Akshat Jain IAS: How a 23-Year-Old IIT Graduate Conquered UPSC With AIR 2 in 2018

Punit
18 Min Read

Akshat Jain IAS is a 2019-batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre who secured All India Rank 2 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2018 at age 23, making him one of the youngest and most inspiring toppers in India’s civil services history.

Contents

Quick Stats: Akshat Jain IAS at a Glance

Category Details
Full Name Akshat Jain
Date of Birth July 18, 1995
Age (as of 2026) 31 years
Birthplace Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Religion / Community Jainism / Jain Community
UPSC Rank All India Rank 2 (AIR 2)
UPSC Exam Year UPSC CSE 2018
Attempt Number 2nd Attempt
Optional Subject Anthropology
Total Marks (UPSC) 1080 out of 2025
IAS Cadre Madhya Pradesh Cadre
Batch 2019 Batch
Current Posting (2026) Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Rewa, MP (since May 4, 2026)
Father DC Jain (IPS Officer, Rajasthan)
Mother Simmi Jain (IRS Officer, ADG, NACIN Jaipur)
Wife Nikita Jain (Journalist)
Education B.Des., IIT Guwahati (2017)
School India International School, Jaipur
Class 12 Score 94%
Height 5 feet 3 inches
Book Written Anthropology Demystified
Net Worth (approx.) ₹5–5.5 Crore (INR)

Early Life & Background: The Jaipur Boy With Big Dreams

  • Akshat Jain IAS was born on November 2, 1995 in Jaipur, Rajasthan
  • Grew up in a highly disciplined, educated, and government-service-oriented household
  • His father DC Jain served as an IPS officer in Rajasthan and also as Joint Director, CBI, New Delhi
  • His mother Simmi Jain is an IRS officer, currently serving as ADG at NACIN, Jaipur
  • Both parents are senior civil servants — civil service was practically in his DNA
  • Has one younger brother; details about the sibling are not publicly available
  • Was an active student — interested in swimming and football from a young age
  • Started thinking about UPSC as early as his 9th standard
  • Belongs to the Jain community and follows Jainism
  • His household environment gave him early exposure to public administration and governance

Akshat Jain IAS Education Qualification: From Jaipur to IIT Guwahati

School Education

  • Completed schooling at India International School, Jaipur
  • Studied in the Science stream
  • Scored an outstanding 94% in Class 12 board exams
  • Known as a disciplined and focused student throughout school life

College & Graduation

  • Cracked the IIT entrance exam after Class 12
  • Enrolled at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati
  • Pursued Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) — an unconventional choice for a future IAS officer
  • Decided to attempt UPSC during his 3rd year of college itself
  • After graduation, worked as a UX Design Trainee at Samsung R&D Institute, Bangalore
  • His design background sharpened his ability to think visually, systematically, and strategically

Education Summary Table

Stage Institution Score/Year
Primary & Secondary India International School, Jaipur Science Stream
Class 12 India International School, Jaipur 94%
Graduation IIT Guwahati B.Des. (2017)
Additional Work Samsung R&D Institute, Bangalore UX Design Trainee
UPSC Optional Anthropology Top scorer in optional papers

Akshat Jain IAS Rank and UPSC Journey: The Comeback Kid

First Attempt (2017) — The Stumble

  • Appeared for UPSC Civil Services Exam for the first time in 2017
  • Could not clear the Preliminary Examination — did not even make it to Mains
  • Had barely one month to prepare as his graduation had just ended
  • Did not treat failure as defeat — instead treated it as a learning and research exercise
  • Analyzed his weak areas, rebuilt his strategy from scratch, and returned stronger

Second Attempt (2018) — The Triumph

  • Appeared again for UPSC CSE in 2018 — this time fully prepared
  • Secured All India Rank 2 (AIR 2) in the entire country
  • Was just 23 years old at the time of the result
  • One of the youngest candidates to achieve a top-2 rank in UPSC in recent history
  • Chose Anthropology as his optional subject — an unusual but brilliant strategic call
  • His optional paper scores were among the highest recorded in the 2018 batch
  • Scored an outstanding 166 marks in the Interview (Personality Test)

Akshat Jain IAS UPSC 2018 Marksheet

Paper Marks Obtained
Essay 148
GS Paper I 118
GS Paper II 105
GS Paper III 106
GS Paper IV (Ethics) 131
Optional Paper I (Anthropology) 158
Optional Paper II (Anthropology) 148
Interview (Personality Test) 166
Total 1080 / 2025

Why Anthropology? The Smart Strategic Play

  • Akshat Jain IAS chose Anthropology despite having a design and technology background
  • Anthropology has a compact and manageable syllabus compared to other optionals
  • It is a high-scoring optional for well-prepared candidates
  • Offered the best return on time invested for someone from a non-conventional background
  • His optional scores (158 + 148 = 306) proved the strategy was spot-on
  • Later authored the book Anthropology Demystified based on this expertise

Akshat Jain IAS Biography: The Family That Built a Topper

Akshat Jain IAS Father: DC Jain

  • Akshat Jain IAS Father is DC Jain
  • Serving IPS (Indian Police Service) officer from Rajasthan
  • Also served as Joint Director at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), New Delhi
  • Has a decorated career in law enforcement and criminal investigation
  • Akshat Jain IAS has credited his father as one of his biggest sources of inspiration
  • Did not pressure Akshat into civil services — led purely by example

Mother: Simmi Jain

  • Simmi Jain is an IRS (Indian Revenue Service) officer
  • Currently serves as Additional Director General (ADG) at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN), Jaipur
  • Handles customs, indirect tax policy, and national-level officer training
  • Akshat has credited both parents equally for his success in multiple interviews

Family Summary Table

Family Member Relation Role
DC Jain Father IPS Officer, Rajasthan; Former Joint Director, CBI, New Delhi
Simmi Jain Mother IRS Officer; ADG, NACIN, Jaipur
Younger Brother Sibling Details not publicly available
Nikita Jain Wife Journalist — crime, health, human rights, environment, education

Akshat Jain IAS Wife and Akshat Jain IAS Marriage: Love in the Time of Lal Batti

Akshat Jain IAS Wife: Nikita Jain

  • Akshat Jain IAS Wife is Nikita Jain
  • She is a journalist by profession
  • Covers beats including crime, health, human rights, environment, and education
  • Described as an independent, socially aware professional
  • Together, they are considered a power couple in civil service circles

Akshat Jain IAS Marriage Details

  • Akshat Jain IAS Marriage reportedly took place in November 2022
  • The couple maintains a very private personal life
  • Minimal social media exposure despite Akshat’s significant public profile
  • Note: Marriage details are sourced from credible media reports, not official government records — readers should verify independently

Akshat Jain IAS Age: Young, Driven, and Already Seven Years In

  • Akshat Jain IAS Age in 2026 is 31 years.
  • He was born on November 2, 1995, in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
  • He was 23 years old when he secured AIR 2 in UPSC CSE 2018.
  • He joined the IAS after his outstanding UPSC result and has built his career through various administrative responsibilities.
  • As of 2026, he has completed approximately 7 years of IAS service, depending on his official joining date.
  • His career has progressed from early administrative assignments to senior leadership responsibilities.

Akshat Jain IAS Age Timeline

Year Age Milestone
1995 Born Born in Jaipur, Rajasthan
2013–2017 17–21 B.Des. at IIT Guwahati
2017 21 1st UPSC attempt — did not clear Prelims
2018 23 Secured AIR 2 in UPSC CSE 2018
2019 23–24 Joined IAS; allocated Madhya Pradesh cadre
2022 27 Married Nikita Jain (reported)
2026 31 Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Rewa, MP

Akshat Jain IAS Posting: From Trainee to Commissioner in Seven Years

Career Posting History

  • Akshat Jain IAS Posting journey spans 4 documented postings across Madhya Pradesh
  • Started with field-level administrative roles and has risen to a Commissioner-level position
  • Did NOT get his home state (Rajasthan) cadre — was allocated Madhya Pradesh cadre
  • Has served across multiple districts of Madhya Pradesh in different capacities

Akshat Jain IAS Posting Table

Posting # Role Location Tenure
1 Assistant Collector / SDO Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh 2019–2020
2 CEO, Zila Panchayat Betul, Madhya Pradesh ~2 years 10 months (longest tenure)
3 Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Seoni, Madhya Pradesh Transitional period
4 Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Rewa, Madhya Pradesh Since May 4, 2026 (Current)

Akshat Jain IAS Current Posting (2026)

  • Akshat Jain IAS Current Posting as of August 2026 = Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh
  • Assumed this posting on May 4, 2026
  • A significant urban governance role — oversees full municipal administration of Rewa
  • Source: DoPT IAS Civil List & Executive Record Sheet (Official Government Portal), StockLens database (July 2026)
  • Officer Identity Code: 01MP118M01 (as per DoPT records)

Why Akshat Jain IAS Inspires Millions of UPSC Aspirants

  • Failed Prelims in his very first UPSC attempt in 2017 — yet came back to rank 2nd in India
  • Came from a non-traditional academic background (Design, not Law or History)
  • Chose an unconventional optional (Anthropology) over popular choices
  • Did not rely heavily on big coaching institutes — largely self-directed preparation
  • Son of two senior civil servants — yet had to earn his rank on his own merit
  • Proves that strategy + persistence > raw talent + conventional path
  • His story resonates with anyone who has ever been told they are on the “wrong” path

Lessons From Akshat Jain IAS

Lesson What It Teaches
Failed Prelims in 2017 Failure is feedback, not the final word
Chose Anthropology as optional Know your strengths, not just convention
IIT background in Design Creativity and administration are not opposites
Cleared in 2nd attempt Refined strategy beats blind effort every time
Son of IPS + IRS parents Support systems matter — acknowledge them
Married a journalist Two public-spirited people, one shared mission
Commissioner at age 30 Fast-track growth follows consistent performance

Akshat Jain IAS Book: Anthropology Demystified

  • Akshat Jain IAS authored the book Anthropology Demystified
  • Written specifically for UPSC aspirants choosing Anthropology as their optional subject
  • Breaks down complex anthropological concepts into simple, readable language
  • Carries strong credibility — written by someone who scored 306/500 in the same optional
  • Widely recommended in the UPSC preparation community
  • Reflects his belief that knowledge should be accessible, not intimidating

Social Media and Public Influence

  • Akshat Jain IAS maintains an active social media presence
  • Connects with UPSC aspirants across India through motivational and governance content
  • Shares insights on exam preparation, administrative work, and personal development
  • Keeps his personal life largely private despite being a well-known public figure
  • A widely followed and respected voice in the Indian civil services community

Akshat Jain IAS Salary and Pay Scale (2026)

  • Falls under Pay Level 11 of the IAS Pay Matrix (7th Pay Commission)
  • Has 7 years of IAS service as of 2026
Component Approximate Amount
Basic Pay (Pay Level 11) ₹67,700/month
House Rent Allowance (HRA) Varies by posting city
Dearness Allowance (DA) As per government revision
Travel Allowance (TA) As per posting norms
Total Monthly CTC (approx.) ₹1.5 – 2 Lakh+ per month
Estimated Net Worth ₹5 – 5.5 Crore (approx.)

All salary figures are approximate, based on 7th Pay Commission norms; actual take-home varies by allowances and posting city

Interesting Facts About Akshat Jain IAS

  • Started thinking about UPSC during his 3rd year of college — not after graduation
  • Could NOT clear Prelims in 2017 — his very first attempt
  • Worked as a UX Design Trainee at Samsung R&D Institute, Bangalore before committing to UPSC
  • His optional subject scores of 158 + 148 = 306 were among the highest in the 2018 batch
  • Akshat Jain IAS Wife Nikita Jain covers crime, health, human rights, environment, and education as a journalist
  • Authored Anthropology Demystified — a go-to book for UPSC aspirants on this optional
  • Akshat Jain IAS Current Posting began on May 4, 2026 — Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Rewa
  • Holds Pay Level 11 in the IAS Pay Matrix after 7 years of service
  • Was NOT allocated his home state (Rajasthan) — serves in Madhya Pradesh cadre
  • Personal hobbies include swimming and football
  • His score in the Personality Test (Interview) was 166 marks — a remarkably high score
  • Had a class 12 score of 94% and a UPSC total of 1080/2025

Conclusion: The Man, The Myth, The IAS Officer

  • Akshat Jain IAS is far more than a rank on a list
  • He is living proof that failure is temporary, unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary destinations, and strategy beats conventional wisdom
  • At age 30 in 2026, he serves as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Rewa — still very much at the beginning of a long and impactful career
  • His story teaches aspirants that UPSC tests character, resilience, and the ability to learn from failure — not just bookish knowledge
  • Akshat Jain IAS has mastered all three — and his journey is far from over

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Akshat Jain IAS’s All India Rank?

Akshat Jain secured AIR 2 in UPSC CSE 2018 in his second attempt at age 23.

Q2. What is Akshat Jain IAS’s Current Posting?

As of 2026, he is reportedly Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.

Q3. Who is Akshat Jain IAS’s Wife?

His wife is Nikita Jain, a journalist. They reportedly married in November 2022.

Q4. What is Akshat Jain IAS’s Education?

He completed a B.Des. from IIT Guwahati in 2017 and previously studied at India International School, Jaipur.

Q5. Who is Akshat Jain IAS’s Father?

His father, DC Jain, is an IPS officer and former Joint Director at the CBI.

Q6. What was Akshat Jain’s UPSC Optional Subject?

He chose Anthropology and scored 306/500 in the subject.

Q7. What is Akshat Jain IAS’s Age in 2026?

He is 30 years old, born on November 2, 1995, in Jaipur.

Q8. Which IAS cadre does Akshat Jain belong to?

He belongs to the Madhya Pradesh cadre, 2019 batch.

Q9. Did Akshat Jain write a book?

Yes, he authored Anthropology Demystified for UPSC aspirants.

Q10. How many times did Akshat Jain attempt UPSC?

He appeared twice, securing AIR 2 in his second attempt in 2018.

For more verified information, you can refer to this trusted external source: Officerprofile

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