Today is Monday, April 28, 2025. This article tells the story of Smita Sabharwal, one of India’s most respected IAS officers.
Early Life
Smita Sabharwal was born on June 19, 1977, in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Her father, Colonel Pranab Das, was an army officer. Her mother, Purabi Das, was a homemaker. Because her father was in the army, Smita’s family moved often. Most of her schooling happened at St. Ann’s High School in Secunderabad, Telangana. She was a bright student and topped the ICSE exam in India.
Education
After school, Smita studied commerce at St. Francis College for Women in Hyderabad. She worked hard and always did well in her studies. Her family taught her the value of hard work and honesty.
Dream to Become an IAS Officer
Smita wanted to serve the country. She decided to become an IAS officer. The UPSC Civil Services exam is very tough. Smita did not clear it on her first try. But she did not give up. On her second attempt in 2000, she got All India Rank 4 at just 22 years old. She became one of the youngest IAS officers in India.
Family Life
Smita married Akun Sabharwal, who is an IPS officer. They both serve the country in different ways. Smita is known for balancing her work and family well.
Smita Sabharwal IPS Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Salary, Posting, Husband, Children, Family
Attribute Details Full Name Smita Sabharwal Date of Birth 19 June 1977 Place of Birth Darjeeling, West Bengal, India Parents Colonel Pranab Das (father), Purabi Das (mother) Education St. Ann’s High School, Secunderabad; St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad (B.Com) School Achievement All India topper in ICSE exam UPSC Attempt Cleared in second attempt, All India Rank 4 (2000), age 22 IAS Batch 2001, Telangana cadre Spouse Akun Sabharwal, IPS (married 2004) Children Nanak Sabharwal, Bhuvis Sabharwal Early Career Sub Collector, Madanapally (Chittoor); Project Director, DRDA, Kadapa Major Roles Municipal Commissioner (Warangal), Deputy Commissioner (Visakhapatnam), Joint Collector (Kurnool & Hyderabad) Collector Posts Karimnagar (2011), Medak (2014) Key Initiatives “Fund Your City”, “Ammalalana”, “Voter Panduga”, “Praja Vani” Awards/Recognition PM’s 20 Point Programme Best District (Karimnagar), PM’s Award Nomination Firsts First lady IAS officer in Telangana CM’s Office Current Position (2025) Secretary to Government, Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture, Telangana Other Recent Roles Member Secretary, Telangana State Finance Commission (Jan–Nov 2024) Nickname The People’s Officer Known For Citizen-centric governance, women/youth empowerment, technology use in administration
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Smita Sabharwal |
| Date of Birth | 19 June 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Darjeeling, West Bengal, India |
| Parents | Colonel Pranab Das (father), Purabi Das (mother) |
| Education | St. Ann’s High School, Secunderabad; St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad (B.Com) |
| School Achievement | All India topper in ICSE exam |
| UPSC Attempt | Cleared in second attempt, All India Rank 4 (2000), age 22 |
| IAS Batch | 2001, Telangana cadre |
| Spouse | Akun Sabharwal, IPS (married 2004) |
| Children | Nanak Sabharwal, Bhuvis Sabharwal |
| Early Career | Sub Collector, Madanapally (Chittoor); Project Director, DRDA, Kadapa |
| Major Roles | Municipal Commissioner (Warangal), Deputy Commissioner (Visakhapatnam), Joint Collector (Kurnool & Hyderabad) |
| Collector Posts | Karimnagar (2011), Medak (2014) |
| Key Initiatives | “Fund Your City”, “Ammalalana”, “Voter Panduga”, “Praja Vani” |
| Awards/Recognition | PM’s 20 Point Programme Best District (Karimnagar), PM’s Award Nomination |
| Firsts | First lady IAS officer in Telangana CM’s Office |
| Current Position (2025) | Secretary to Government, Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture, Telangana |
| Other Recent Roles | Member Secretary, Telangana State Finance Commission (Jan–Nov 2024) |
| Nickname | The People’s Officer |
| Known For | Citizen-centric governance, women/youth empowerment, technology use in administration |
Start of Her Career
Smita’s first job was as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Madanapally, Chittoor. She learned about land and district work. She worked hard and listened to people’s problems.
Important Work as an IAS Officer
Smita Sabharwal is called “The People’s Officer” because she cares for people and listens to them. She has worked in many places in Telangana. Some of her important jobs are:
Municipal Commissioner, Warangal: She started the “Fund Your City” scheme. This program built foot-over bridges, parks, and bus stops with help from private companies and the public.
District Collector, Karimnagar: She improved health and education. She started the “Ammalalana” program to help pregnant women and reduce mother and child deaths. This program became a model for other districts.
District Collector, Medak: She worked to make roads better and build more public toilets and bus stops.
Secretary to Chief Minister, Telangana: Smita became the first woman IAS officer to work in the Chief Minister’s Office in Telangana. She also worked as Secretary for Rural Water Supply and Mission Bhagiratha, helping villages get clean water.
Her Way of Working
Smita believes in simple and honest work. She meets people and listens to their problems. She started “Praja Vani,” a program where people can talk directly to the officers and share their issues. She wants the government to be open and helpful.
Awards and Praise
Smita has won many awards for her work. She is respected by people and the government. Her work in health, education, and city planning is seen as a model for others.
Helping Women and Youth
Smita works to help women and young people. She supports girls’ education and skill training for youth. She believes everyone should get a chance to grow.
Personal Life and Values
Smita is known for her honesty and simple life. She is friendly and easy to talk to. She likes to read and spend time with her family. She is also involved in charity work, helping with education and health projects.
Challenges and Success
Smita faced many challenges. She failed the UPSC exam once but tried again and succeeded. She worked in tough jobs but always did her best. Her story shows that hard work and never giving up can lead to success.
Legacy
Smita Sabharwal is an inspiration to many young people, especially girls. She shows that anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work. She is a role model for those who want to serve the country.
Conclusion
Smita Sabharwal’s life is a story of hard work, honesty, and service. She is loved by the people and respected by the government. Her work has changed many lives in Telangana. She continues to inspire others every day.