Pratibha Verma IAS stands as an extraordinary exemplar of resilience, determination, and excellence in India’s civil service. This remarkable IAS officer achieved the prestigious All India Rank 3 (AIR 3) in UPSC CSE 2018-19, becoming the topper among women candidates in that examination. Her journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the pinnacle of Indian administrative service is a testament to unwavering commitment and extraordinary grit in overcoming adversities.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pratibha Verma |
| Official Title | IAS Officer (Indian Administrative Service) |
| Date of Birth | 1993 |
| Current Age | 31-32 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Manpur Village, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Hometown | Sultanpur District, Uttar Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste/Community | Other Backward Class (OBC) |
| Language Proficiency | Hindi (Mother Tongue), English (Professional fluency) |
| Marital Status | Married (husband details not publicly disclosed) |
| Current Residence | Jaipur, Rajasthan |
| Social Media | @vermapratibhaa (Instagram) |
FAMILY & PERSONAL LIFE
Parental Background
Father: Sudhanshu Verma
- Profession: Retired Principal of Government Intermediary School
- Current Position: Active professional
- Impact on Pratibha: Instilled values of public service and dedication to education
Mother: Usha Verma
- Profession: Government School Teacher, Sultanpur
- Current Status: Active educator
- Impact on Pratibha: Provided nurturing environment and demonstrated commitment to child education
Family Characteristics
- Family Type: Middle-Class, Educationally Progressive Family
- Socio-Economic Background: OBC (Other Backward Class) category, exemplifying social mobility
- Family Motto: Education as the pathway to service and excellence
- Family Structure: Both parents are educators, instilling values of teaching and service
Marital Status
- Current Status: Married
- Spouse Information: Details not publicly disclosed
. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: PRATIBHA VERMA IAS EDUCATION JOURNEY
School Education
High School (Class X)
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Raj Sarswati Bal Vidya Mandir (RSBVM), Sultanpur |
| Board | UP Board |
| Year Passed | 2008 |
| Academic Achievement | State-level performance |
| Medium of Instruction | Hindi Medium |
| Performance | Exceptional academic excellence |
Intermediate (Class XII)
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Kamla Nehru Institute of Child Education (KNICE), Sultanpur |
| Board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Year Passed | 2010 |
| Stream | Science |
| Medium of Instruction | English Medium (Successful transition from Hindi) |
| Performance | Excellent |
Undergraduate Education
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi |
| Degree Program | B.Tech in Engineering Physics |
| Duration | August 2010 – May 2014 |
| Academic Performance | Strong academic record |
| Significance | IIT Delhi is one of India’s premier technical institutions |
PHYSICAL STATISTICS & APPEARANCE
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’5″ – 5’7″ |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Complexion | Fair/Wheatish |
| Distinctive Features | Professional demeanor; confident personality |
| Fitness Routine | Health-conscious lifestyle |
UPSC & CAREER TIMELINE – PRATIBHA VERMA IAS CAREER PROGRESSION
Pre-Civil Services Career
Private Sector Employment (2 Years)
| Period | Organization | Position | Duration | Key Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Graduation | Private Company | Various roles | 2 Years | Worked in private sector |
Career Transition Note: Pratibha worked in the private sector for approximately 2 years but realized that her true inclination lay towards civil service and public service. During this period, she discovered her passion through work with NGOs in women empowerment sector.
This realization became the catalyst for her decision to pursue UPSC and civil services.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Journey
SECOND ATTEMPT: UPSC CSE 2018-19 (PARTIAL SUCCESS)
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Year | 2018-19 CSE |
| Rank Achieved | 489 |
| Service Allotted | Indian Revenue Service (IRS) |
| Outcome | Cleared UPSC but not highest aspiration |
Note: Pratibha secured rank 489 in her earlier attempt, receiving Indian Revenue Service. This demonstrates her capability to clear UPSC and achieve top ranks.
TRIUMPHANT ATTEMPT: UPSC CSE 2018-19 – FINAL SUCCESS
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Year | UPSC CSE 2018-19 |
| All India Rank (AIR) | 3 (Third) |
| Rank Among Women | 1st Rank – Topper Among Women Candidates |
| Service Allotted | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Key Achievement | Top 3 rank in one of the world’s toughest competitive examinations |
PRATIBHA VERMA IAS – THE BREAKTHROUGH: The achievement of AIR 3 placed her among the elite few in India’s civil services. Out of millions of aspirants, only 3-5 people achieve this rank annually.
Post-IAS Appointment Career
| Period | Posting | Position/Designation | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-2019 | IAS Induction | Probationary Officer | Training |
| 2020-2021 | Cadre Posting | Probationary IAS | Rajasthan |
| 2021-Present | District Administration | Administrative Officer | Rajasthan |
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
UPSC & Civil Services Achievements
| Achievement | Year | Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR 3 in UPSC CSE | 2018-19 | 3rd position in Civil Services Exam | Top-tier national achievement |
| Women Topper Status | 2018-19 | 1st among women candidates | Gender barrier breakthrough |
| IAS Officer Appointment | 2019 | Formal induction into IAS cadre | Career pinnacle achievement |
| IIT Delhi Graduation | 2014 | Completed B.Tech successfully | Elite technical institution achievement |
ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS HELD – PRATIBHA VERMA IAS POSTINGS
Pratibha Verma IAS has served in various administrative capacities after her UPSC success in 2018-19:
| Period | Posting | Position | State | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-2019 | Training & Probation | IAS Probationer | Multi-state | Foundation period |
| 2021-Present | District/State | Administrative Officer | Rajasthan | Full-fledged administrative duties |
CAREER PHILOSOPHY & VISION
Core Principles
1. Service Over Self Pratibha’s decision to leave private sector employment and pursue public service reflects her fundamental belief that civil service is a higher calling dedicated to serving the nation.
2. Women Empowerment Her work with NGOs in women empowerment sector demonstrates her commitment to advancing women’s rights and social welfare.
3. Breaking Barriers As an IAS officer from a small town in Uttar Pradesh, she exemplifies that origin and background are not determinants of success in civil service.
4. Continuous Learning Her educational journey through Hindi medium, engineering, and then civil service shows adaptability and commitment to growth.
PECIAL DISTINCTIONS & FIRSTS
Unique Achievements
| Distinction | Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| AIR 3 – Extremely Rare Rank | Only 3rd position out of 15+ lakh applicants | Exceptional excellence |
| Women Topper | 1st among women candidates in UPSC 2018-19 | Gender achievement |
| Sultanpur to National Service | From small-town Sultanpur to IAS officer | Geographic mobility |
| Private to Public Transition | Left private employment for civil service | Purpose-driven career |
| NGO Experience | Worked in women empowerment sector | Social commitment |
DETAILED BIOGRAPHY
Early Life & Background
Pratibha Verma was born in 1993 in Manpur village, Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh. She grew up in Sultanpur district, a region with strong agricultural traditions. Her parents—both educators—created an environment that valued learning, education, and public service.
Educational Journey
Foundation Phase (2008-2010): Pratibha began her secondary education in Hindi medium at RSBVM, Sultanpur, where she achieved competitive marks. For her intermediate education, she made the strategic decision to transition to English medium at KNICE, Sultanpur, studying under CBSE board. This transition demonstrated her adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement.
Engineering Phase (2010-2014): She successfully qualified JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) and secured admission to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, one of India’s premier engineering institutions. Here, she pursued B.Tech in Engineering Physics, maintaining a strong academic record.
Career Transition to Civil Service
Private Sector Phase (Post-2014): After graduating from IIT Delhi in 2014, Pratibha joined a private company where she worked for approximately 2 years. However, during this phase, she discovered that her true calling lay in public service and women empowerment.
NGO & Social Sector Work: Recognizing her passion for social change, particularly in women empowerment, Pratibha engaged with NGOs during her private sector tenure. This exposure clarified her vision: she wanted to serve society through civil administration and contribute to national development.
UPSC Preparation Decision: By 2018-19, Pratibha made the pivotal decision to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination. She left her private sector employment and dedicated herself fully to civil service preparation.
UPSC Success
2018-19 UPSC CSE – AIR 3: Pratibha’s dedication and preparation culminated in achieving All India Rank 3 in UPSC CSE 2018-19. More significantly, she secured the 1st rank among women candidates, a distinction that highlighted her exceptional performance.
This achievement was not merely personal success—it represented:
- Breaking gender stereotypes in civil service
- Proving that origin and background do not limit achievement
- Demonstrating that women can reach the absolute pinnacle of Indian administration
- Validating the pathway from technical education to administrative service
Administrative Career
Following her UPSC success, Pratibha Verma IAS underwent probation training and began her administrative postings in Rajasthan, one of India’s largest states. She brings to her role the unique perspective of someone who has worked in NGOs, understands women’s issues, and is committed to inclusive development.
QUICK FACTS SUMMARY
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pratibha Verma |
| Service | IAS (Indian Administrative Service) |
| UPSC Rank | AIR 3 (2018-19) |
| Women Rank | 1st (Among all women candidates) |
| Education | B.Tech Engineering Physics, IIT Delhi |
| Birth Year | 1993 |
| Age | 31-32 years (2025) |
| Hometown | Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Current Posting | Rajasthan State |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Key Strength | Women empowerment, public service |
| Previous Work | Private sector (2 years), NGO work |
| Notable Achievement | Top 3 rank in world’s toughest competitive exam |
| Career Philosophy | Purpose over profit; social commitment |
CONCLUSION: LEGACY & IMPACT
The Significance of Pratibha Verma’s Success
Pratibha Verma’s achievement of All India Rank 3 in UPSC CSE 2018-19 represents more than individual success. It signifies:
- Women’s Advancement: As a woman topper, she contributes to increasing women’s representation in India’s top administrative positions.
- Regional Diversity: Her success from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh demonstrates that administrative excellence is not confined to metropolitan centers.
- Career Flexibility: Her path through private sector and NGO work shows that varied experience enriches civil service.
- Social Commitment: Her focus on women empowerment through both NGO work and now administrative service represents the kind of officer India needs for inclusive development.
- Inspiration for Future Generations: Her story inspires countless UPSC aspirants, particularly women and those from smaller towns, to believe in their potential.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: What is Pratibha Verma’s exact UPSC rank?
A: All India Rank 3 in UPSC CSE 2018-19. She was also the 1st-ranked woman candidate in the same examination.
Q2: What was her educational background?
A: B.Tech in Engineering Physics from IIT Delhi. She completed her school education from UP Board (Hindi medium) and CBSE (English medium).
Q3: How did she transition to civil service?
A: After working in private sector for 2 years and then engaging with NGOs in women empowerment sector, she recognized her true calling in public service and pursued UPSC.
Q4: What is her current position?
A: IAS Officer posted in Rajasthan state, serving in administrative capacity since 2019-2020.
Q5: What makes her story unique?
A: Her combination of IIT education, private sector experience, NGO work, and top civil service rank demonstrates a multifaceted career path enriching administrative service.
Q6: Is she married?
A: Yes, she is married. Her spouse’s details are not publicly disclosed.
Q7: What were her interests during NGO work?
A: Women empowerment and social welfare, which remains her focus area in civil administration.
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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.