Surabhi Gautam IAS hails from a traditional orthodox Brahmin family in a small village with barely 1,000 residents. Born in the rainy month of August into a joint family of over 30 members, her birth was celebrated only by her parents, reflecting the conservative mindset toward girl children in rural India during that era.
Quick Facts Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Surabhi Gautam |
| Service | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| UPSC AIR | 50 (2016 CSE) |
| Cadre | Gujarat (2017 Batch) |
| Current Position | Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Vadodara |
| Hometown | Amdara Village, Satna District, Madhya Pradesh |
| Education | B.Tech in Electronics and Communications Engineering |
| Optional Subject | Electrical Engineering |
| Previous Achievement | AIR 1 in IES Examination 2013 |
| Known For | Overcoming language barriers, First attempt UPSC success |
| Marital Status | Single (Focused on career) |
Personal Information
Complete Profile
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Surabhi Gautam |
| Nickname | Not publicly known |
| Date of Birth | August (Year not disclosed publicly – Born in rainy month of August) |
| Age (Approx.) | Early-to-mid 30s (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Amdara Village, Satna District, Madhya Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo (Born in August) |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste/Community | Brahmin (Orthodox family background) |
| Mother Tongue | Hindi |
| Languages Known | Hindi, English |
Family Background & Personal Life
Family Details
| Relation | Name/Profession |
|---|---|
| Father | Lawyer at Maihar Civil Court, Madhya Pradesh |
| Mother | Dr. Sushila Gautam – High School Teacher |
| Siblings | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Family Type | Joint family with 30+ members |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (Single) |
| Spouse | Not Applicable |
| Children | None |
| Current Residence | Gujarat (Official Posting) |
| Native Place | Amdara Village, Satna District, MP |
Family Background: Surabhi Gautam IAS comes from a humble yet educationally conscious family. Her father served as a lawyer in the Maihar Civil Court, instilling values of justice and integrity. Her mother, Dr. Sushila Gautam, worked as a high school teacher and played a pivotal role in fostering her academic interests. Growing up in a joint family meant equal treatment among all children, with no special privileges—a factor that taught her discipline and humility from an early age.
Despite limited resources and the orthodox mindset prevalent in her village, her parents supported her educational aspirations wholeheartedly. Surabhi Gautam IAS credits her family’s unwavering support as the foundation of her success.
Educational Journey
Academic Excellence Timeline
Surabhi Gautam IAS demonstrated exceptional academic brilliance from childhood, consistently topping her classes and examinations despite studying in a Hindi-medium government school with minimal facilities.
School Education
| Class | Board/Institution | Percentage/Marks | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Standard | MP Board | 100/100 in Mathematics | First recognition of exceptional talent |
| 10th Standard | MP Board (Hindi Medium) | 93.4% | State Merit List; 100/100 in Mathematics & Science |
| 12th Standard | MP Board (Science Stream) | High Distinction | State Merit List; Received APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship |
Higher Education
| Degree | Institution | Specialization | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech | Bhopal Engineering College (UIT – University Institute of Technology) | Electronics and Communications Engineering | University Topper, Gold Medalist, Chancellor’s Award |
Engineering Journey: After cracking the State Engineering Entrance Examination, Surabhi Gautam IAS became the first girl from her village to pursue higher education in a city. Her journey at Bhopal Engineering College began with humiliation—being mocked for her inability to speak English fluently as a Hindi-medium student. However, she transformed this weakness into her greatest strength through sheer determination.
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 55 kg |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Slim/Athletic |
| Distinctive Features | Confident demeanour, expressive speaker |
Note: Physical statistics are approximations based on public appearances; Surabhi Gautam IAS has not publicly disclosed these details.
UPSC Journey & Career Timeline
Comprehensive Career Milestones
Surabhi Gautam IAS embarked on her competitive examination journey immediately after graduation, showcasing extraordinary determination by cracking every major examination she appeared for.
Year-wise Achievement Timeline
| Year | Examination/Achievement | Rank/Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | B.Tech Graduation | Gold Medal, University Topper | Foundation for competitive exams |
| 2012 | Campus Placement TCS | Selected | Left midway to pursue civil services |
| 2012-2013 | GATE | Qualified | Engineering competence validated |
| 2012-2013 | ISRO | Selected | Aerospace engineering prowess |
| 2012-2013 | BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) | Selected as Nuclear Scientist | Worked for 1 year |
| 2012-2013 | SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd) | Selected | Public sector opportunity |
| 2012-2013 | MPPSC PCS | Qualified | State civil service |
| 2012-2013 | SSC CGL | Qualified | Central government service |
| 2012-2013 | Delhi Police | Qualified | Law enforcement option |
| 2012-2013 | FCI (Food Corporation of India) | Selected | Agricultural sector opportunity |
| 2013 | IES (Indian Engineering Services) | AIR 1 | First woman to top IES; highest marks in UPSC history till date |
| 2013-2014 | Indian Railways (via IES) | Joined as Engineer | Worked in Secunderabad for Railways training |
| 2016 | UPSC Civil Services Examination | AIR 50 (First Attempt) | Achieved IAS, Gujarat Cadre |
| 2017 | LBSNAA Training | Completed | Mussoorie Academy |
| 2017-2020 | Assistant Collector | Vadodara, Gujarat | First posting |
| 2018-2021 | District Development Officer | Viramgam, Ahmedabad | Development initiatives |
| 2024 | Joint Managing Director | GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) | Promotion |
| 2025 | Regional Commissioner | Vadodara Urban Development | Current position |
UPSC Marksheet Breakdown (2016 CSE)
Written Examination (Mains) Marks:
| Paper | Subject | Marks Obtained | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Essay | 143 | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies I | 126 | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies II | 96 | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies III | Not disclosed | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies IV (Ethics) | 110 | 250 |
| Paper-VI | Electrical Engineering (Optional I) | 129 | 250 |
| Paper-VII | Electrical Engineering (Optional II) | Not disclosed | 250 |
| Total Written | 856 | 1750 |
Personality Test (Interview): 198 marks out of 275
Grand Total: 1054 marks
All India Rank: 50
Optional Subject Choice: Electrical Engineering (leveraged her B.Tech background strategically)
Major Achievements & Recognition
Awards and Honours
| Year | Award/Recognition | Awarding Body | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 10 | State Merit List | MP Board | Academic excellence recognition |
| Class 12 | APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship | Madhya Pradesh Government | Highest marks in Science stream |
| 2012 | Chancellor’s Award | University Institute of Technology, Bhopal | First semester topper |
| 2012 | Gold Medal | UIT Bhopal | University topper in B.Tech |
| 2013 | All India Rank 1 | UPSC IES Examination | First woman to top IES; highest marks in history |
| 2016 | All India Rank 50 | UPSC Civil Services Examination | IAS achievement in first attempt |
| 2017 | Selected to IAS | Government of India | Prestigious civil service |
| 2020 | COVID-19 Response Excellence | Gujarat Government | Migrant worker repatriation leadership |
| 2024 | Promotion to Joint MD | GIDC | Career advancement |
| 2025 | Regional Commissioner | Urban Development Dept, Gujarat | Senior administrative role |
Administrative Positions Held
Chronological Government Postings
Surabhi Gautam IAS has served in various challenging administrative roles since joining the Indian Administrative Service in 2017.
| Period | Position | Location | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2014 | Nuclear Scientist | BARC, Mumbai | Nuclear research and development |
| 2014-2016 | Engineer (via IES) | Indian Railways, Secunderabad | Railways training and operations |
| 2017-2020 | Assistant Collector | Vadodara District, Gujarat | Revenue administration, law and order |
| 2018-2021 | District Development Officer | Viramgam, Ahmedabad | Development project implementation |
| 2021-2024 | Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) | Viramgam, Gujarat | Administrative and judicial functions |
| 2024 | Joint Managing Director | GIDC, Gujarat | Industrial development promotion |
| 2025-Present | Regional Commissioner of Municipalities | Vadodara, Gujarat | Urban governance and development |
The Inspiring Life Story
Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Amdara Village
Surabhi Gautam IAS was born on a rainy August day in Amdara, a small village in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh with barely 1,000 residents. Her birth into an orthodox Brahmin joint family of over 30 members was met with indifference—only her parents celebrated, while others viewed it as just another day. This early experience of gender bias would later fuel her determination to break barriers.
Growing up in a joint family meant no special privileges. All children were treated equally, which taught young Surabhi the values of equality, humility, and resilience. Her father worked as a lawyer in the Maihar Civil Court, while her mother, Dr. Sushila Gautam, served as a high school teacher. Despite limited means, her parents prioritized education.
The Village School Journey:
Surabhi attended the local Hindi-medium government school in her village, which had basic facilities at best. There were no computers, no libraries with extensive collections, and certainly no coaching institutes. Yet, she excelled remarkably.
The Turning Point: Recognition in Class 5
In Class 5, a watershed moment occurred that would define her life trajectory. She scored a perfect 100 out of 100 in Mathematics—an unprecedented achievement in her school’s board examination history. Her teacher called her aside and said words that would echo through her life:
“I’ve never seen anyone score full marks in Mathematics in a board exam. You’ve done it, so I think you’re going to do something good in your studies.”
That moment of recognition planted a seed. Young Surabhi realized she was capable of extraordinary things. For the first time, she felt appreciated for her intellect, sending a clear message to herself and the universe: “I am going to be a studious girl.”
Academic Excellence: Rising Through Adversity
Class 10 Achievement
Surabhi’s dedication intensified. In Class 10, she achieved:
- 93.4% overall
- Perfect 100/100 in both Mathematics and Science
- State Merit List position
Her village celebrated. Newspapers interviewed her, asking, “What do you want to become when you grow up?” Without understanding what a “collector” truly did, but knowing it was someone who could bring change, she answered: “I want to be a collector.”
The headline read: “Surabhi wants to become a collector.”
Overnight, she became a local celebrity. People brought sweets to her parents, declaring, “Your girl will achieve something great.” The expectations mounted, but so did her determination.
Class 12: Battling Illness and Breaking Barriers
Class 12 brought new challenges. Surabhi Gautam IAS was diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever, a serious condition requiring regular medical attention. Every 15 days, she and her parents traveled 150 kilometers from their village to Jabalpur for treatment—a grueling journey that consumed time, energy, and resources.
Despite this setback, she refused to let illness define her. She continued her studies with unwavering focus, ultimately:
- Securing high distinction
- Placing on the State Merit List again
- Receiving the prestigious APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship for highest marks in the Science stream
Engineering Journey: From Humiliation to Gold Medal
After Class 12, Surabhi cracked the State Engineering Entrance Examination and gained admission to Bhopal Engineering College (UIT – University Institute of Technology) for B.Tech in Electronics and Communications Engineering. She was the first girl from her village to pursue higher education in a city.
The Dark Day of Humiliation
Her first day at college was devastating. As a Hindi-medium student from a rural background, she couldn’t introduce herself in English—the lingua franca of urban engineering colleges. Her classmates laughed. Professors questioned whether she had legitimately cleared her entrance exam.
Surabhi Gautam IAS recalls feeling an intense inferiority complex. She was surrounded by students from English-medium schools, students who spoke fluently, confidently. She felt like an imposter.
Many would have quit. She chose to fight.
The Transformation Strategy
Determined to transform her weakness into strength, Surabhi implemented a rigorous self-improvement plan:
- Daily Vocabulary Building: Learned 10 new English words every single day
- Self-Conversation Practice: Spoke to herself in English daily to build fluency
- Visual Learning: Plastered vocabulary notes throughout her room
- Immersive Reading: Forced herself to read engineering textbooks in English
- Listening and Mimicking: Paid attention to how others spoke and practiced phrases
Slowly, painstakingly, she built competence. Then confidence. Then mastery.
Triumph at University
By her first semester exams, the transformation was evident. Surabhi Gautam IAS:
- Topped her college
- Topped the entire university
- Won the Chancellor’s Award
- Graduated with a Gold Medal
The girl who couldn’t introduce herself in English became the university topper. The transformation was complete.
Career Launch: TCS to BARC
Fresh from engineering graduation, Surabhi secured a job at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) through campus placement—a dream for most engineering graduates. It was a stable, well-paying job with a prestigious company.
But her dream was different. The childhood vision of becoming a “collector” still burned within her.
She made a bold decision: quit TCS midway to pursue civil services.
The Competitive Exam Marathon
Since she was just six months short of the minimum age (21) to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Surabhi decided not to waste time. She appeared for multiple competitive examinations simultaneously:
Exams Cleared (2012-2013):
- GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) – Qualified
- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) – Selected
- BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) – Selected as Nuclear Scientist
- SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd) – Selected
- MPPSC PCS (Madhya Pradesh State Civil Services) – Qualified
- SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission) – Qualified
- Delhi Police – Qualified
- FCI (Food Corporation of India) – Selected
Most remarkably, she cleared all of them.
She joined BARC as a Nuclear Scientist in Mumbai, working in one of India’s most prestigious research institutions.
Historic Achievement: IES All India Rank 1
In 2013, while working at BARC, Surabhi appeared for the Indian Engineering Services (IES) examination conducted by UPSC.
The result shocked the nation:
- All India Rank 1
- First woman in Indian history to top the IES examination
- Highest marks ever recorded in IES history
At a TEDx talk, she shared how everyone discouraged her before the IES interview:
“See, Surabhi, in our whole life we have never seen anybody qualifying that interview. You want to go to Mumbai for fun? Go, but don’t have this expectation that you’ll do anything there.”
She proved them all wrong. Not only did she qualify—she topped the entire country.
Following this achievement, she resigned from BARC and joined the Indian Railways as an engineer through the IES, receiving training in Secunderabad.
The Ultimate Goal: UPSC Civil Services 2016
While working with Indian Railways, Surabhi Gautam IAS prepared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination—the ultimate test, the “collector” exam she had dreamed of since Class 10.
Preparation Strategy
Despite her busy work schedule, she maintained rigorous discipline:
- No Coaching: Prepared entirely through self-study
- Strategic Optional: Chose Electrical Engineering to leverage her B.Tech background
- Quality over Quantity: Focused on productive study hours rather than marathon sessions
- Answer Writing Practice: “Sit, write, check, repeat” became her mantra
- Revision Cycles: Revisited material multiple times for deep retention
- Current Affairs: Maintained comprehensive notes on contemporary issues
- Mock Tests: Regularly practiced under exam conditions
One week before the Mains examination, she stopped consuming new content entirely, focusing solely on revision and essay writing practice.
The Result: First Attempt Success
In 2016, Surabhi Gautam IAS appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Result:
- All India Rank 50
- First Attempt
- Age: Approximately 25 years
Her village erupted in celebration. Twenty-five years after her quiet birth that no one celebrated, the entire village welcomed her back with garlands and slogans: “Gaon ki beti kaisi ho? Surabhi Gautam jaisi ho!” (What should a village daughter be like? Like Surabhi Gautam!)
The childhood dream of becoming a “collector” had come true.
IAS Journey: From Training to Field Posting
After clearing the Civil Services Examination, Surabhi underwent rigorous training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie—the premier training institute for Indian civil servants.
She was allocated to the Gujarat Cadre and began her administrative career in 2017.
First Posting: Vadodara (2017-2020)
As Assistant Collector in Vadodara district, Gujarat, Surabhi gained first-hand experience in:
- Revenue administration
- Law and order management
- Land record maintenance
- Public grievance redressal
- Disaster management
- Development project implementation
Viramgam: District Development Officer (2018-2021)
Her posting as District Development Officer and later Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Viramgam, Ahmedabad, became her testing ground for innovative administration.
Conclusion: A Legacy Still Being Written
The story of Surabhi Gautam IAS is not just about cracking UPSC with AIR 50. It’s not just about becoming an IAS officer at 21. It’s not even just about being the first girl from her village to study in a city.
The real story of IAS Surabhi Gautam is about resilience overcoming circumstances, determination defeating doubt, and dreams triumphing over limitations.
From a village where her birth wasn’t celebrated with enthusiasm to becoming a celebrated IAS officer whose story inspires millions – this is the power of education, the magic of hard work, and the triumph of the human spirit.
IAS officer Surabhi Gautam represents every Hindi-medium student who has been told their medium is inferior. She represents every rural child who has been told cities are not for them. She represents every girl who has been told her place is at home, not in offices. She represents every dreamer who has been told dreams don’t come true for people like them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the current posting of Surabhi Gautam IAS?
Answer: As of 2025, Surabhi Gautam IAS is serving as the Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Vadodara, Gujarat. She oversees urban governance, municipal administration, and infrastructure development across multiple municipalities in the Vadodara region.
Q2: Is Surabhi Gautam IAS married?
Answer: No, Surabhi Gautam IAS is currently unmarried and single. She is focused on her career in public service and nation-building.
Q3: What rank did Surabhi Gautam secure in UPSC CSE?
Answer: Surabhi Gautam secured All India Rank (AIR) 50 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2016, that too in her first attempt. She was selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with Gujarat Cadre allocation.
Q4: Which was Surabhi Gautam’s optional subject in UPSC?
Answer: Surabhi Gautam IAS chose Electrical Engineering as her optional subject for UPSC Mains examination, leveraging her B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Q5: Did Surabhi Gautam join any coaching for UPSC preparation?
Answer: No, IAS Surabhi Gautam prepared entirely through self-study without joining any coaching institute. Her success proves that coaching is not mandatory if one has discipline, right resources, and focused preparation strategy.
Q6: What is unique about Surabhi Gautam’s educational background?
Answer: Surabhi Gautam IAS studied entirely in Hindi-medium government schools in her village. Despite facing severe language barriers in English-medium engineering college, she not only overcame the challenge but became a university topper and gold medalist in B.Tech.
Q7: How did Surabhi Gautam overcome the English language barrier?
Answer: IAS Surabhi Gautam adopted a disciplined approach of learning 10 new English words daily, reading engineering textbooks in English, practicing speaking alone, and plastering her room with vocabulary notes. Within months, she transformed her biggest weakness into strength.
Q8: What is the salary of Surabhi Gautam IAS?
Answer: As a Regional Commissioner with 8+ years of service, Surabhi Gautam IAS earns approximately ₹1.5-2 lakhs per month (including basic pay, DA, HRA, and other allowances), amounting to an annual package of ₹20-25 lakhs approximately.
Q9: What was Surabhi Gautam’s rank in IES examination?
Answer: Surabhi Gautam secured All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) in the Indian Engineering Services (IES) examination 2013, showcasing her exceptional engineering knowledge and competitive exam prowess.
Q10: Which competitive exams did Surabhi Gautam clear?
Answer: IAS officer Surabhi Gautam cleared every competitive exam she appeared for, including: GATE, ISRO, BARC, GAIL, SAIL, MPPSC, SSC CGL, Delhi Police, FCI, IES (AIR 1), and UPSC CSE (AIR 50) – a remarkable, perfect record.
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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.