Govind Jaiswal IAS: The Inspiring Journey from Rickshaw Puller’s Son to Joint Secretary | Complete Biography 2025
Govind Jaiswal IAS isn’t just an officer; he’s a living testament that dreams don’t discriminate by birthplace. His story, often called the “UPSC miracle from Varanasi,” has inspired films like Ab Dilli Dur Nahin and countless YouTube tributes. Let’s explore the extraordinary life of Govind Jaiswal IAS, where every setback fueled a comeback.
Quick Facts Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Govind Jaiswal |
| Profession | IAS Officer (Indian Administrative Service) |
| Batch | 2007 Batch |
| Cadre | AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) |
| UPSC Rank | All India Rank 48 (2006) |
| Age | 41 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Year | 1984 |
| Birthplace | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Current Posting | Joint Secretary (Technical Education & Literacy), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Medium of Exam | Hindi |
| First Attempt | Yes |
| Father’s Name | Narayan Jaiswal (Rickshaw Puller) |
| Marital Status | Married |

Personal Information Table
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Govind Jaiswal |
| Nickname | Not publicly known |
| Date of Birth | 1984 (Exact date not publicly available) |
| Age (2025) | Approximately 41 years |
| Birthplace | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Hometown | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste/Community | Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac Sign | Not publicly available |
| Languages Known | Hindi (Primary), English |
Family Background & Personal Life
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father’s Name | Narayan Jaiswal |
| Father’s Occupation | Rickshaw Puller & Government Ration Shop Worker |
| Mother’s Name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Siblings | Three sisters (all graduated) |
| Spouse | Married (Wife’s name not publicly disclosed) |
| Children | Information not publicly available |
| Family Economic Background | Extremely poor, lived in one-room house with frequent power cuts |
The Humble Beginning
Govind Jaiswal IAS was born into a family that struggled with extreme poverty in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Narayan Jaiswal, worked as a rickshaw puller to make ends meet and also worked at a government ration shop. The family initially had some financial stability when Narayan owned and rented out a few rickshaws. However, circumstances changed dramatically when Narayan suffered from a hearing impairment and a broken leg, forcing the family to survive on minimal income.
Despite the grinding poverty, Narayan Jaiswal prioritized education for all his children. He ensured that all three of his daughters graduated, demonstrating remarkable commitment to education even in the face of severe financial constraints. The family lived in a single room in Varanasi where electricity was a luxury, making it extremely difficult for Govind Jaiswal IAS to study.
Educational Background of Govind Jaiswal IAS
| Education Level | Institution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Primary & Secondary | Government School, Varanasi | Studied in Hindi medium under extremely difficult conditions |
| Higher Secondary | Government School, Varanasi | Continued education despite severe financial hardships |
| Graduation | Modest College, Varanasi | Completed graduation while facing economic challenges |
| UPSC Coaching | Delhi | Moved to Delhi to access better preparation resources |
| UPSC Examination | 2006 | Secured All India Rank 48 in his first attempt |
| Medium | Hindi | Demonstrated that Hindi medium candidates can achieve top ranks |
Educational Journey Details
The educational journey of IAS Govind Jaiswal is truly inspiring. He studied at a government school in Varanasi, where resources were scarce and conditions were difficult. Despite the challenges, his determination to uplift his family’s circumstances kept him focused.
After completing his schooling, Govind pursued higher education at a modest college in Varanasi. His path was marked by persistent financial hardship—his family lived in a small one-room home that often lacked electricity. On many nights, he studied under street lights, undeterred by adversity.
His perseverance ultimately paid off when he achieved All India Rank 48 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (2006), proving that hard work, resilience, and self-belief can overcome even the toughest odds.
The Life-Changing Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Life-Changing Incident |
| Age at the Time | 11 years old |
| Person | Govind Jaiswal (later IAS officer) |
| Incident | Visited a wealthy friend’s house to play but was humiliated and thrown out because his father was a rickshaw puller. |
| Initial Reaction | Confused and unable to understand why he was treated disrespectfully. |
| Explanation | An older friend explained the social and economic divisions that caused such discrimination. |
| Lesson Learned | Realized that social respect often depends on one’s economic and social status. |
| Turning Point | Upon asking about the most respected position in India, he learned about the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). |
| Decision/Motivation | Decided to become an IAS officer to change his circumstances and earn respect. |
| Outcome | The painful childhood experience became a lifelong motivation that ultimately led him to become IAS Govind Jaiswal. |
UPSC or Career Timeline
The Govind Jaiswal IAS posting journey is a roadmap for aspirants. From 2007 batch AGMUT cadre to central deputation, here’s a year-wise chronicle
| Year | Milestone / Posting | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Birth in Varanasi | Humble beginnings as rickshaw puller’s son. |
| 1994 | IAS Dream Ignited (Age 11) | Humiliated at friend’s home; vows to become IAS. |
| 2005 | Mother’s Passing | Brain hemorrhage; emotional low before UPSC peak. |
| 2006 | UPSC CSE Clearance (AIR 48, 1st Attempt) | Hindi medium; moves to Delhi on father’s land sale. |
| 2007 | Joins IAS (AGMUT Cadre) | Training at LBSNAA; first posting as Assistant Commissioner, Nagaland. |
| 2010-2015 | District Roles in Northeast | Focused on tribal welfare and development. |
| 2018 | Executive Director, Sports Authority of Goa | Promoted sports infrastructure in the state. |
| 2022 | Deputy Secretary, GoI | Central stint begins. |
| 2023 | Joint Secretary, Dept. of Higher Education | Oversees NEP implementation. |
| 2025 | Tenure Extension till Oct 2027 | Govind Jaiswal IAS present posting and Govind Jaiswal IAS current posting confirmed as JS, ensuring continuity in education reforms. |
Career Timeline of Govind Jaiswal IAS Officer
| Year | Position / Posting | Location / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Cleared UPSC CSE | All India Rank 48 |
| 2007 | Joined IAS | AGMUT Cadre |
| 2007–2010 | Assistant Commissioner | Nagaland |
| 2010–2014 | Various District Postings | AGMUT States |
| 2014–2018 | Executive Director of Sports | Goa |
| 2018–2021 | Deputy Secretary | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India |
| 2021–2025 | Joint Secretary (Technical Education & Literacy) | Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education |
| 2025–2027 | Tenure Extended as Joint Secretary | Department of Higher Education (Extended till October 2027) |
Current Posting of Govind Jaiswal IAS
Latest Position (2025)
As of October 2025, Govind Jaiswal IAS officer serves as Joint Secretary (Technical Education & Literacy) in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. His tenure has been extended until October 2027 by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Key Responsibilities
In his current role as IAS Govind Jaiswal, he is responsible for:
- Implementing reforms under National Education Policy (NEP 2020)
- Overseeing digital transformation in education
- Managing institutional restructuring initiatives
- Developing quality assurance frameworks for higher education
- Coordinating technical education programs across India
- Ensuring continuity in long-term policy implementation
Recent Developments (2025)
In July 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a two-year extension of Govind Jaiswal IAS officer’s central deputation. This extension was granted to ensure continuity in implementing crucial NEP 2020 reforms. His administrative background and cross-sectoral experience are considered valuable assets in managing India’s complex higher education ecosystem.
Administrative Positions Held by IAS Govind Jaiswal
| S.No. | Position | Location/Department | Tenure | Key Responsibilities & Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Commissioner | Nagaland | 2007–2010 | First field posting; gained grassroots administrative experience in a northeastern state. |
| 2 | Executive Director of Sports | Goa | 2014–2018 | Oversaw sports development and infrastructure; promoted sports culture and managed sports facilities statewide. |
| 3 | Deputy Secretary | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare | 2018–2021 | Worked on national health policies and programs; contributed to central government initiatives. |
| 4 | Joint Secretary | Department of Higher Education | 2021–Present | Leading higher education reforms; implementing NEP 2020 to transform India’s education system. |
Major Achievements & Recognition
| Achievement | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC AIR 48 | 2006 | Secured All India Rank 48 in first attempt through Hindi medium |
| First Attempt Success | 2006 | Cracked one of India’s toughest exams in first attempt without any fallback |
| Hindi Medium Success | 2006 | Proved language is not a barrier in UPSC |
| From Poverty to IAS | 2006 | Inspirational journey from extreme poverty to civil services |
| Youth Icon | Ongoing | Became role model for millions of underprivileged aspirants |
| NEP Implementation | 2021-2025 | Leading key educational reforms at national level |
| Tenure Extension | 2025 | Extended till 2027 for continuity in policy implementation |
Salary & Financial Information
| Pay Level | Basic Pay | Grade Pay (Level) | Approximate Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (Junior Scale) | ₹56,100 | Level 10 | ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Selection Grade | ₹67,700 | Level 11 | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,25,000 |
| Super Time Scale | ₹78,800 | Level 12 | ₹1,25,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Joint Secretary (Current) | ₹1,18,500 | Level 14 | ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,25,000 |
| Additional Secretary | ₹1,44,200 | Level 15 | ₹2,25,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Secretary | ₹2,25,000 | Level 17 | ₹2,50,000+ |
Additional Benefits
- HRA (House Rent Allowance): 24-27% of basic pay
- Transport Allowance: ₹7,200-10,000 per month
- Government Accommodation: Provided based on posting
- Medical Facilities: Comprehensive healthcare for self and family
- Leave Travel Allowance: Once per year
- Pension: Defined benefit pension after retirement
Net Worth
While the exact net worth of IAS Govind Jaiswal is not publicly disclosed, as a senior IAS officer with nearly two decades of service, his net worth (including provident fund, pension benefits, and assets) is estimated to be between ₹2-4 crore. However, this is an approximation based on typical IAS officer earnings.
Financial Philosophy
Having come from extreme poverty, Govind Jaiswal IAS officer used his first salary to pay for his father’s medical treatment, honoring the sacrifices Narayan Jaiswal made for his education. This gesture reflects his deep gratitude and commitment to family welfare.
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’8″ – 5’10” (estimated) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Physical Build | Average |
Digital Presence & Social Media
Official Profiles
| Platform | Handle/Profile | Followers/Status |
|---|---|---|
| @iasgovindjaiswal | 5,400+ followers (as of 2025) | |
| Govind Jaiswal | Professional profile available | |
| Twitter/X | Not actively present | Limited public presence |
| Limited presence | Primarily official communications | |
| Official Email | Through government channels | Not publicly shared |
Bio Description
His Instagram bio reads: “IAS, 2007, Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Govt Of India”
Digital Engagement
IAS Govind Jaiswal maintains a relatively low profile on social media compared to some contemporary IAS officers. He focuses primarily on his administrative duties rather than public engagement through digital platforms. However, his inspirational story has been widely shared across various platforms by others, making him a popular figure among UPSC aspirants.
Govind Jaiswal IAS Wife & Personal Life
Marital Status
Govind Jaiswal IAS officer is married, though details about his wife and married life are not extensively published in public sources. He has maintained privacy regarding his personal and family life, keeping it separate from his professional identity.
Privacy Approach
Unlike some contemporary IAS officers who maintain active social media presence with family photos, IAS Govind Jaiswal has chosen to keep his family life private. Information about Govind Jaiswal IAS wife, children (if any), and personal relationships is not readily available in public domains.
Family Values
Given his background and the sacrifices his family made for his success, it is clear that family remains central to Govind Jaiswal IAS officer’s life. His gesture of using his first salary for his father’s treatment demonstrates deep family values and gratitude.
Detailed Biography
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Govind Jaiswal was born and raised in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, in a family with extremely modest means. His father, Narayan Jaiswal, was a rickshaw-puller, earning a meagre living to support the family and his schooling.The family lived in a small 12 × 8 ft rented room near the railway station in Varanasi.
From a young age, he observed the societal attitude that his father’s occupation was looked down upon—and that motivated him deeply. Accounts state that at the age of 11 he resolved that one day he would become an IAS officer rather than be resigned to a minor job.
His father made significant sacrifices—often forgoing his own needs, occasionally not even treating a foot injury—so that his son could study.
Educational Struggles and Achievements
Despite the adversity, Govind attended government school in Varanasi and studied in a government college afterwards. The lack of fancy coaching or resources did not deter him. He used public libraries, self-studied, and systematically prepared for the UPSC exam in Hindi medium. He lived frugally—sometimes skipping meals, tutoring others, and making every rupee count.
In 2006, he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt, achieving All India Rank 48. This achievement in itself highlighted his academic dedication and resilience.
UPSC Preparation Journey
His preparation journey is marked by self-discipline. Without high-priced coaching, he relied on his own efforts. At the same time, he supported himself financially via tuition, while his father continued to support with limited means. He had only one attempt window in mind (given the family could not support indefinite attempts) and was dead-set on clearing at that attempt. That mental clarity and urgency defined his preparation.
Key Career Milestones
-
After joining the 2007-batch IAS in the AGMUT cadre, he held various administrative postings.
-
In 2016, he became Executive Director (Sports) for the Government of Goa—a major milestone in his early administrative career.In October 2020, he went on central deputation to the Government of India, Department of Health & Family Welfare as Deputy Secretary.
-
In July 2023, he was appointed Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education (Ministry of Education). His tenure in this role has been extended by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet till October 11 2027.
Landmark Projects & Contributions
While specific project names for Govind Jaiswal are not exhaustively documented in public sources, his role in the Department of Higher Education implies involvement in major national education reforms under the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP2020) — including institutional restructuring, digitisation of education, and quality assurance frameworks.
His earlier posting as Executive Director (Sports) in Goa also marked a departure from typical bureaucratic trajectories and showed his administrative versatility.
Recent Developments (Latest Year)
In 2025, the tenancy of his central deputation as Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education was extended by two years (till Oct 11 2027). This extension was seen as providing continuity for major reforms.He continues to influence higher education policy at the national level.
Lessons & Inspiration
-
Clarity of goal: Govind Jaiswal decided early that he would become an IAS officer, which helped sharpen his focus.
-
Making maximum of minimal resources: His story emphasises that lack of resources is not fatal if resolve and discipline are strong.
-
First-attempt mindset: Recognising his family’s inability to support multiple attempts, he treated his attempt as do-or-die and did full justice to it.
-
Service above self-interest: His administrative career and the narrative of giving back (via education policy) exemplify that high office is an extension of earlier striving, not disconnection from it.
-
Inspiration for aspirants: For students from humble backgrounds, his journey reassures that socio-economic origins need not determine final destination.
Conclusion: Legacy and Future Vision
Govind Jaiswal has built a legacy rooted in perseverance, self-belief and service. Starting from a modest room in Varanasi and becoming an IAS officer, then rising to national-level policy roles, his life is a testament to transformation through education and public service. As Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, his future vision likely encompasses widening access to quality education, bridging the urban–rural divide, and creating a system where aspiring students — regardless of background — can succeed. His legacy is still evolving, and his ongoing tenure in higher education reforms means his impact will continue to grow.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current posting of Govind Jaiswal IAS?
Answer: As of October 2025, Govind Jaiswal IAS officer is posted as Joint Secretary (Technical Education & Literacy) in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. His tenure has been extended till October 2027.
2. What was Govind Jaiswal IAS rank in UPSC?
Answer: Govind Jaiswal IAS secured All India Rank (AIR) 48 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2006, which he cleared in his first attempt.
3. Is Govind Jaiswal IAS married? Who is Govind Jaiswal IAS wife?
Answer: Yes, Govind Jaiswal IAS officer is married. However, specific details about Govind Jaiswal IAS wife, including her name and background, are not publicly disclosed as he maintains privacy regarding his personal life.
4. What was the age of Govind Jaiswal when he became IAS?
Answer: Govind Jaiswal IAS became an IAS officer at the age of 22 in 2006, which is relatively young for clearing the UPSC examination.
5. Which batch is Govind Jaiswal IAS from?
Answer: Govind Jaiswal IAS officer belongs to the 2007 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and is allotted to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre.
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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.
