Kanishak Kataria became a household name when he topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2018 with All India Rank 1. This achievement made him one of the most celebrated kanishak kataria upsc topper stories in recent years. His journey from being an IIT graduate working at Samsung to becoming India’s number one administrative officer shows what focused preparation and smart work can achieve.
What makes his story special is not just his success, but how he achieved it. Unlike many toppers who take multiple attempts, Kanishak cleared the exam in his very first try while working as a software engineer. His story proves that with the right strategy and dedication, anyone can reach the top.
Kanishak Kataria – Complete Biography & Wiki
Personal Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kanishak Kataria |
| Nickname | Not publicly known |
| Date of Birth | 1992 (Exact date not publicly disclosed) |
| Age (as of 2024) | 32 years |
| Birthplace | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Current Residence | Barmer, Rajasthan (due to current posting) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste/Category | General Category |
| Zodiac Sign | Not publicly known |
Family Background
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | IAS Officer (Name not publicly disclosed) |
| Mother | Homemaker (Details not public) |
| Siblings | One sister – Doctor by profession |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (as per last available information) |
| Wife/Spouse | Not married |
| Children | None |
| Family Background | Administrative/Service background |
Educational Qualifications
| Level | Institution | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Education | Local school in Jaipur | Not specified | Strong academic foundation |
| Secondary Education | St. Paul’s Sr. Secondary School, Kota | Not specified | Excellent academic record |
| Higher Secondary | St. Paul’s Sr. Secondary School, Kota | Around 2010 | Science stream |
| Bachelor’s Degree | IIT Bombay | 2010-2014 | B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering |
| Post Graduate | Not pursued | – | Focused on career and UPSC |
| Professional Certifications | Various tech certifications | 2014-2017 | During work at Samsung |
UPSC Civil Services Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Year | 2018 |
| Final Rank | All India Rank 1 |
| Attempt Number | First Attempt |
| Age at Success | 26 years |
| Optional Subject | Mathematics |
| Interview/Personality Test Score | Not publicly disclosed |
| Written Exam Score | Not publicly disclosed |
| Preparation Duration | Approximately 1.5-2 years |
| Coaching Institute | Self-study (No coaching) |
| Study Location | Jaipur, Rajasthan |
Professional Career
Before UPSC
| Company | Position | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Data Scientist | 2014-2016 | South Korea |
| Private Tech Firm | Software Engineer | 2016-2017 | Bengaluru, India |
IAS Career
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Batch | 2019 Batch |
| Cadre | Rajasthan Cadre |
| Training Academy | Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie |
| Training Year | 2019-2020 |
Career Postings
| Position | Location | Duration | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Secretary | NITI Aayog, New Delhi | 2020-2022 | Policy formulation, Central Government exposure |
| Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) | Various districts, Rajasthan | 2022-2023 | District administration, law & order |
| CEO, Zila Panchayat | Barmer, Rajasthan | 2023-Present | Rural development, local governance |
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’8″ (estimated) |
| Weight | Not publicly known |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Build | Medium build |
Achievements & Awards
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | UPSC CSE All India Rank 1 | Topped India’s toughest competitive exam |
| 2014 | IIT Bombay Graduate | B.Tech in Computer Science |
| 2019 | Best Trainee Awards | Various awards during IAS training |
| 2020-2024 | Administrative Excellence | Recognition for innovative governance solutions |
Specializations & Interests
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Strength | Mathematics, Computer Science, Analytics |
| Optional Subject | Mathematics |
| Administrative Focus | Digital governance, Rural development |
| Technical Skills | Data analysis, Programming, Policy research |
| Languages Known | Hindi, English, Rajasthani |
| Hobbies | Reading, Technology, Public service |
Notable Characteristics
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Personality Type | Introverted, Analytical |
| Leadership Style | Data-driven, Systematic |
| Communication | Clear, Precise, Professional |
| Work Ethics | Disciplined, Focused, Results-oriented |
| Public Image | Humble, Low-profile, Effective |
Media & Public Presence
| Platform | Status |
|---|---|
| Social Media | Limited presence, maintains privacy |
| Interviews | Occasional interviews for UPSC guidance |
| Public Speaking | Limited to official functions |
| Blog/Website | No personal blog maintained |
| Books/Publications | None published |
| Media Coverage | Featured in newspapers and magazines |
Contact & Official Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Designation | CEO, Zila Panchayat, Barmer |
| Office Address | Zila Panchayat Office, Barmer, Rajasthan |
| Official Email | Through official government channels |
| Phone | Official contact through government directory |
Financial Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Salary | As per IAS pay scale (7th Pay Commission) |
| Previous Salary | High package at Samsung (exact amount not disclosed) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Assets | As per government declarations (not public) |
Lesser Known Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Career Transition | Left high-paying tech job for civil services |
| Study Strategy | Used spreadsheets to track preparation progress |
| Preparation Location | Moved from Bengaluru to Jaipur for focused study |
| Optional Subject | Leveraged engineering background for Mathematics |
| First Attempt | Cleared UPSC in very first attempt |
| Family Influence | Inspired by father’s civil service career |
| International Experience | Worked in South Korea before UPSC |
Current Status (2024-2025)
| Aspect | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Position | CEO, Zila Panchayat, Barmer |
| Focus Areas | Rural development, Digital governance |
| Career Stage | Mid-level IAS officer with growth potential |
| Public Engagement | Occasional mentoring of UPSC aspirants |
| Administrative Impact | Known for technology integration in governance |
Early Life and Family Background
Kanishak Kataria was born in 1992 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Coming from an educated family, his kanishak kataria father is an IAS officer himself, which gave him early exposure to civil services. His sister is a doctor, showing that academic excellence runs in the family.
During his school years at St. Paul’s Sr. Secondary School in Kota, Kanishak showed exceptional academic abilities. He was always among the top students and had a natural talent for mathematics and analytical thinking.
Educational Journey: From IIT to UPSC Success
IIT Bombay Days
After completing his schooling, Kanishak got admission into IIT Bombay for Computer Science Engineering. His kanishak kataria iit rank was impressive, though the exact rank details are not publicly available in his kanishak kataria marksheet. During his time at IIT Bombay from 2010 to 2014, he developed strong problem-solving skills that would later help him in UPSC preparation.
Professional Career Before UPSC
After graduation in 2014, Kanishak worked as a Data Scientist with Samsung in South Korea and later with other tech companies in Bengaluru. This gave him valuable international exposure and technical expertise. However, inspired by his family background and desire to serve the nation, he decided to switch careers and prepare for civil services.
UPSC Journey: The Making of a Topper
Preparation Strategy
Kanishak kataria age when he cleared upsc was just 26 years old, making his achievement even more remarkable. His preparation strategy was unique and systematic:
Study Approach:
- Moved back to Jaipur from Bengaluru to avoid distractions
- Focused on self-study rather than joining coaching institutes
- Used his technical background to create data-driven study plans
- Maintained detailed spreadsheets to track his progress
Optional Subject Choice: His kanishak kataria optional subject was Mathematics, which perfectly suited his engineering background and analytical mindset. This choice proved strategic as it allowed him to leverage his IIT education effectively.
Study Materials and Resources
Many aspirants often search for kanishak kataria notes and kanishak kataria blog to understand his preparation methods. While he hasn’t published extensive study materials, he has shared insights through interviews about his preparation strategy:
- Standard NCERT books for basic concepts
- Selected reference books for each subject
- Regular answer writing practice
- Consistent test series participation
- Kanishak kataria maths blog and online resources for optional preparation
Personal Life and Relationships
Marriage and Family
There has been considerable interest in kanishak kataria wife and his personal relationships. However, Kanishak has kept his personal life very private. Some online searches mention sonal chauhan husband kanishak kataria, but this appears to be misinformation. Sonal Chauhan is a Bollywood actress, and there’s no verified connection between them.
Regarding kanishak kataria gf or girlfriend, he has not publicly shared information about his romantic relationships, preferring to keep his focus on his professional responsibilities.
Career as an IAS Officer
Current Posting and Responsibilities
Kanishak kataria ias current posting (as of 2024-2025) is CEO, Zila Parishad, Barmer, Rajasthan. He belongs to the 2019 batch and Rajasthan cadre. His career progression has been impressive:
Previous Roles:
- Assistant Secretary in NITI Aayog during central deputation
- SDM (Sub Divisional Magistrate) in various districts of Rajasthan
- Known for implementing technology-driven governance solutions
Administrative Approach
His technical background has greatly influenced his administrative style. He focuses on:
- Digital service delivery systems
- Data-based policy making
- Rural development through technology
- Efficient governance mechanisms
Category and Background Details
Regarding kanishak kataria category, he belongs to the General category, which makes his achievement even more competitive given the limited seats available for general category candidates in UPSC.
Key Achievements and Recognition
Major Highlights:
- All India Rank 1 in UPSC CSE 2018
- First attempt success – cleared in the very first try
- One of the youngest toppers at age 26
- Successfully transitioned from private sector to civil services
- Known for innovative administrative solutions
Biography Summary
The complete kanishak kataria biography represents a perfect blend of academic excellence, professional experience, and public service commitment:
Personal Details:
- Full Name: Kanishak Kataria
- Birth Year: 1992
- Current Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Educational Background: B.Tech Computer Science from IIT Bombay
- UPSC Rank: All India Rank 1 (2018)
- Current Position: CEO, Zila Parishad, Barmer, Rajasthan
Lessons from His Success Story
Key Takeaways:
- Smart Work Over Hard Work: Focused 6-8 hours of quality study rather than 12-15 hours
- Leveraging Background: Used his technical skills for systematic preparation
- First Attempt Strategy: Thorough preparation without rushing
- Avoiding Distractions: Moved to a focused environment for studies
- Consistent Practice: Regular answer writing and test series
Current Impact and Future Prospects
As a young IAS officer, Kanishak continues to make significant contributions to public administration. His work in rural Rajasthan focuses on:
- Implementing digital governance initiatives
- Improving rural development programs
- Using technology for better service delivery
- Creating efficient administrative systems
Conclusion
Kanishak Kataria’s journey from an IIT engineer to India’s top civil servant is truly inspirational. His story shows that with proper planning, focused preparation, and strong determination, one can achieve extraordinary success.
For UPSC aspirants, his example demonstrates that success doesn’t require years of attempts or expensive coaching. What matters is having a clear strategy, staying consistent, and believing in oneself.
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FAQ: Kanishak Kataria – UPSC Topper
1. Who is Kanishak Kataria?
Kanishak Kataria is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2018 with All India Rank 1. He is an alumnus of IIT Bombay, where he pursued B.Tech in Computer Science. Prior to preparing for UPSC, Kanishak was working as a data scientist in South Korea but decided to quit his high-paying job to serve the country.
2. At what age did Kanishak Kataria clear UPSC?
Kanishak Kataria cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2018 at the age of 26. He was born in 1992, and his result was declared in April 2019, making him 26 years old at the time of clearing the exam.
3. At what age did Kanishak Kataria become an IAS officer?
Kanishak officially joined the IAS in 2019, the same year his UPSC results were announced. He was 26 years old when he entered the Indian Administrative Service.
4. In how many attempts did Kanishak Kataria clear UPSC?
Kanishak Kataria cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam in his second attempt. While some sources suggest it was his first, more detailed and credible reports confirm that it was indeed his second attempt that led him to the top rank.
5. Where is Kanishak Kataria currently posted?
As of 2025, Kanishak Kataria is posted as the Commissioner of Bharatpur Development Authority in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Over the years, he has held various administrative positions, including roles as SDM in Kota and Sirohi, CEO of Zila Parishad in Alwar, and Assistant Collector in Bikaner.
6. What is Kanishak Kataria’s educational background?
He studied at IIT Bombay, where he completed his B.Tech in Computer Science. He was also a top performer in school-level Olympiads and scholarship exams like NTSE and KVPY. Before preparing for UPSC, he worked as a data analyst with a reputed multinational company.
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.