Youngest IAS Star: Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the toughest feats in India, often requiring years of relentless preparation, unwavering focus, and immense mental strength. Yet, Ansar Shaikh managed to clear this formidable exam on his first attempt at the age of 21, becoming one of India’s youngest Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. His journey from a humble background to becoming an IAS officer is nothing short of inspiring.
Youngest IAS Star
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Ansar Shaikh |
| Age Cleared UPSC | 21 years |
| UPSC Rank | 361 (2016) |
| Hometown | Jalna, Maharashtra |
| Educational Background | B.A. in Political Science, Fergusson College, Pune |
| Current Position | Additional District Magistrate, Malda, West Bengal |
| Optional Subject | Political Science |
| Medium for Mains | Marathi |
| Challenges Overcome | Economic hardships, family pressure |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
Early Life and Education
Ansar Shaikh hails from Jalna, a small town in Maharashtra. His father worked as an autorickshaw driver, while his mother was a field laborer, making his early life financially challenging. Despite these hardships, he excelled academically, completing his schooling with high marks and later pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the prestigious Fergusson College in Pune.
Overcoming Adversity
Coming from a family with limited financial resources, Ansar faced significant challenges. He had to balance part-time jobs while studying, often working up to 12 hours a day to support his education. However, his determination to serve the nation never wavered.
Choosing the Right Strategy
Shaikh’s preparation strategy was unique. He chose Marathi as his medium for the UPSC Mains examination and selected Political Science as his optional subject, aligning his education background with his UPSC approach. His decision to stick to a regional language, despite the popularity of English, was a bold yet calculated move that played to his strengths.
Cracking UPSC on the First Attempt
Clearing the UPSC CSE on the first attempt is a remarkable achievement, but doing so at just 21 years old is even more impressive. Ansar secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 361 in 2016, a testament to his hard work and effective study plan.
Preparation Tips from Ansar Shaikh
- Start Early and Stay Consistent: Begin your preparation during college if possible, as Ansar did.
- Choose the Right Optional Subject: Pick a subject you are passionate about and have a background in, like Political Science in his case.
- Focus on Basic Concepts: Build a strong foundation using NCERT textbooks and reputable sources like The Hindu and Yojana.
- Practice Writing Answers: Regular answer writing practice is crucial for scoring well in the Mains.
- Stay Mentally Strong: Overcome challenges with a positive mindset and a clear goal.
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FAQs on Youngest IAS Star
Q: How old was Ansar Shaikh when he cleared UPSC?
A: Ansar Shaikh was 21 years old when he cleared the UPSC CSE in 2016.
Q: What was Ansar Shaikh’s optional subject in UPSC?
A: His optional subject was Political Science.
Q: What is Ansar Shaikh’s current position?
A: He currently serves as the Additional District Magistrate in Malda, West Bengal.
Q: What medium did Ansar Shaikh choose for UPSC Mains?
A: He chose Marathi as his medium for the Mains examination.
