, and the couple maintains a low-profile personal life. Despite her demanding career, she remains grounded and connected to her roots, often sharing insights into her professional journey and personal interests on social media. Akshita is highly active on platforms like Twitter (
@akshitaguptaIAS
) and Instagram (@14akshita
), where she has amassed over 18,000 and 24,000 followers, respectively. Her social media presence reflects her love for photography, particularly of nature, and her commitment to inspiring UPSC aspirants by sharing preparation tips and motivational content.Akshita also runs a Telegram channel and a blog where she provides guidance to UPSC aspirants, particularly those with medical backgrounds. Her LinkedIn profile, under the name Dr. Akshita Gupta Pandey, highlights her professional achievements and connects her with a network of 488 professionals. Her posts often focus on governance, public health, and ancient Indian polity, reflecting her intellectual versatility.
Legacy and Inspiration
Dr. Akshita Gupta’s journey from a medical doctor to an IAS officer is a powerful narrative of resilience and strategic planning. Her ability to balance a grueling medical internship with UPSC preparation, without relying on coaching, serves as a beacon of hope for aspirants across India. Her contributions to public administration, particularly in child welfare and public health, underscore her commitment to leveraging her medical expertise for societal good.
Akshita’s story has been covered by major media outlets, including Times of India, News18, DNA, and Hindustan Times, making her a role model for young professionals aspiring to enter the civil services. Her innovative preparation strategies, such as tearing out relevant book pages to create focused study material, have inspired countless candidates to adopt creative approaches to learning.
FAQs About Dr. Akshita Gupta, IAS
- What is Dr. Akshita Gupta’s All India Rank in the UPSC exam?
Dr. Akshita Gupta secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 69 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2020 on her first attempt. - What is Dr. Akshita Gupta’s current posting?
She is currently serving as the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab. - What is Dr. Akshita Gupta’s educational background?
Dr. Akshita Gupta completed her MBBS from Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh, in the 2015 batch. She finished her internship in March 2021. - Did Dr. Akshita Gupta take coaching for UPSC preparation?
No, she did not rely on formal coaching. She prepared for the UPSC exam through self-study while working as a doctor, dedicating 13–14 hours daily during breaks. - What is Dr. Akshita Gupta’s age?
Born on October 14, 1998, Dr. Akshita Gupta is 26 years old as of 2024. - What is Dr. Akshita Gupta’s optional subject in the UPSC Mains?
She chose Medical Science as her optional subject for the UPSC Mains, leveraging her background as an MBBS graduate. - Who is Dr. Akshita Gupta’s husband?
Dr. Akshita Gupta is married to Avinash Pandey. - What are some of Dr. Akshita Gupta’s notable achievements as an IAS officer?
Under her leadership as SDM, SBS Nagar was recognized by the NCPCR as a “Best Performing District” for preventing drug and substance abuse among children. She also served as the Assistant Returning Officer during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. - Is Dr. Akshita Gupta active on social media?
Yes, she is active on Twitter (@akshitaguptaIAS) with over 18,000 followers and Instagram (@14akshita) with around 24,000 followers, where she shares insights on UPSC preparation and photography. - What inspired Dr. Akshita Gupta to join the IAS?
She was inspired by a family friend who is an IPS officer, who highlighted the opportunities in civil services to serve the public and utilize her medical expertise for societal benefit.
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