Artika Shukla: From Varanasi MBBS Graduate to Inspirational IAS Officer

IAS Artika Shukla was born on September 5, 1990, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and as of 2025, she is 35 years old. She hails from a family deeply involved in public service and education.

Quick Facts Summary

Attribute Details
Full Name Dr. Artika Shukla
Date of Birth September 5, 1990
Age (2025) 35 years
Birth Place Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Current Posting Collector & District Magistrate, Alwar, Rajasthan
UPSC Rank All India Rank 4 (CSE 2015)
IAS Batch 2016 Batch
Cadre Rajasthan (Initially AGMUT)
Marital Status Married to IAS Jasmeet Singh Sandhu (AIR 3, 2015)
Optional Subject Medical Science
Education MBBS (Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi)
Nationality Indian
Religion Hindu
Zodiac Sign Virgo

Personal Information

Personal Information Details
Full Name Dr. Artika Shukla
Nickname Artika
Date of Birth September 5, 1990
Age 35 years (as of 2025)
Birth Place Gandhinagar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Hometown Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Current Residence Alwar, Rajasthan
Nationality Indian
Zodiac Sign Virgo
Religion Hinduism

Family Background

Artika Shukla’s father, Dr. Brijesh Shukla, is a physician and Secretary of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and her mother, Leena Shukla, is a homemaker. The Shukla family is a remarkable example of excellence in civil services.

Family Member Details
Father’s Name Dr. Brijesh Shukla
Father’s Profession Physician, Secretary of Indian Medical Association (IMA)
Mother’s Name Leena Shukla
Mother’s Profession Homemaker
Elder Brother 1 Gaurav Shukla (IAS Officer, 2012 Batch)
Elder Brother 2 Utkarsh Shukla (Indian Railway Traffic Service Officer)
Spouse Name IAS Jasmeet Singh Sandhu
Spouse Profession IAS Officer (AIR 3, 2015, Rajasthan Cadre)
Marriage Date 2017
Children Information not publicly available

Physical Statistics

Physical Attribute Details
Height Approximately 5’5″ (165 cm)
Weight Approximately 55 kg
Eye Color Dark Brown
Hair Color Black
Body Type Slim

Educational Background & Academic Journey

Educational Qualifications

Artika Shukla completed her schooling at St. John School in Varanasi, where she was a consistent topper, and later earned her MBBS degree from Delhi University and interned at Lok Nayak Hospital in Delhi.

Education Level Institution Year/Period Achievements
Primary & Secondary St. John’s School, DLW, Varanasi Until 2008 Consistent topper throughout school
MBBS Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi 2008-2013 Completed successfully
Internship Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi 2013-2014 Gained practical medical experience
MD Pediatrics PGIMER, Chandigarh 2014 (Left midway) Left to pursue UPSC preparation

Academic Excellence

During her school years at St. John’s School in Varanasi, Artika Shukla was a consistent topper, showcasing brilliance in her studies. Her transition from medicine to civil services demonstrates her versatility and determination to serve the nation in a different capacity.

UPSC Journey & Preparation Strategy

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2015 Performance

Artika Shukla secured All India Rank 4 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2015. What makes her achievement extraordinary is that she cracked the exam in her first attempt without any coaching, studying only for 8 months.

Examination Component Marks Obtained Maximum Marks
Written Total 827 1750
Interview/Personality Test 173 275
Combined Total 1000 2025
All India Rank 4
Attempt Number First Attempt
Optional Subject Medical Science
Year of Exam 2015
Batch 2016 IAS Batch

Career Timeline & Administrative Postings

Year-wise Career Milestones

Year Position/Posting Location/Department Key Responsibilities
2015 Cleared UPSC CSE AIR 4 Selected for IAS
2016 IAS Training LBSNAA, Mussoorie Foundation training as IAS Officer
2016-2017 First Posting (AGMUT Cadre) Initially assigned AGMUT Initial cadre assignment
2017 SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) Rishabhdev, Udaipur district, Rajasthan First field posting after transfer to Rajasthan cadre
2019-2020 Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ajmer, Rajasthan District administration and development
2020-2022 Additional Commissioner Commercial Taxes Department, Jaipur Revenue administration
2022-2023 Secretary UIT (Urban Improvement Trust), Alwar Urban development and planning
2023 CEO, Zila Parishad & ADPC Alwar, Rajasthan Rural development and panchayat administration
2023-2024 Joint Secretary Energy Department, Rajasthan Policy formulation and implementation
2023-2024 Collector & District Magistrate Khairthal-Tijara, Rajasthan Complete district administration
2024 Collector & District Magistrate Dudu, Rajasthan District administration and development programs
2024-Present Collector & District Magistrate Alwar, Rajasthan Current Posting – Complete district administration

Major Achievements, Awards & Recognition

Awards & Honors Received

Year Award/Recognition Awarded By Reason
2015 All India Rank 4, UPSC CSE UPSC Outstanding performance in first attempt
2018 Prime Minister’s Excellence Award Government of India Excellence in Public Administration
March 2024 Certificate of Appreciation Government of Rajasthan Excellent work in Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra as District Collector, Dudu
February 2024 State Level Merit Award Government of Rajasthan Empowerment of specially-abled persons
December 2024 State Level Merit Award (Again) Government of Rajasthan Continued work for empowerment of specially-abled persons
2024 National Award for Innovations Government of India Innovations in Educational Administration

Notable Achievements in Administrative Career

In 2024, when Artika Shukla took charge as the District Collector of Alwar, under her guidance the city made remarkable progress in sanitation, climbing to 4th position in Rajasthan and 54th nationally in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25.

Category Key Accomplishments Details / Impact
Swachh Survekshan Success (2024-25) Improved Alwar’s sanitation ranking Achieved 4th in Rajasthan and 54th nationally; significant improvement from previous years
Environmental Conservation – Sariska Initiative Land identification & protection 50,000 Bighas of previously unsurveyed land identified as forest land and officially recorded in revenue records
Citizen Welfare – Pension Case Resolution Timely pension processing Resolved a nearly six-month delayed pension for retired widow-teacher Saroj in a few hours on a Christmas holiday
Transformative Leadership in Dudu Implementation of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Successfully executed program; recognized for innovative administrative approaches
Educational Administration School transformation & innovations Transformed government schools under her jurisdiction; received national recognition for educational innovations

Personal Life & Marriage

Love Story & Marriage

IAS Artika Shukla is married to IAS Jasmeet Singh Sandhu, and the duo first met during their training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, tying the knot in 2017.

Marriage Details:

Aspect Details
Spouse Name IAS Jasmeet Singh Sandhu
Spouse’s UPSC Rank All India Rank 3 (UPSC CSE 2015)
Spouse’s Cadre Rajasthan (2016 Batch)
How They Met During IAS training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie
Marriage Year 2017
Marriage Venue Attended by batchmates including IAS Tina Dabi
Current Status Happily married, both serving in Rajasthan cadre

Notable Fact: IAS Artika Shukla is a batchmate of IAS Tina Dabi, who secured AIR 1 in the same UPSC CSE 2015 examination. Their batch is famous for having two IAS couples – Tina Dabi and Athar Aamir Khan (AIR 1 and 2, who later divorced), and Artika Shukla and Jasmeet Singh Sandhu (AIR 4 and 3).

Financial Information

Salary & Net Worth

Financial Aspect Estimated Amount
Basic Salary (IAS Officer) ₹56,100 – ₹2,25,000 per month (as per pay scale)
Grade Pay Level 10-14 (7th Pay Commission)
Total Salary (with allowances) ₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000 per month (approx.)
Annual Income ₹10 lakhs – ₹30 lakhs (approx.)
Net Worth Not publicly disclosed
Government Benefits Official residence, vehicle, security, medical facilities

Detailed Biography Section

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Born on September 5, 1990, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Artika Shukla grew up in a family deeply involved in public service and education, with her father Dr. Brijesh Shukla being a prominent physician and Secretary of the Indian Medical Association. Growing up in the cultural capital of India, Varanasi, Artika was exposed to rich traditions, diverse cultures, and the spirit of learning from an early age.

Her childhood in Gandhinagar, Varanasi, was marked by academic excellence and a nurturing family environment. Her mother, Leena Shukla, is a homemaker who provided a supportive foundation for the children’s education and career aspirations. The Shukla household was one where education, discipline, and public service were highly valued.

Educational Struggles and Achievements

Artika Shukla completed her schooling at St. John School in Varanasi, where she was a consistent topper throughout her academic years. Her brilliance in academics was evident from her school days, where she excelled in science subjects and showed a keen interest in medical sciences, inspired by her physician father.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Artika pursued her dream of becoming a doctor. She earned her MBBS degree from the prestigious Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, completing it in 2013, and then interned at Lok Nayak Hospital in Delhi. During her medical education, she was known for her dedication, compassion for patients, and clinical excellence.

The turning point came when Artika took admission in PGIMER, Chandigarh for her MD Pediatrics course, but she quit her studies midway in 2014 as she was inspired by her elder brother Gaurav Shukla, who had cracked the UPSC Civil Services exam in 2012 and joined the IAS cadre.

This decision wasn’t easy. Leaving a promising medical career midway through a prestigious postgraduate program required immense courage and conviction. However, Artika was driven by a larger calling—to serve the nation at a systemic level through civil services rather than as an individual medical practitioner.

UPSC Preparation Journey

Artika Shukla believes that her brother Gaurav was of huge support for her success in the Civil Services exam, and she never took classes from coaching centers for her preparation.

The 8-Month Transformation:

Starting her preparation in 2014, Artika embarked on an intense self-study journey. With her brother’s guidance and notes, she created a strategic study plan that:

  • Leveraged her medical background by choosing Medical Science as optional
  • Focused on NCERT books for foundational concepts
  • Maintained daily current affairs through newspapers
  • Practiced previous years’ question papers extensively
  • Developed strong answer-writing skills through self-evaluation

Preparation Challenges:

  • Transitioning from medical to civil services mindset
  • Managing vast syllabus in limited time
  • Self-study without peer group motivation
  • Balancing conceptual clarity with factual memorization

Success Factors:

  • Strong family support system
  • Brother’s proven guidance and notes
  • Medical background advantage for optional subject
  • Disciplined daily routine
  • Strategic focus on high-yield topics

In her very first attempt, Artika achieved an extraordinary All India Rank 4 in 2015, opting for Medical Science as her optional subject, with her preparation made in just 8 months without any coaching.

Key Career Milestones

2015-2016: LBSNAA Training

After clearing the UPSC examination, Artika joined the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie for her foundation training. It was during this training period that she met Jasmeet Singh Sandhu, who had secured AIR 3, and they eventually developed a relationship that led to marriage in 2017.

2016-2017: Initial Cadre Posting

Artika Shukla was initially assigned to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories) cadre, but was later transferred to the Rajasthan cadre following her marriage to fellow IAS officer Jasmeet Singh Sandhu.

2017-2020: Field Experience Building

Her first major field posting was as Sub-Divisional Officer in Rishabhdev, Udaipur district, where she gained grassroots experience in district administration. From 2019 to 2020, she served as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Ajmer, handling diverse administrative responsibilities including law and order, revenue administration, and development programs.

2020-2024: Progressive Responsibilities

Artika steadily climbed the administrative ladder, serving in key positions:

  • Additional Commissioner, Commercial Taxes Department, Jaipur
  • Secretary, UIT, Alwar (Urban planning and development)
  • CEO, Zila Parishad-cum-ADPC, Alwar (Rural development)
  • Joint Secretary, Energy Department (Policy formulation)
  • Collector & District Magistrate, Khairthal-Tijara (Newly created district)
  • Collector & District Magistrate, Dudu (Recognition for innovative programs)

2024-Present: Leadership in Alwar

In 2024, Artika took charge as the District Collector of Alwar, and within months, her initiatives made headlines as the city made remarkable progress in sanitation, climbing to 4th position in Rajasthan and 54th nationally in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25.

Landmark Projects and Initiatives

1. Swachh Survekshan Transformation (2024-25)

When Artika took charge of Alwar, the district was struggling with sanitation issues and low rankings in national cleanliness surveys. Through systematic intervention:

  • Mobilized municipal staff and created accountability
  • Engaged citizens through awareness campaigns
  • Implemented technology-driven waste management
  • Regular monitoring and quick problem resolution
  • Result: Alwar jumped to 4th in Rajasthan, 54th nationally

2. Sariska Environmental Conservation Initiative (2024)

During a survey around Sariska, 50,000 Bighas of previously unsurveyed land were identified as forest land. Understanding the critical importance of environmental conservation, Artika Shukla took proactive steps to ensure this vast area was officially included in revenue records, safeguarding it from potential encroachment and ensuring its protection for future generations. This initiative demonstrated her:

  • Environmental consciousness and foresight
  • Ability to handle complex land revenue issues
  • Commitment to long-term ecological preservation
  • Coordination between forest and revenue departments

3. Pension Crisis Resolution – The Christmas Miracle (December 2024)

In what became a defining moment of her administrative career, Artika Shukla resolved a nearly six-month delay in pension processing for a retired widow-teacher named Saroj in December 2024. The remarkable aspect was that she completed the entire process in just a few hours on Christmas Day, a holiday, showcasing her:

  • Citizen-first approach to governance
  • Personal commitment beyond office hours
  • Compassionate leadership style
  • Efficiency in cutting through bureaucratic delays

This incident went viral on social media, with citizens praising her dedication and accessibility.

4. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Success in Dudu

While serving as Collector of Dudu, Artika Shukla received the Certificate of Appreciation from the Government of Rajasthan in March 2024 for excellent work during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. Her initiatives included:

  • Widespread awareness campaigns about government schemes
  • Direct engagement with beneficiaries
  • On-spot resolution of grievances
  • Creating a model for other districts to follow

5. Empowerment of Specially-Abled Persons

Artika Shukla received state-level merit awards in both February and December 2024 for her exemplary work in empowering specially-abled persons. Her initiatives included:

  • Creating barrier-free infrastructure
  • Employment generation programs
  • Educational support systems
  • Technology-enabled accessibility solutions
  • Healthcare facilities improvement

6. Educational Innovation and School Transformation

Recognizing that education is the foundation of societal progress, Artika implemented several innovative programs:

  • Smart classroom initiatives in government schools
  • Teacher training and capacity building programs
  • Student mentorship systems
  • Digital learning platforms
  • Infrastructure modernization
  • Result: National Award for Innovations in Educational Administration

Final Thoughts

In an era where public servants are often criticized, IAS Artika Shukla stands as a shining example of what dedicated civil servants can achieve. Her journey from the ghats of Varanasi to the corridors of power in Rajasthan is not just a personal success story—it’s a testament to the power of education, determination, and public service.

As she continues to serve as Collector of Alwar, implementing transformative initiatives and touching countless lives, Artika Shukla is writing a legacy that will inspire generations of civil servants and aspirants. Her story reminds us that true success lies not in personal achievement alone, but in the positive impact we create in the lives of others.

The story of IAS Artika Shukla is still being written, and if her first nine years in service are any indication, the best chapters are yet to come.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the current posting of IAS Artika Shukla?

As of 2025, IAS Artika Shukla is serving as the Collector & District Magistrate of Alwar district in Rajasthan. She took charge of this important position in 2024 and has already made significant impact through initiatives in sanitation, environmental conservation, and citizen welfare.

2. What rank did Artika Shukla secure in UPSC?

Artika Shukla secured All India Rank 4 (AIR 4) in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2015 in her very first attempt. This remarkable achievement came after just 8 months of self-study preparation without any coaching.

3. Is Artika Shukla married? Who is her husband?

Yes, IAS Artika Shukla is married to IAS Jasmeet Singh Sandhu, who secured All India Rank 3 (AIR 3) in the same UPSC Civil Services Examination 2015. They met during their training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, and got married in 2017. Both serve in the Rajasthan cadre.

4. What is Artika Shukla’s educational qualification?

Artika Shukla holds an MBBS degree from Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi (2008-2013). She also started MD Pediatrics at PGIMER, Chandigarh, but left it midway in 2014 to pursue UPSC preparation.

5. Did Artika Shukla take coaching for UPSC?

No, Artika Shukla never attended any coaching classes for UPSC preparation. She relied entirely on self-study using her elder brother Gaurav Shukla’s (IAS 2012 batch) notes and guidance, along with standard reference books and current affairs.

6. How many months did Artika Shukla prepare for UPSC?

Artika Shukla prepared for only 8 months before clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2015 with AIR 4. This short preparation period combined with first-attempt success makes her achievement particularly inspiring.

7. Which optional subject did Artika Shukla choose for UPSC Mains?

Artika Shukla chose Medical Science as her optional subject for UPSC Mains, leveraging her MBBS background and medical knowledge to score well in the examination.

8. What is Artika Shukla’s age?

Artika Shukla was born on September 5, 1990, making her 35 years old as of 2025.

9. Which IAS batch does Artika Shukla belong to?

Artika Shukla belongs to the 2016 IAS batch. She cleared the UPSC examination in 2015 and joined the Indian Administrative Service in 2016 after completing her training at LBSNAA.

10. What is Artika Shukla’s hometown?

Artika Shukla’s hometown is Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, specifically from the Gandhinagar area of Varanasi. She completed her schooling at St. John’s School in Varanasi.

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Nishant Kumar

Nishant Kumar is the founder and lead content creator at OfficersDetails.com, a platform dedicated to delivering accurate, verified information about officers in government, corporate, and legal sectors. With a strong background in public administration and data research, Nishant is passionate about transparency, governance, and simplifying access to essential leadership profiles.