Govind Jaiswal IAS: From Rickshaw Puller’s Son to Joint Secretary – A Complete Biography

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

 govind Jaiswal

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
Instagram @iasgovindjaiswal 5,400+ followers (as of 2025)
LinkedIn Govind Jaiswal Professional profile available
Twitter/X Not actively present Limited public presence
Facebook 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.

govind Jaiswal

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

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.