Elambahavath K is a dedicated IAS officer from the 2016 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre. Known for his resilience and perseverance, he is currently serving as the District Collector of Thoothukudi and Tuticorin. Hailing from a humble background, his journey to becoming an IAS officer is truly inspiring.

Quick Info Table Elambahavath IAS
Full Name | Elambahavath K |
---|---|
Profession | IAS Officer |
Date of Birth | 28 July 1981 |
Age | 43 years (as of 2024) |
Batch | 2016 |
Cadre | Tamil Nadu |
Birthplace | Cholagangudikkadu, Thanjavur, TN |
Father’s Profession | Village Administrative Officer |
Mother’s Profession | Farmer and Social Activist |
Siblings | Three elder sisters |
Wife | Not Publicly Available |
Joining Date | 29 August 2016 |
First Posting | Assistant Secy, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (2018) |
Current Posting | District Collector, Thoothukudi and Tuticorin |
Retirement Date | 31 August 2041 |
Education | Graduate in History, Madras University |
UPSC Rank | AIR 117 |
Early Life Of Elambahavath IAS
IAS Elambahavath K was born on 28 July 1981 in Cholagangudikkadu, a small village in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. His father worked as a Village Administrative Officer, and his mother was both a farmer and a social activist. He grew up in a modest household alongside his three elder sisters. His early life experiences instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance, which later played a crucial role in his journey toward the Indian Administrative Services.
Education Qualification
Elambahavath IAS had a non-traditional educational path. He dropped out of school in the 12th standard, opting instead for long-distance education. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in History from Madras University. Despite the lack of access to coaching centers, he studied on his own, utilizing the resources of the local public library, where a group of civil services aspirants like him would gather for preparation. His determination to succeed was evident even at this stage of his life.
UPSC Journey Of Elambahavath IAS
IAS Elambahavath’s road to success was filled with obstacles. Without formal guidance in his early UPSC preparation years, he initially failed to clear the exam after five Mains and three interview attempts. Despite these setbacks, he continued to work hard, managing to clear multiple Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission exams. He eventually joined the Tamil Nadu state services in Group 1, including posts like Assistant Director (Panchayat) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
In 2014, when the Central Government provided two additional attempts for candidates affected by changes in the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), Elambahavath saw his opportunity. He reappeared for the UPSC exams and secured All India Rank 117 in 2015, finally achieving his dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service in the Tamil Nadu cadre.
Position Held
Elambahavath K’s career in public service has seen him hold several key positions:

- Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (2018): His first posting was in a critical department, where he worked on policies related to consumer protection and food distribution.
- District Collector of Thoothukudi and Tuticorin: In this role, he has been actively involved in managing district administration, ensuring the smooth functioning of government schemes, and addressing the needs of the local population.
Current Posting
Elambahavath K is currently serving as the District Collector of Thoothukudi and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu. His responsibilities in this role include overseeing the implementation of government programs, managing local administration, and ensuring the welfare of the district’s citizens.
Awards and Achievements
Elambahavath’s greatest achievement is his remarkable journey to becoming an IAS officer. Despite numerous setbacks in his UPSC attempts, he never gave up on his dream. His story is one of resilience and determination. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the effective management of public distribution systems and district administration during his tenure as District Collector.
Challenges and Perseverance
Elambahavath’s journey to the IAS was fraught with difficulties. From dropping out of formal schooling to preparing for the civil services exams with limited resources, his path was unconventional. He relied on public libraries and the support of well-wishers and retired professionals to guide him. Even after facing multiple rejections at the UPSC interview stage, his resolve remained unshaken.
Inspirational Journey
Elambahavath’s story is a true testament to the power of persistence. Even after exhausting his initial UPSC attempts, he kept working hard, eventually securing a place in the IAS in 2016. His determination to succeed, despite the odds, continues to inspire many civil service aspirants, especially those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Conclusion
Elambahavath K’s life is a remarkable story of resilience, perseverance, and success. From a small village in Tamil Nadu to becoming the District Collector of Thoothukudi and Tuticorin, his journey reflects the indomitable spirit required to overcome obstacles. His story continues to inspire future generations of civil servants who are determined to make a difference in society.
Fantastic young man to realise his dreams despite difficulties in his early life
He is an example for the youth