Ananya Das IAS: Real Story of AIR 16, Marriage, Education & Career

Ananya Das IAS is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service officer who secured All India Rank 16 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2015. Born on May 15, 1992, this brilliant IAS officer exemplifies dedication, intelligence, and commitment to public service. Ananya Das has become an inspiration for thousands of UPSC aspirants across India, particularly for those from engineering backgrounds who aspire to serve the nation.

Table of Contents

Quick Facts Summary Table

Personal Detail	Information
Full Name	Ananya Das
Nickname	Not publicly known
Date of Birth	May 15, 1992
Age (as of 2025)	33 years
Birth Place	Odisha, India (some sources say West Bengal/Assam)
Nationality	Indian
Zodiac Sign	Taurus
Religion	Hindu
UPSC Rank	All India Rank 16 (2015)
Batch	2015 IAS
Original Cadre	Gujarat
Current Cadre	Odisha
Current Posting	Joint Secretary, Department of Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts, Bargarh, Odisha
Marital Status	Married (Second Marriage)
Spouse	Chanchal Rana (2014 batch IAS officer)
Height	Approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
Weight	Approximately 63 kg (138 lbs)

Family & Personal Life of Ananya Das IAS

Family Background

Ananya Das’s father served at the Bank of India, which instilled strong values of discipline and hard work in her from an early age. Growing up in a middle-class family, Ananya Das IAS received unwavering support from her parents in pursuing her academic and professional dreams. Her father, a former Bank of India employee, played a pivotal role in her disciplined upbringing

Family Member	Details
Father	Former Bank of India Employee (retired)
Mother	Information not publicly available
Siblings	Information not publicly available
Native State	Odisha/Assam (sources vary)
Current Residence	Odisha

Marital Life

Ananya Das IAS, has an interesting personal journey when it comes to her marital life:

First Marriage: Ananya was initially married to IAS officer Mohammad Abdal Akhtar from the 2015 batch Odisha cadre, but later divorced. Following her first marriage, she had transferred from the Gujarat cadre to the Odisha cadre.

Second Marriage: On February 19, 2023, Das exchanged engagement rings with Chanchal Rana, a 2014-batch IAS officer serving as Balangir collector, at Das’s official residence in The couple married at a hotel in Guwahati on May 2, 2023, marking a new chapter in her personal life.

Marriage Details	Information
Current Husband	Chanchal Rana
Husband’s Batch	2014 IAS
Husband’s UPSC Rank	All India Rank 7
Husband’s Posting	Collector, Balangir, Odisha
Marriage Date	May 2, 2023
Engagement Date	February 19, 2023
First Marriage	Mohammad Abdaal Akhtar (2015 batch, Odisha cadre) – Divorced

Ananya Das IAS husband, Chanchal Rana is also a distinguished civil servant who studied at NIT Silchar and secured an impressive rank of 7 in the UPSC examination.

Educational Background: The Academic Journey of Ananya Das IAS

The educational journey of Ananya Das IAS is nothing short of inspiring. Her academic excellence laid the foundation for her success in the UPSC examination.

School Education

While specific details about her schooling are not widely available, Ananya Das excelled in academics from her early years, demonstrating consistent brilliance throughout her school life.

Higher Education

Ananya Das IAS educational qualifications reflect her multidisciplinary approach:

Degree	Institution	Specialization	Year
B.Tech	Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras	Computer Science	2010-2014 (approx.)
M.Sc	Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani	Economics	2014-201

Professional Training and Internships

Ananya served as an Executive Intern at the Reserve Bank of India in Jaipur for three months, where she submitted a paper on Financial Contagion and Regulatory Responses, which was later published by The Indian Banke.

Professional Experience	Details
Software Engineer	Oracle India Pvt. Ltd, Bengaluru (8 months)
Executive Intern	Reserve Bank of India, Jaipur (3 months)
Research Work	Published paper on “Financial Contagion and Regulatory Responses”
Duration at Oracle	Approximately 8 months before UPSC preparation

Physical Statistics

Physical Attribute	Measurement
Height	5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
Weight	63 kg (138 lbs approximately)
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Hair Color	Black
Complexion	Fair
Physical Fitness	Maintains regular fitness routine

UPSC Journey: How Ananya Das Cracked the Civil Services Exam

The Decision to Join Civil Services

Before joining the civil services, Ananya worked in the corporate sector, starting her career as a software engineer at Oracle India Pvt Ltd but left the job after eight months as she was not satisfied. Despite having a promising career in the private sector, Ananya Das IAS felt a deeper calling to serve the nation.

UPSC Preparation Strategy

Ananya Das IAS preparation strategy was methodical and focused:

UPSC Preparation Details	Information
Number of Attempts	First Attempt (2015)
All India Rank	16
State Rank	Topper from Odisha
Optional Subject	Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
Coaching	Vajiram and Ravi (for PSIR)
Preparation Duration	Started basic preparation in 2012 end

Career Timeline: Administrative Positions Held by Ananya Das IAS

Year-wise Posting Details

Year	Position	Location/Department	Key Responsibilities
2015	Selected as IAS	All India Rank 16	–
2016-2017	Foundation Training	Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA)	Officer training
2017-2019	Various postings	Gujarat Cadre	Initial field postings
2019	Cadre Transfer	Gujarat to Odisha	On grounds of marriage
2019-2021	Commissioner	Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC)	Urban governance and development
2021-2023	District Collector & Magistrate	Sambalpur District, Odisha	Overall district administration
2023-Present	Joint Secretary	Department of Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts, Bargarh	Policy formulation and implementation

Recently, Ananya Das was transferred to Bargarh, where she now serves as the joint secretary in the department of handlooms, textiles, and handicrafts.

Major Achievements & Recognition

UPSC Achievement

All India Rank 16 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2015 (first attempt)
State Topper from Odisha in UPSC CSE 2015
Selected for prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

Professional Achievements

Achievement	Year	Description
Research Publication	2014-2015	Published paper on “Financial Contagion and Regulatory Responses” in The Indian Banker
IIT Graduate	2014	Successfully completed B.Tech from IIT Madras
Dual Degree	2016	Completed M.Sc in Economics from BITS Pilani
CMC Commissioner	2019-2021	Successfully managed Cuttack Municipal Corporation
District Collector	2021-2023	Served as Collector and District Magistrate of Sambalpur

Financial Information

Salary Structure

Component	Approximate Amount (INR)
Basic Pay (Entry Level IAS)	₹56,100 per month (7th Pay Commission)
Current Basic Pay	₹78,000 – ₹1,00,000 (with increments)
Grade Pay	As per IAS scale
HRA	Based on posting location
Transport Allowance	As per government norms
Other Allowances	DA, TA as per rules
Annual Income	₹15-20 lakhs approximately

Special Distinctions & Contributions

Unique Achievements

IIT to IAS Journey: One of the few IITians who chose civil services over lucrative tech careers
First Attempt Success: Cracked UPSC in the very first attempt with AIR 16
Multidisciplinary Background: Combined technical knowledge with economics and governance
Young Administrator: Became a collector at a relatively young age
Research Contribution: Published academic paper during internship at RBI

Notable Administrative Initiatives

While serving in various capacities, Ananya Das IAS has been involved in:

Urban Development Projects during CMC tenure
District-level Governance Reforms as Sambalpur Collector
Promotion of Traditional Crafts in current role
Women’s Empowerment Programs
Education and Skill Development Initiatives

Detailed Biography: The Inspiring Story of Ananya Das IAS

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Born on May 15, 1992, in a middle-class family, Ananya Das grew up with strong family values. Her father’s service in the banking sector meant the family understood the importance of public service and financial discipline. From an early age, Ananya displayed exceptional academic abilities, which her parents nurtured with unwavering support.

Growing up, Ananya Das IAS was driven by a desire to make a difference in society. While many of her peers were content with traditional career paths, she harbored dreams of serving the nation at the highest administrative level.

Educational Struggles and Triumphs

The journey to IIT Madras was not easy. Ananya Das had to compete with lakhs of students to crack the highly competitive JEE examination. Her success in securing admission to IIT Madras for Computer Science Engineering was the first major milestone in her life.

At IIT Madras, Ananya Das IAS excelled in her studies while also developing a broader interest in economics and public policy. Recognizing the value of interdisciplinary knowledge, she pursued an M.Sc in Economics from BITS Pilani alongside her B.Tech. This dual-degree approach showcased her ability to manage multiple academic demands while maintaining excellence.

Corporate Career and the Turning Point

After graduation, Ananya Das joined Oracle India Pvt. Ltd. as a Software Engineer in Bangalore. It was a dream job for any engineering graduate—good salary, prestigious company, and promising career growth. However, within eight months, Ananya realized that corporate success was not fulfilling her deeper aspiration to serve society.

This realization marked a turning point. Ananya Das IAS made the courageous decision to leave her comfortable job and pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It was a decision that required conviction, family support, and the courage to step into uncertainty.

Her internship at the Reserve Bank of India in Jaipur further strengthened her resolve. Working on financial research and seeing the impact of policy decisions on ordinary citizens convinced her that administrative service was her true calling.

The UPSC Preparation Journey

Ananya Das IAS preparation journey began in earnest in late 2012. Unlike many aspirants who take multiple attempts, she was determined to succeed in her first attempt. Her strategy was clear:

Phase 1: Foundation Building (2012-2013)

Reading basic materials
Understanding the syllabus
Joining Vajiram and Ravi for Political Science coaching
Building newspaper reading habit

Phase 2: Intensive Preparation (2014-early 2015)

Focus on answer writing practice
Making comprehensive notes
Solving previous year papers
Mock tests and peer group discussions

Phase 3: Final Push (Before Mains and Interview)

Revision of prepared notes
Current affairs compilation
Interview preparation
Maintaining physical and mental health

Her choice of Political Science and International Relations as optional subject, despite being from an engineering background, demonstrated her confidence and genuine interest in the subject.

Training at LBSNAA

After selection, Ananya Das IAS underwent rigorous training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The foundation course at LBSNAA is designed to prepare officer trainees for the challenges of administration through:

Theoretical classes on governance and public administration
Physical training and outdoor activities
Bharat Darshan (study tour across India)
District training and field exposure
Soft skills and leadership development

This training period was crucial in transforming Ananya Das from a successful UPSC candidate into a competent administrator.

Personal Life Developments

During her time as Sambalpur Collector, Ananya Das IAS personal life also evolved. After her divorce from her first husband, she found companionship with Chanchal Rana, a fellow IAS officer from the 2014 batch who had secured AIR 7.

Their engagement in February 2023 and subsequent marriage in May 2023 in Guwahati was a happy chapter. What made their union special was that both were accomplished civil servants who understood the demands and challenges of public service. Chanchal Rana, serving as Balangir Collector, shared Ananya Das’ commitment to governance and social welfare.

Current Role: Joint Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts

In her current posting as Joint Secretary in the Department of Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts in Bargarh, Ananya Das IAS is working on:

Promoting Traditional Crafts: Preserving Odisha’s rich textile heritage
Artisan Welfare: Implementing schemes for weavers and craftspersons
Market Linkages: Connecting traditional products with modern markets
Skill Development: Training programs for young artisans
Export Promotion: Taking Odia handicrafts to global markets
Technology Integration: Modernizing traditional craft techniques

This role allows Ananya Das IAS to combine policy formulation with grassroots impact, directly benefiting thousands of artisan families in Odisha.

Comparison with Other Successful IAS Officers

Ananya Das IAS vs Tina Dabi IAS

Aspect	Ananya Das IAS	Tina Dabi IAS
UPSC Rank	AIR 16 (2015)	AIR 1 (2015)
Batch	2015	2015
Educational Background	IIT Madras (B.Tech) + BITS Pilani (M.Sc Economics)	Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi (B.A. Political Science)
Original Cadre	Gujarat	Rajasthan
Current Cadre	Odisha	Rajasthan
Current Posting	Joint Secretary, Handlooms Dept, Odisha	Collector, Barmer, Rajasthan
First Marriage	Mohammad Abdaal Akhtar (2015 batch)	Athar Aamir Khan (2015 batch)
Current Spouse	Chanchal Rana (2014 batch, AIR 7)	Pradeep Gawande (2013 batch)
Similar Journey	Both divorced first husbands and remarried IAS officers	Both divorced first husbands and remarried IAS officers

The journey of Ananya Das IAS shows how determination and courage can reshape a life. From a middle-class background to securing AIR 16 in her first UPSC attempt, she proves that hard work and clarity of purpose can overcome any barrier. With a rare mix of technical skill, economic insight, and compassionate administration, she continues to inspire thousands of aspirants. Her story is a reminder that with discipline, vision, and a desire to serve, anyone can create a meaningful legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the current posting of Ananya Das IAS?

Answer: Ananya Das IAS is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Department of Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts in Bargarh, Odisha (as of 2025).

Q2: What was Ananya Das IAS rank in UPSC?

Answer: Ananya Das IAS secured All India Rank 16 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2015. She was also the state topper from Odisha in that year.

Q3: Is Ananya Das IAS married?

Answer: Yes, Ananya Das IAS is married to Chanchal Rana, a 2014 batch IAS officer who secured AIR 7. They got married on May 2, 2023. This is her second marriage; she was previously married to Mohammad Abdaal Akhtar.

Q4: What is the educational qualification of Ananya Das IAS?

Answer: Ananya Das IAS holds a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from IIT Madras and an M.Sc degree in Economics from BITS Pilani.

Q5: Which cadre does Ananya Das IAS belong to?

Answer: Ananya Das IAS originally belonged to the Gujarat cadre but was transferred to the Odisha cadre on grounds of marriage.

Q6: What was Ananya Das IAS optional subject in UPSC?

Answer: Ananya Das IAS chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject, despite having an engineering background.

Q7: Did Ananya Das IAS work before joining civil services?

Answer: Yes, Ananya Das IAS worked as a Software Engineer at Oracle India Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore for approximately 8 months before leaving to prepare for UPSC.

Q8: How many attempts did Ananya Das take to clear UPSC?

Answer: Ananya Das IAS cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt in 2015.

Q9: Who is Ananya Das IAS husband?

Answer: Ananya Das IAS husband is Chanchal Rana, an IAS officer from the 2014 batch who secured All India Rank 7 in UPSC. He currently serves as Collector of Balangir district in Odisha.

Q10: What are the major achievements of Ananya Das IAS?

Answer: Major achievements of Ananya Das IAS include:

AIR 16 in UPSC 2015 (first attempt)
State topper from Odisha
IIT Madras graduate
Published research paper at RBI
Successful Commissioner of Cuttack Municipal Corporation
Effective District Collector of Sambalpur