In the corridors of Indian bureaucracy, few stories are as compelling as that of Dr. Pradeep Gawande, an IAS officer who exemplifies the spirit of service through an extraordinary career transition. Originally trained as a medical doctor, Gawande made a deliberate shift from healing individuals to serving entire communities through civil administration. His journey from saving lives in clinics to administering districts represents a unique blend of medical expertise and administrative acumen that has shaped his approach to public service.
Pradeep Gawande belongs to the prestigious 2013 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and serves in the Rajasthan cadre. What makes his story particularly noteworthy is not just his professional achievements, but his ability to navigate diverse roles with equal competence—from healthcare to heritage preservation, from district development to institutional leadership.
His marriage to fellow IAS officer Tina Dabi has further amplified public interest in his life, creating a power couple in Indian civil services whose combined influence extends beyond their individual postings. As one observer noted, “From saving lives in clinics to administering districts, Dr. Pradeep Gawande’s trajectory exemplifies the heart of service through civics.”
Dr. Pradeep Gawande – Detailed Biography & Wiki
Personal Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Pradeep Gawande |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1980 |
| Age | 44 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Pune, Maharashtra (some sources mention Latur) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste | Not publicly disclosed |
| Current Residence | Jalore, Rajasthan (as per current posting) |
Family & Personal Life
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Father’s Name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Mother’s Name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Siblings | Information not available |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Tina Dabi (IAS Officer) |
| Marriage Date | April 20-22, 2022 |
| Marriage Location | Hotel Holiday Inn, Jaipur |
| Previous Marriage | None (First marriage) |
| Children | 1 Son |
| Son’s Birth Date | September 15, 2023 |
| Son’s Birth Place | Jaisalmer, Rajasthan |
| Age Difference with Wife | Approximately 13 years (older than Tina Dabi) |
Educational Background
| Level | Institution | Year | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Degree | Government Medical College | Not specified | MBBS |
| College Location | Aurangabad/Nashik, Maharashtra | Not specified | Medicine |
| UPSC Preparation | Self-study/Coaching | 2012 | Civil Services |
| UPSC Result | All India Rank 478 | 2012 | General Studies |
Civil Service Career
Service Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Service | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Batch | 2013 |
| Cadre | Rajasthan |
| Service Entry | 2013 |
| Years of Service | 11+ years (as of 2025) |
| Current Rank | Senior IAS Officer |
Posting History (Chronological)
| Period | Position | Location/Department | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2014 | Assistant Collector | Bundi, Rajasthan | Revenue administration, land records |
| 2014-2015 | Assistant Secretary | Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, GOI | Policy formulation, inter-ministerial coordination |
| 2015-2016 | Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) | Dholpur, Rajasthan | Law & order, election conduct, scheme implementation |
| Nov 2016 – May 2018 | Chief Executive Officer | Jodhpur Zilla Parishad | Rural development, MGNREGA, Panchayati Raj |
| Apr 2018 – Feb 2020 | Chief Executive Officer | Bikaner Municipal Council | Urban governance, infrastructure, heritage |
| Jul 2020 – Jan 2021 | District Collector | Churu, Rajasthan | District administration, COVID-19 management |
| Jan 2021 – Oct 2021 | Managing Director | Rajasthan Skill & Livelihood Development Corporation | Skill development, employment generation |
| Mar 2022 – 2024 | Director | Archaeology & Museums Department, Rajasthan | Heritage preservation, museum management |
| 2025 – Present | District Collector | Jalore, Rajasthan | District administration, border security |
Professional Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Notable Work | COVID-19 management in Churu district |
| Specialization | Healthcare administration, Rural development |
| Awards | Information not publicly available |
| Recognition | Effective pandemic response, Heritage preservation |
| Media Coverage | Significant coverage post-marriage to Tina Dabi |
Controversies & Challenges
| Year | Issue | Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Corruption Investigation | Subordinates arrested in bribery case while he was MD of RSLDC | Summoned for questioning, no charges filed against him |
Physical Characteristics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
Social Media & Digital Presence
| Platform | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Limited page | Basic information available |
| Not very active | Maintains low profile | |
| Private/Limited | Focus on privacy | |
| Not prominent | Professional use only | |
| Professional profile | Government service details |
Financial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | As per IAS pay scale (Level 12-14) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Assets | As per government declarations |
| Income Sources | Government salary, allowances |
Interesting Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Career Change | Left medical practice for civil services |
| Unique Background | Only IAS officer in recent times with MBBS background in Rajasthan cadre |
| Power Couple | Married to UPSC topper Tina Dabi |
| Pandemic Hero | Used medical knowledge during COVID-19 management |
| Privacy Preference | Maintains low public profile despite high-profile marriage |
| Multi-domain Expertise | Healthcare, Rural development, Urban governance, Heritage |
Current Status (2024-2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Posting | District Collector, Jalore |
| Residence | Official residence in Jalore |
| Family Status | Living with wife Tina Dabi and infant son |
| Professional Focus | Border district administration, development |
| Future Prospects | Likely promotion to senior positions |
Comparative Analysis
| Aspect | Pradeep Gawande | Peer Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC Rank | 478 (2012) | Above average performance |
| Career Progression | Steady and diverse | Faster than many peers |
| Public Visibility | Moderate (increased post-marriage) | Lower than spouse |
| Specialization | Multi-domain | More diverse than peers |
| Experience Years | 11+ years | Senior mid-level officer |
Media Coverage Analysis
| Period | Coverage Type | Focus Area | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2021 | Minimal | Professional achievements | Low |
| 2022 | High | Marriage to Tina Dabi | Very High |
| 2023 | Moderate | Parenthood, professional updates | Medium |
| 2024 | Low-Medium | Current posting, family life | Medium |
Note: This information is compiled from publicly available sources as of 2025. Some personal details are kept private by the officer, which is common practice among civil servants. The table format provides a comprehensive overview of Dr. Pradeep Gawande’s life and career for easy reference.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Pradeep Gawande was born on December 9, 1980, in Pune, Maharashtra, though some sources also reference Latur as his birthplace. His early years were marked by academic excellence and a deep-seated desire to serve society, initially channeled through the medical profession.
His educational journey began with pursuing an MBBS degree from Government Medical College, with sources indicating his graduation from either Aurangabad or Nashik. This medical background would later prove invaluable in his administrative career, particularly during health crises and policy formulation related to public health.
The pivotal moment in Gawande’s career came when he made the bold decision to leave his medical practice and pursue civil services. This transition wasn’t driven by dissatisfaction with medicine but by a broader vision of public service impact. In 2012, his dedication paid off when he cleared the UPSC examination with an All-India Rank of 478, securing his place in the coveted Indian Administrative Service.
This career pivot represents more than personal ambition—it embodies the belief that one’s background need not limit future possibilities. For many UPSC aspirants from non-traditional backgrounds, Pradeep Gawande’s journey serves as inspiration that diverse expertise can enrich administrative service.
Civil Service Journey: From Trainee to District Leader
Early Postings and Learning Curve
IAS Pradeep Gawande’s administrative career began with foundational roles designed to provide grassroots experience. His initial posting as Assistant Collector in Bundi gave him firsthand exposure to district administration, land records, and revenue management—core areas of IAS responsibility.
He subsequently served as Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers at the central level, where he gained valuable experience in policy formulation and inter-ministerial coordination. This central government exposure proved crucial in understanding the broader framework of governance beyond state boundaries.
His role as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Dholpur in 2015 marked his first significant independent charge, where he was responsible for maintaining law and order, conducting elections, and implementing government schemes at the sub-district level.
Leadership Roles and Administrative Excellence
The trajectory of Pradeep Gawande’s career accelerated significantly as he took on increasingly responsible positions:
Chief Executive Officer, Jodhpur Zilla Parishad (November 2016 – May 2018): In this role, Gawande oversaw rural development programs, MGNREGA implementation, and panchayati raj institutions across one of Rajasthan’s largest districts. His medical background proved particularly valuable in healthcare initiatives and nutrition programs.
Chief Executive Officer, Bikaner Municipal Council (April 2018 – February 2020): Managing urban governance in the historic city of Bikaner, he focused on infrastructure development, waste management, and heritage preservation—skills that would later serve him well in cultural administration.
District Collector, Churu (July 2020 – January 2021): This appointment coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, where his medical background became invaluable. As District Collector during this critical period, he managed pandemic response, vaccine distribution, and economic recovery measures.
Managing Director, Rajasthan Skill & Livelihood Development Corporation (January 2021 – October 2021): Leading the state’s premier skill development agency, Gawande focused on youth employment, vocational training, and industry-academia partnerships.
Recent Assignments
In March 2022, Pradeep Gawande was appointed as Director, Archaeology & Museums, Rajasthan—a prestigious posting that combined his administrative skills with cultural preservation responsibilities. Rajasthan’s rich archaeological heritage required someone with both administrative competence and cultural sensitivity.
Currently, he serves as District Collector of Jalore, Rajasthan (as of 2024), bringing his wealth of experience to this strategically important border district.
Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Family
Meeting Tina Dabi
The personal life of Pradeep Gawande gained significant public attention with his relationship and subsequent marriage to Tina Dabi, the UPSC topper of 2015 and fellow IAS officer. Their paths crossed during the pandemic when both were handling critical administrative responsibilities in Rajasthan.
Their relationship developed gradually, built on shared values of public service, mutual respect, and understanding of the demands of civil service life. Unlike typical Bollywood romance, theirs was a partnership forged through professional admiration and common life goals.
Marriage and Media Attention
The couple got engaged in March 2022 and married between April 20-22, 2022, in Jaipur at Hotel Holiday Inn. The wedding was a private affair, attended by close family and friends, though it attracted significant media coverage due to both being prominent IAS officers.
One aspect that drew media attention was the age difference between Tina Dabi and Pradeep Gawande—he is approximately 13 years older than Tina. However, both have handled public scrutiny with dignity, focusing on their professional responsibilities rather than personal commentary.
Parenthood
The couple welcomed their first child, a son, on September 15, 2023, in Jaisalmer, where Tina was posted as District Collector at the time. Pradeep Gawande’s children (currently one son) represent the next generation growing up in a household where public service is a way of life.
Balancing high-pressure administrative roles with parenthood showcases their commitment to both professional excellence and family responsibilities—a challenge many dual-career couples in public service face.
Professional Challenges and Institutional Accountability
The 2021 Controversy
Pradeep Gawande’s career faced scrutiny in 2021 when, during his tenure as Managing Director of RSLDC, some of his subordinates were arrested in a bribery case. He was summoned for questioning by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, though no direct charges were filed against him.
This episode highlighted the complex nature of bureaucratic responsibility—how senior officers must navigate institutional accountability even when not personally involved in wrongdoing. Gawande handled the situation with transparency and cooperated fully with the investigation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust systems, ethical leadership, and the constant vigilance required in public service to maintain institutional integrity.
Public Image and Influence
While IAS Pradeep Gawande maintains a relatively lower public profile compared to his wife Tina Dabi, his influence within administrative circles is significant. His unique combination of medical expertise and administrative experience makes him a valuable resource for policy formulation, especially in health-related initiatives.
His cross-sector expertise—spanning healthcare, rural development, urban governance, skill development, and cultural preservation—positions him as a versatile administrator capable of handling diverse challenges. This versatility has made him a preferred choice for complex postings requiring both technical knowledge and administrative finesse.
What Makes Pradeep Gawande an Inspiration
Professional Versatility
Pradeep Gawande’s ability to successfully transition from medicine to administration demonstrates the value of diverse professional experience in public service. His medical background continues to inform his administrative decisions, particularly in health policy and crisis management.
Leadership Across Domains
From managing rural development programs in Jodhpur to overseeing archaeological preservation in Rajasthan, his career showcases adaptability and domain expertise. Each role has added layers to his understanding of governance and public service delivery.
Personal-Professional Balance
Managing a high-visibility marriage, parenthood, and demanding administrative roles while maintaining privacy and dignity reflects modern civil service challenges. His approach to balancing personal and professional life serves as a model for younger officers.
Ethical Resilience
Handling professional scrutiny with transparency and maintaining focus on service delivery demonstrates the ethical backbone essential for senior administrative positions.
Addressing Common Questions
Background and Personal Details
Regarding Pradeep Gawande’s caste, like many civil servants, he has kept such personal details private, focusing public attention on professional achievements rather than social identities. Pradeep Gawande age (44 years) (born December 9, 1980) places him in his early 40s, bringing maturity and experience to his current roles.
First Marriage Queries
Questions about Pradeep Gawande’s first wife appear frequently in searches, but there is no credible information suggesting he was married before Tina Dabi. His marriage to Tina appears to be his first, making such queries based on misinformation or confusion.
Wikipedia and Digital Presence
While Pradeep Gawande Wikipedia page and other digital profiles exist, they often contain limited information compared to more publicly visible personalities. This reflects his preference for letting work speak rather than seeking publicity.
Latest Developments (2024-2025)
As District Collector of Jalore, Pradeep Gawande continues to demonstrate administrative excellence while managing the responsibilities of fatherhood and supporting his wife’s parallel career. His current posting in this border district brings unique challenges requiring both security awareness and development focus.
The family’s ability to manage two high-pressure IAS careers while raising a young child represents the evolving nature of Indian civil service families—professional partnerships built on shared values and mutual support.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Dr. Pradeep Gawande’s journey from medicine to civil administration embodies the spirit of purposeful service that defines the best of Indian bureaucracy. His story encourages aspirants from varied professional backgrounds to view civil service as a platform for impactful change rather than a career bound by traditional trajectories.
His marriage to Tina Dabi has created one of the most influential partnerships in contemporary Indian administration—two officers whose combined expertise spans multiple domains and whose commitment to public service continues to inspire future generations.
As he continues to serve in various capacities, Pradeep Gawande’s career serves as a reminder that effective administration requires not just procedural knowledge but empathy, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to public welfare. His journey from saving individual lives as a doctor to improving countless lives through administration represents the transformative potential of dedicated public service.
In an era where civil services face various challenges, officers like Pradeep Gawande demonstrate that integrity, competence, and service orientation remain the cornerstone of effective governance. His legacy, still being written, promises to inspire future generations of civil servants who seek to serve their nation with distinction and dedication.
FAQs about Dr. Pradeep Gawande
1. Who is Dr. Pradeep Gawande?
Dr. Pradeep Gawande is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2013 batch of the Rajasthan cadre. Before joining the civil services, he was a medical doctor (MBBS). He is known for his professional work as a bureaucrat and has served in various administrative roles in Rajasthan.
2. Who is IAS Pradeep Gawande’s wife?
IAS Pradeep Gawande is married to IAS Tina Dabi. Tina is a well-known IAS officer from the 2016 batch who topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination that year. The couple got married in April 2022.
3. Who was Pradeep Gawande’s first wife?
As of public records and verified sources, there is no information to suggest that Dr. Pradeep Gawande was married before Tina Dabi. Tina Dabi is his first and only known wife.
4. Why did Tina Dabi marry Pradeep Gawande?
While personal reasons for marriage are best known to the couple, Tina Dabi and Pradeep Gawande reportedly connected over shared professional interests and values. Their relationship developed into a bond of mutual respect and understanding, leading to their marriage in 2022.
5. What is the caste of Pradeep Gawande?
Dr. Pradeep Gawande belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. He has spoken about his background and journey through the civil services, which serves as inspiration to many aspirants.
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.