Srushti Deshmukh IAS has become a popular name in India, especially among UPSC aspirants and young women dreaming of a career in public service (UPSC). At just 29 years old, she has already made waves as a dedicated officer, a social media influencer, and an author. Securing All India Rank (AIR) 5 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2018 on her first try, Srushti showed that hard work and smart planning can turn dreams into reality. This article explores her early life, education, family support, UPSC success, career milestones, and more.
| Full Name | Srushti Jayant Deshmukh |
| UPSC Rank | All India Rank (AIR) 5, UPSC Civil Services Exam 2018 |
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1996 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 years |
| Hometown | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Education | B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Lakshmi Narain College of Technology (LNCT), Bhopal |
| Current Posting | CEO, Zila Panchayat, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh (as of October 2025) |
| Husband | Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, IAS (2019 batch, AIR 418) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | ₹20-25 lakh |
| Notable Work | Co-author of The Answer Writing Manual (2022); youth icon for Election Commission |
| Social Media | @srushtideshmukhias (Instagram, 1M+ followers) |
Early Life of Srushti Deshmukh IAS
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh was born on March 28, 1996, in the bustling city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Growing up in the modest neighborhood of Kasturba Nagar, she had a simple childhood filled with books, family time, and big ambitions. From a young age, Srushti dreamed of becoming an IAS officer. She was curious about the world around her and often asked questions about how government works to help people.
Her early years were shaped by a supportive home environment. Srushti loved reading newspapers and watching news channels, which sparked her interest in current affairs. Even as a kid, she participated in school debates and quizzes, showing her sharp mind and confidence. This foundation helped her stay focused later in life.
| Date of birth | March 28, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
Education Journey: From School Topper to Engineer
Srushti’s academic path was smooth and impressive. She attended Carmel Convent School in Bhopal’s BHEL area, a well-known institution for its strong values and quality teaching. In Class 10, she scored a perfect 10 CGPA, proving her dedication to studies. By Class 12, she achieved an outstanding 93.4% in her board exams, excelling in science subjects.
After high school, Srushti aimed for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and prepared for the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE). Though she didn’t make it to IIT, she didn’t let that discourage her. She joined Lakshmi Narain College of Technology (LNCT) in Bhopal, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV). There, she pursued a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, graduating in 2018 with good grades.
During her college days, Srushti balanced engineering classes with UPSC preparation. She studied 6-7 hours a day for the exam, using online resources and self-study. Her optional subject was Sociology, as Chemical Engineering wasn’t available as an option in UPSC. This mix of technical education and humanities prep made her well-rounded.
| Education Level | Details |
|---|---|
| School Education | Carmel Convent School, BHEL, Bhopal |
| Class 10 Performance | 10 CGPA (CBSE Board, 2011) |
| Class 12 Performance | 93.4% (CBSE Board, 2013, Science Stream) |
| College Education | B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Lakshmi Narain College of Technology (LNCT), Bhopal |
| University | Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV), Bhopal |
| Graduation Year | 2018 |
| UPSC Optional Subject | Sociology (Scored 162 in Paper 1, UPSC CSE 2018) |
| UPSC Preparation | Self-study, NCERT books, The Hindu, 6-7 hours daily, no coaching |
Family Background
Family has always been Srushti’s biggest strength. Her father, Jayant Deshmukh, is an engineer working in a private company in Bhopal. He encouraged Srushti to choose engineering as a backup plan if UPSC didn’t work out. Her mother, Sunita Deshmukh, is a kindergarten teacher who taught Srushti the importance of kindness and education. Srushti often credits her parents for giving her the freedom to chase her dreams.
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She also has a younger brother, whose name she keeps private to respect family privacy. The Deshmukh family is middle-class and close-knit, with roots in Maharashtra but settled in Madhya Pradesh. Their encouragement helped Srushti stay motivated during tough prep days. In interviews, she has said, “My family believed in me more than I believed in myself.”
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Jayant Deshmukh; Engineer in a private company (BHEL), Bhopal |
| Mother | Sunita Deshmukh; Kindergarten/Pre-Primary School Teacher, Bhopal |
| Younger Brother | Atharva Deshmukh; Currently pursuing schooling (around Class 11 as of recent reports) |
| Husband | Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda; IAS Officer (2019 batch, AIR 418 in UPSC 2018), MBBS graduate from Karnataka |
UPSC Rank and Preparation Strategy
Srushti’s UPSC story is the stuff of legends. In 2018, over 8 lakh candidates appeared for the exam, but only 759 made it. At 23, Srushti cleared it in her very first attempt, securing AIR 5 with a total score of 1068 out of 2025. She topped among the 182 women selected that year, scoring 895 in the mains and 173 in the interview.
Her strategy was simple yet effective: consistent study, no coaching, and focus on basics. She read NCERT books, newspapers like The Hindu, and practiced answer writing daily. Sociology helped her score high—162 in Paper 1. Srushti deactivated social media during prep to avoid distractions and did yoga for mental clarity. Her tip for aspirants? “Plan your day, revise regularly, and stay positive.”
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UPSC Exam Year | 2018 |
| All India Rank (AIR) | 5th (out of 759 selected candidates from over 8 lakh applicants) |
| Age at Success | 23 years |
| Attempt | First attempt |
| Total Score | 1068/2025 |
| Mains Score | 895 marks |
| Interview Score | 173 marks |
| Rank Among Women | Topped among 182 female candidates |
| Optional Subject | Sociology (Scored 162 in Paper 1) |
| Preparation Strategy | Self-study, no coaching; focused on NCERT books, The Hindu, daily answer writing |
Career and Postings
As a 2019-batch IAS officer in the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Srushti started her career with training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Her first posting was as Assistant Collector in Dindori district, a remote tribal area. There, she worked on education, women’s empowerment, and rural development projects.
Over the years, she moved to roles like Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Gadarwara, Narsinghpur district. In 2019, during Lok Sabha elections, she became a youth icon for the Election Commission, urging young voters—especially women—to participate. As of October 2025, Srushti is posted as CEO of Zila Panchayat in Burhanpur district, Madhya Pradesh. In this role, she oversees local governance, health schemes, and community programs. Her work focuses on empowering rural women and improving access to education.
Beyond postings, Srushti is active on social media (@srushtideshmukhias on Instagram, with over 1 million followers). She shares UPSC tips, daily life as an IAS officer, and motivational posts. In 2022, she co-authored The Answer Writing Manual, a bestseller for exam prep in English and Hindi.
| Year/Period | Role/Posting |
|---|---|
| 2019 | IAS Trainee, District Training Program |
| 2020 | Assistant Collector, Dindori District |
| 2021-2023 | Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gadarwara, Narsinghpur District |
| 2023 | Transfer to CEO, Zila Panchayat, Burhanpur District |
| 2025 (August-September) | Awaiting Posting (post-transfer from Burhanpur) |
| 2025 (September onwards) | Additional Collector, Khandwa District |
| Ongoing Achievements | Author & Social Media Influencer |
Physical Appearance
Srushti Deshmukh is often admired for her poised and elegant look, which complements her sharp intellect. She stands about 5 feet 4 inches tall with a fit, athletic build from her yoga routine. With long dark hair, expressive eyes, and a warm smile, she has a natural charm that shines in her public appearances. Srushti dresses simply—sarees for official events and casual ethnic wear otherwise—reflecting her grounded personality. Fans call her “beauty with brains,” but she emphasizes that true strength comes from purpose, not looks.
| Physical Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (as of October 2025) | 29 years (Born March 28, 1996) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm or 1.68 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Hair | Long, dark, and straight (often styled simply for professional appearances) |
| Eyes | Expressive brown eyes with a warm, approachable gaze |
| Complexion | Fair skin with a natural glow |
Net Worth
As an IAS officer, Srushti leads a simple life focused on service, not luxury. Her annual salary is around ₹12-15 lakh, including allowances, following the 7th Pay Commission. With no major investments or businesses reported, her net worth is estimated at ₹20-25 lakh as of 2025. This includes her savings, book royalties, and government perks like housing. Srushti uses her platform to promote ethical living, often sharing budget-friendly UPSC prep tips.
Husband and the Recent Controversy
Srushti’s personal life gained spotlight when she married Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, a fellow 2019-batch IAS officer from Karnataka cadre (AIR 418 in UPSC 2018). A doctor by training (MBBS), Nagarjun met Srushti during LBSNAA training in Mussoorie. Their two-and-a-half-year courtship led to an intimate wedding on April 24, 2022. The couple, now known as the “power duo,” shares glimpses of their life on social media, inspiring many with their shared passion for public service.
However, in September 2025, a controversy erupted involving Nagarjun. RTI activist Anand Jat accused him of taking a ₹10 crore bribe while serving as Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. The claim? Reducing a ₹51.67 crore penalty on a mining firm (Path India) for illegal soil excavation to just ₹4,000. Jat cited documents, photos, and a driver’s statement as evidence.
Nagarjun denied the allegations firmly, calling them baseless and motivated. He stated the penalty cut was based on court records and official files, with no personal gain involved. As of October 2025, no formal charges have been filed, and the Madhya Pradesh government is investigating. Srushti has stayed silent publicly, focusing on her duties. This incident has sparked debates on integrity in bureaucracy, but supporters see it as a targeted smear against a rising couple.
Current Posting
In her latest role as CEO of Zila Panchayat, Burhanpur (as of October 2025), Srushti manages panchayat elections, water conservation, and skill development for locals. Burhanpur, a cotton-rich district on the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra border, faces challenges like farmer distress and urban migration. Srushti’s initiatives include digital literacy drives for women and eco-friendly farming workshops. She often visits villages, listening to residents’ needs firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Srushti Deshmukh’s UPSC rank?
Srushti secured AIR 5 in UPSC CSE 2018, topping among female candidates.
2. Who is Srushti Deshmukh’s husband?
She is married to Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, an IAS officer (AIR 418, 2018 batch).
3. What is Srushti Deshmukh’s educational background?
She holds a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from RGPV, Bhopal, after schooling at Carmel Convent.
4. Where is Srushti Deshmukh currently posted?
As of October 2025, she is CEO of Zila Panchayat in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh.
5. Did Srushti Deshmukh clear UPSC on her first attempt?
Yes, she succeeded in her debut attempt at age 23.
6. What is the net worth of Srushti Deshmukh IAS?
Estimated at ₹20-25 lakh, mainly from salary and book sales.
7. Has Srushti Deshmukh written any books?
Yes, The Answer Writing Manual (2022), a guide for UPSC mains prep.
8. What was the recent controversy involving Srushti Deshmukh’s husband?
In 2025, Nagarjun faced bribe allegations in a Harda penalty case, which he denied; an inquiry is ongoing.
