Sakshi Sawhney is a distinguished 2014-batch IAS officer who has carved herself a niche as a dedicated public servant in Punjab.
From excelling academically with a law degree to becoming the first woman Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Patiala and later Amritsar, her story is one of perseverance, leadership, and service with impact.
Profile Data
| Full Name: | Sakshi Sawhney |
|---|---|
| Stage Name: | Unknown |
| Born: | Unknown |
| Age: | Approximately mid-20s at time of UPSC in 2013 (exact age unknown) |
| Birthplace: | New Delhi, India (home town) |
| Nationality: | Indian |
| Occupation: | IAS Officer (Deputy Commissioner) |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Religion: | Unknown |
| Parents: | Father – Retired IRS officer; Mother – School Principal |
| Siblings: | Sister – Banker |
| Spouse: | Unknown |
| Children: | Unknown |
| Relationship: | Unknown |
| Net Worth: | Unknown |
Early Life & Academic Excellence
Growing up in a family with a strong service orientation—her father in IRS and her mother leading a school for underprivileged children—Sakshi was encouraged to pursue excellence. She completed her BA LLB (Hons.) from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad in 2012, graduating among the top of her class with eight gold medals.
UPSC Journey: Challenges & Triumph
Driven by a desire to serve, Sakshi entered the UPSC Civil Services Examination while still in college. Though her first attempt in 2012 narrowly missed success due to low marks in the Essay paper, she persevered.
Inspired by CSE 2011 topper Gitanjali Brandon—who shared similar obstacles—she doubled down on preparation. In her second attempt, she secured All India Rank 6 in UPSC CSE 2014, opting for the impactful Indian Administrative Service over IFS.
Administrative Career & Milestones
- First Woman DC of Patiala: Appointed in April 2022, a historic landmark in the district administration.
- DC Ludhiana & Amritsar: Later transferred to Ludhiana, and in 2024 became Amritsar’s first woman Deputy Commissioner, recognized for leadership during 2023 floods.
- Social Initiatives: Launched the Future Tycoons Challenge, nurturing rural entrepreneurship via idea pitches and support for marginalized groups.
Leadership Style & Impact
Her leadership is marked by empathy, transparency, and grassroots empowerment. She launched initiatives like the Future Tycoons Challenge to level the playing field for underserved talents. In crisis times, such as the 2023 floods, her swift relief efforts earned widespread community recognition.
Sakshi attributes her success to a mindset focused on continuous effort, societal change, and resilience.
Tips for Aspiring Civil Servants
- Read newspapers with exam relevance and maintain structured notes.
- Focus on consistent revision over cramming.
- Enter your interview with confidence—“If you go in as an IAS, you’ll come out one.”
FAQs
What rank did Sakshi Sawhney secure in UPSC?
She secured All India Rank 6 in UPSC CSE 2014.
Which districts has she served as DC?
Served as DC of Patiala, Ludhiana, and Amritsar; first woman DC in Patiala and Amritsar.
What is the Future Tycoons Challenge?
An initiative she launched to encourage rural and marginalized entrepreneurship via idea pitches and funding support.
What is her educational background?
Graduated in BA LLB (Hons.) from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad in 2012, topping her batch with eight gold medals.
What inspired her UPSC journey?
Her strong academic upbringing, family background, and the desire to serve in the field motivated her until she cracked Rank 6 after her second attempt.
Conclusion
Sakshi Sawhney IAS’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, service, and leadership. From academic brilliance to breaking administrative glass ceilings, she exemplifies how determination, empathy, and vision can drive transformational governance. Aspiring civil servants can draw immense inspiration from her story.