Meet Ansar Shaikh, the youngest IAS officer with an inspiring journey

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Service Examination annually to select deserving and suitable candidates. In 2015, Tina Dabi cleared the exam at 22 with flying colours, and become the youngest topper. But here is the story of the Youngest IAS officer Ansar Shaikh who cleared the toughest exam at just 21 years of age in 2016.

Ansar Shaikh is currently posted in West Bengal Cadre. His journey is truly inspiring as he cleared the exam on his first attempt despite all the hardships.

Ansar’s success is truly commendable as he achieved the feat despite the lack of resources and domestic turmoil.

Ansar Shaikh hails from the Marathwada region of Maharashtra where he grew up in the drought-stricken Shelgaon village of Jalna district. His father, an autorickshaw driver by profession, struggled with alcoholism which affected Ansar and his siblings' childhood.

In his own words, Ansar describes his domestic situation: “Education has never been a watchword in my family. My father, a rickshaw driver, has three wives. My mother is the second wife. My younger brother dropped out of school and my two sisters were married off at an early age. When I told them that I had cleared the UPSC and in all likelihood will be an IAS officer, they were stunned shocked.”

Despite his hardships and poor financial condition, he never back down from achieving his dream job. Ansar also credited his family, friends and hard work for his success.