Roman Saini IAS Biography – Age, Rank, Batch, Cadre, Net Worth, Optional, Wife & More

Roman Saini is a name that has become synonymous with both academic excellence and entrepreneurial success. A former IAS officer who resigned from the prestigious service to co-found one of India’s largest online learning platforms, Unacademy, his journey is one of inspiration and transformation. In this blog, we will dive deep into Roman Saini’s life, career, and his decision to move from government service to tech entrepreneurship.

Quick Info of IAS Roman Saini

Early Life and Education

Roman Saini was born and raised in Delhi. Known for his brilliance from a young age, he achieved academic excellence throughout his schooling. Saini pursued his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and earned his medical degree at the age of 21.

During his college years, Roman exhibited a deep interest in the welfare of society, which later motivated him to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination. His academic achievements are not limited to medicine, as he is also a professional guitarist certified by Trinity College London.

UPSC Journey and IAS Officer Experience

At just 22 years old, Roman Saini became one of the youngest people to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination, securing an impressive All India Rank 18 in 2013. His optional subject was Medical Science, a unique choice, given his background as a doctor.

Saini’s brief tenure in the Indian Administrative Service saw him posted as an IAS officer in Madhya Pradesh Cadre, where he served as was posted as an Assistant Collector (UT) in Jabalpur district. However, his stint in the civil services was short-lived. After serving for less than three years, Roman resigned from his IAS position in 2016 to co-found Unacademy, an online learning platform aimed at democratizing education.

Roman Saini IAS UPSC Marksheet

Roman Saini’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Roman Saini’s net worth is estimated to be Rs 22,000 crores, primarily due to Unacademy’s success. His decision to transition from a government servant to an entrepreneur has turned him into a prominent figure in India’s EdTech industry.

Work as a Doctor

Before joining the IAS, Roman worked as a Junior Resident at AIIMS in the Psychiatry Department. At the age of 18, he also worked at the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC). These roles deepened his understanding of healthcare, particularly the lack of basic medical facilities in rural India. His experiences in public health played a pivotal role in his desire to enter public service and address issues at the grassroots level.

Why He Resigned from IAS

Roman Saini’s decision to leave the civil services was driven by a larger vision of providing access to quality education for all, regardless of socioeconomic background. After noticing the struggles of aspirants preparing for competitive exams, he co-founded Unacademy along with Gaurav Munjal and Hemesh Singh.
Unacademy began as a YouTube channel but has grown into one of India’s leading online education platforms, boasting over 21,000 educators and serving millions of students.

Roman’s journey was not without criticism. Some viewed his departure from IAS as a deviation from the societal commitment he had made. Yet, Roman has defended his decision by pointing out the massive impact Unacademy has had, particularly in reaching aspirants in remote and underprivileged areas.

Unacademy: Revolutionizing Online Education

Unacademy was officially launched in 2015 with the mission to provide affordable and accessible education to everyone, particularly students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, NEET, JEE, and others. What started as a small initiative has now grown into a comprehensive platform with thousands of courses and millions of students. Some of Unacademy’s achievements include:

1. Over 21,000 educators on the platform.
2. Available in multiple languages to cater to students across India.
3. Funding from prominent investors like Sequoia Capital, Softbank, and General Atlantic.
4. Valuation in billions of dollars.

Criticisms of Roman Saini’s Shift from IAS

Roman’s resignation from the IAS has sparked various opinions. Some argue that his decision was financially motivated, while others support his focus on education. His critics have raised several points, including:

• He resigned to teach poor students via a for-profit platform, despite his claims to serve the nation.
• Roman has been highly successful in securing funding from investors, which raised questions about his motives.
• Some believe he could have had a more direct impact by remaining in the IAS, especially in fields like healthcare and education for backward regions.

However, his defenders argue that his work with Unacademy has a wider-reaching impact, especially in an era where digital education is growing exponentially.

Roman Saini’s Impact and Legacy

Despite leaving the IAS, Roman Saini has had a profound impact on education in India. He’s created a platform that offers quality, affordable education to millions of students, changing the way students prepare for competitive exams. His legacy as a visionary educator and entrepreneur continues to grow with Unacademy’s expansion.

Conclusion

Roman Saini’s life journey exemplifies what it means to evolve from a brilliant student and dedicated public servant to a tech-driven entrepreneur with a vision. His career choices may have been unconventional, but his passion for education and empowerment shines through in Unacademy’s success.

For students, his story is a reminder that success is not confined to one path. Whether as an IAS officer or an entrepreneur, Roman Saini continues to inspire millions to pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance.