IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag is the proof that your language of preparation never limits your destiny. In a country where UPSC toppers have historically favored English medium, IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag stormed into the list with an All India Rank of 18 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021 — as a Hindi medium candidate. A farmer’s son from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, who failed mains once, got allocated to lower-ranked services twice, and still came back swinging on his fourth attempt to land one of India’s most prestigious jobs.
Contents
- Quick Stats: IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag At a Glance
- Who Exactly Is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag?
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Date of Birth, Age & Early Life
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Education Qualification
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Caste
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s UPSC Journey: 4 Attempts, 1 Dream
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag UPSC Marksheet & Score Breakdown
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Cadre & Batch
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Current Posting (2026)
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Height & Physical Profile
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Wife: Marital Status in 2026
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s Training at LBSNAA
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Salary & Pay Structure (2026 Estimate)
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag vs. Typical UPSC Topper: A Comparison
- Proprietary Ranking: IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s “Persistence Score”
- Conclusion: IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag — What His Story Really Teaches Us
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s date of birth?
- Q2. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s current posting in 2026?
- Q3. Is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag married?
- Q4. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s caste?
- Q5. What cadre does IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag belong to?
- Q6. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s height?
- Q7. What was IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s UPSC optional subject?
- Q8. How many UPSC attempts did IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag take?
- Q9. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s education qualification?
- Q10. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s posting history?
Quick Stats: IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag At a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ravi Kumar Sihag |
| Date of Birth | Disputed — July 13, 1995 (most cited) or July 13, 1992 (some sources); not officially confirmed by DoPT. See note below. |
| Age (as of 2026) | ~31 years (if born 1995) or ~33–34 years (if born 1992) — unverified officially |
| Birthplace | Sri Ganganagar (Chak 3BM Village), Rajasthan |
| Father | Ramkumar Sihag (Farmer) |
| Mother | Vimala Devi (Homemaker) |
| Caste | Sihag (OBC – Rajasthan) |
| Height | Approx. 6 feet 1 inch (6’1″) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (as per latest available information) |
| Wife | No confirmed information available |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Education | B.A. — Sharda College, Anupgarh, Rajasthan |
| University | Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner |
| UPSC Exam Year | UPSC CSE 2021 |
| All India Rank | 18 |
| Medium | Hindi Medium |
| Optional Subject | Hindi Literature |
| UPSC Roll Number | 6624586 |
| IAS Batch | 2022 Batch |
| Cadre | Madhya Pradesh |
| Current Posting (2026) | Additional Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, J&K (since 01-04-2026) |
| Officer ID | 01MP121M02 |
| Pay Level | Level 11 (IAS Pay Matrix) |
| Total Postings | 3 documented postings |
| Years of Service | 4 years (as of 2026) |
| UPSC Total Mains Score | 1,022 marks |
| Coaching | Drishti IAS, Delhi (Current Affairs) |
Who Exactly Is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag?
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag is a civil servant from Rajasthan who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021 with All India Rank 18.
- He achieved this success after three previous UPSC attempts, making his journey a powerful example of persistence.
- He appeared for the examination in Hindi medium and chose Hindi Literature as his optional subject.
- His AIR 18 made him the highest-ranked Hindi-medium candidate in UPSC CSE 2021.
- His achievement became an inspiration for aspirants who choose to prepare for UPSC in Hindi or other regional languages.
- Coming from a small village in Rajasthan, his journey highlights how determination and consistent preparation can overcome challenges.
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Date of Birth, Age & Early Life
The IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag date of birth is not officially confirmed. Most available biographies list July 13, 1995, while some mention 1992. Based on the widely reported claim that he became an IAS officer at age 26, July 13, 1995 appears to be the most likely date, but it should be treated as unverified.
- Date of Birth: July 13, 1995 (widely reported, not officially confirmed)
- Age in 2026: Approximately 31 years
- Birthplace: Chak 3BM Village, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
- Hometown: Vijayanagar, Sri Ganganagar
- Father: Ramkumar Sihag, a farmer
- Mother: Vimala Devi, a homemaker
- He is reportedly the first IAS officer in his family.
Early Life & Education
- Primary School: Saraswati Vidya Mandir
- Secondary School: Anupgarh Sharda School
- Class 12: New Senior Secondary School, Vijayanagar
- Graduation: B.A. from Sharda College, Anupgarh
- University: Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner
- Subjects: Hindi, English Literature, and Economics
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Education Qualification
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Education Qualification is B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), completed from Sharda College, Anupgarh, affiliated to Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
- He studied Hindi Literature, English Literature, and Economics at the graduate level.
- His choice to pursue a humanities stream directly aligned with his UPSC optional subject selection later.
- He attended Drishti IAS coaching in Delhi for current affairs preparation.
- His educational background was modest by metro-city standards — yet his rank proves that depth of understanding beats flashy degrees every time.
Education Summary
| Level | Institution | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Schooling | Saraswati Vidya Mandir | Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan |
| Secondary (Till 11th) | Anupgarh Sharda School | Anupgarh, Rajasthan |
| Senior Secondary | New Senior Secondary School | Vijayanagar, Rajasthan |
| Graduation (B.A.) | Sharda College of Arts and Science | Anupgarh, Rajasthan |
| University Affiliation | Maharaja Ganga Singh University | Bikaner, Rajasthan |
| UPSC Coaching | Drishti IAS Academy | Delhi |
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Caste
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Caste: He belongs to the Sihag community, a subcaste within the Jat community, classified as OBC (Other Backward Class) in Rajasthan.
- The Sihag community is known for placing high value on education and agriculture.
- His background from a farming, OBC family makes his AIR 18 rank even more significant from a social equity standpoint.
- He is widely cited as a role model not just for Hindi medium students but also for candidates from OBC and rural backgrounds.
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s UPSC Journey: 4 Attempts, 1 Dream
Attempt-Wise Performance
| Year | Attempt | Result | Rank | Service Allocated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1st Attempt | Cleared (All Stages) | AIR 337 | Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) |
| 2019 | 2nd Attempt | Cleared (All Stages) | AIR 317 | Indian Defense Accounts Service (IDAS) |
| 2020 | 3rd Attempt | Failed at Prelims stage | — | — |
| 2021 | 4th Attempt | Cleared — AIR 18 | 18th Rank | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
What Makes This Journey Remarkable
- He cleared UPSC twice before getting IAS — most people stop after even one success.
- He rejected IRTS and IDAS, two respectable services, because his eyes were only on IAS.
- In 2020, he couldn’t even pass prelims — a brutal failure that would have broken many aspirants.
- In 2021, he returned with AIR 18, becoming the top Hindi medium candidate in the entire country.
- The top 17 ranks in UPSC CSE 2021 were all English medium candidates. IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag cracked that ceiling at rank 18.
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag UPSC Marksheet & Score Breakdown
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s total score in UPSC Mains was 1,022 marks — a strong performance that placed him comfortably in the top 20.
Subject-Wise Marksheet (UPSC CSE 2021)
| Paper | Details |
|---|---|
| Optional Subject | Hindi Literature |
| Medium of Writing | Hindi |
| Total Mains Score | 1,022 marks |
| UPSC Roll Number | 6624586 |
Note: Paper-wise individual marks are not officially published in the public domain. The total of 1,022 is widely cited across verified UPSC content sources.
UPSC Strategy Used by IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag
- Optional Subject Choice: Hindi Literature — chosen after extensive research; aligned with his academic background and comfort zone.
- Medium: Hindi throughout — written answers, interview prep, and notes were all in Hindi.
- Current Affairs: Attended Drishti IAS, Delhi for current affairs guidance.
- Answer Writing: Practiced structured answer writing with examples, diagrams, and flow charts.
- Consistency: Revised notes multiple times rather than reading new material endlessly.
- He won a quiz on the Constitution and Life of Dr. Ambedkar at LBSNAA training, felicitated by former President Ram Nath Kovind and Uttarakhand Governor Gurmit Singh.
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Cadre & Batch
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Cadre | Madhya Pradesh |
| IAS Batch | 2022 Batch (UPSC CSE 2021 exam) |
| Entry Type | Direct Recruit (DR) via UPSC Civil Services Examination |
| Training Academy | Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie |
| Training Start Date | August 30, 2023 |
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Cadre was allocated as Madhya Pradesh, which is considered one of the key state cadres for field-level administrative exposure.
- His home state is Rajasthan, but he was allotted the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
- Training at LBSNAA began on August 30, 2023.
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Current Posting (2026)
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Current Posting as of August 2026 is: Additional Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir
This is a significant posting — Rajouri is a strategically important district in J&K, requiring an officer with sharp administrative skills and the ability to handle complex field-level challenges.
Career Posting Timeline
| # | Posting | District / State | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SDO (Revenue), Lakhnadon | Seoni District, Madhya Pradesh | ~1 year 7 months (longest single tenure) |
| 2 | [Intermediate posting] | Madhya Pradesh | — |
| 3 | Additional Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri | J&K | Since April 1, 2026 (current) |
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Posting has spanned 3 locations across 4 years.
- His longest single tenure was at SDO (Revenue), Lakhnadon, Seoni, MP — approximately 1 year and 7 months.
- The jump to a J&K posting reflects the Central Government’s confidence in his administrative capabilities.
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Height & Physical Profile
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Height: Approximately 6 feet 1 inch (6’1″) — as cited across multiple biographical sources.
- He has a tall, confident presence — a detail that many of his followers notice in public appearance videos and UPSC felicitation ceremony photos.
- Physical profile details beyond height are not officially documented.
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Wife: Marital Status in 2026
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Wife: As of the latest available information (2026), no confirmed information exists about his wife or marriage.
- Multiple sources confirm he was unmarried as of 2023–2025.
- No official announcement of marriage has been made by him or any verified source.
- Speculation on social media should not be taken as fact.
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s Training at LBSNAA
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag began foundation training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, on August 30, 2023.
- During training, he participated in and won a quiz on the Constitution and Life of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, organized on the occasion of Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti.
- He was felicitated with a prize by former President Ram Nath Kovind and Uttarakhand Governor Gurmit Singh.
- This achievement during training showed that IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag wasn’t just clearing exams — he was building real, substantive knowledge.
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag Salary & Pay Structure (2026 Estimate)
This is based on official IAS Pay Matrix — not confirmed personal salary data.
| Pay Component | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 11 (IAS Pay Matrix) |
| Basic Pay (Approx.) | ₹67,700/month (starting) |
| Grade Pay | As per 7th Pay Commission |
| DA + HRA + TA | Additional as per posting |
| In-Kind Benefits | Government accommodation, official vehicle, medical facilities |
| Effective CTC (Approx.) | ₹1.2 – ₹1.5 lakh/month (total package) |
IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag vs. Typical UPSC Topper: A Comparison
| Parameter | Typical UPSC Topper Profile | IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | English | Hindi |
| Background | Urban / Metro City | Rural, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan |
| Family Profession | Professional | Farming |
| Number of Attempts | 1–2 | 4 |
| Optional Subject | Mainstream (Pol. Science, Sociology) | Hindi Literature |
| Previous Services Offered | None | IRTS (2018), IDAS (2019) — rejected both |
| Coaching Institute | Premium Delhi coaching | Drishti IAS (current affairs only) |
| Final Rank | Top 10 | 18th (Top Hindi Medium candidate) |
Proprietary Ranking: IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s “Persistence Score”
Based on attempt count, previous rank trajectories, mid-journey failures, and final achievement, we’ve calculated a “Persistence Score” for IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag compared to UPSC toppers with similar backgrounds:
| Factor | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Number of Attempts Before Success | 9/10 |
| Rank Improvement Over Attempts | 10/10 |
| Bounce-Back After Prelims Failure (2020) | 10/10 |
| Resistance to Settling (Rejected IRTS & IDAS) | 10/10 |
| Hindi Medium Commitment | 10/10 |
| Rural Background Advantage Leveraged | 9/10 |
| Overall Persistence Score | 9.7/10 |
Conclusion: IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag — What His Story Really Teaches Us
- IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag secured AIR 18 in UPSC CSE 2021 after overcoming multiple setbacks.
- His success as a Hindi-medium candidate proves that language does not limit UPSC success.
- After failing Prelims in 2020, he returned stronger and cracked the exam the following year.
- He reportedly declined IRTS and IDAS to remain focused on his IAS goal.
- Coming from a farming family in rural Rajasthan, he turned his humble background into a source of strength.
- His journey highlights the importance of persistence, smart preparation, and strategic choices.
- As of August 2026, he continues to build his administrative career through multiple postings.
- His story is a reminder that your background or language does not define your potential—your determination does.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s date of birth?
His date of birth is disputed. July 13, 1995 is the most widely cited, but it has not been officially confirmed.
Q2. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s current posting in 2026?
He is serving as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir, since April 1, 2026.
Q3. Is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag married?
He is reportedly unmarried, and no verified information about his wife or partner is publicly available.
Q4. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s caste?
He belongs to the Sihag Jat community, which is classified as OBC in Rajasthan.
Q5. What cadre does IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag belong to?
He belongs to the Madhya Pradesh cadre and is a 2022-batch IAS officer.
Q6. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s height?
His height is reported to be approximately 6 feet 1 inch (6’1″).
Q7. What was IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s UPSC optional subject?
He chose Hindi Literature as his UPSC optional subject.
Q8. How many UPSC attempts did IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag take?
He took four attempts, securing AIR 18 in his fourth attempt in UPSC CSE 2021.
Q9. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s education qualification?
He holds a B.A. from Sharda College, Anupgarh, affiliated with Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner.
Q10. What is IAS Ravi Kumar Sihag’s posting history?
His documented postings include SDO (Revenue), Lakhnadon, Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, another MP posting, and his current role as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri.
For more verified information, you can refer to this trusted external source: Officerprofile