IAS Ansar Shaikh is known as one of the youngest candidates to crack the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination. His journey, filled with determination and resilience, is an inspiration to many. Born into a humble family, Ansar’s remarkable success at such a young age shows his dedication and determination.
| Quick Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shaikh Ansar Ahmad |
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1994 |
| Age | 29 (as of 2023) |
| Batch | 2016 |
| Rank | 361 |
| Cadre | West Bengal |
| Current Posting | Additional District Magistrate, Jhargram, West Bengal |
| Father | Yonus Shaikh Ahmad (Auto Rickshaw Driver) |
| Mother | Adeela Shaikh (Works at a Farm) |
| Brother | Anees Shaikh (School Dropout, Works in Garage) |
| Ansar Shaikh Instagram | |
| Marital Status | Married to Waiza Ansari |
Early Life and Family Background
Ansar Shaikh was born in a village called Shelgaon in the Jalna district of Maharashtra. Coming from a modest background, his father worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother toiled as a farm worker. His brother, Anees Shaikh, dropped out of school and worked at a garage to support the family. Despite these challenges, Ansar excelled academically, completing his 12th grade with a remarkable 91% score.
Educational Qualifications
Ansar Shaikh completed his graduation in Political Science from Fergusson College, Pune, securing 73%. His academic brilliance continued through college, leading him to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
| Qualification | Institution | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 12th Standard | – | 91% |
| Graduation (Political Science) | Fergusson College, Pune | 73% |
UPSC Journey and Strategy
At the age of just 21, Ansar Shaikh became the youngest IAS officer in India by clearing the UPSC exam in his first attempt in 2016. His optional subject was Political Science, and he chose Marathi as his medium for the mains and interview.
| UPSC Details | Marks |
|---|---|
| Mains Marks | 693 |
| Interview Marks | 199 |
| Total Marks | 892 |
In one of his interviews, Ansar shared that he started his UPSC preparation in Pune, where he enrolled in a private coaching institute. His preparation strategy focused on effective time management, regular revision, and strong conceptual clarity in his optional subject. He emphasized that consistent study hours and a balanced approach helped him clear the exam on his first attempt.
Struggles and Determination
Ansar’s journey was not easy. His family wanted him to quit school and contribute to the household income. However, his teachers recognized his potential and convinced his parents to let him continue his studies. Ansar worked hard, overcoming financial struggles, and even worked part-time to fund his IAS coaching.
In a Twitter post, Ansar reflected on his life challenges, saying:
“I was in class 4. My parents wanted to withdraw me from school so that I could earn a wage like my other siblings. But my teacher insisted I continue studying. That was a life-changing moment for me.”
He also shared that he worked in a restaurant as a child and saw societal wrongs, like his sister’s early marriage and the dowry system. These injustices motivated him to pursue civil services and make a change in society.
Ansar Shaikh’s Role in Empowering the Marginalized
Ansar Shaikh, after becoming an IAS officer, has been a strong advocate for the marginalized sections of society. He constantly encourages students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue education and has been involved in initiatives aimed at upliftment.
In a heartwarming Twitter post, he expressed his gratitude toward the Aurangabad Police for naming a study circle after him. The “Ansar Shaikh IAS Study Circle” was founded with CSR funds to help students from slum areas. Ansar humbly mentioned:
“I never thought it would result in this! I’m really very grateful to Aurangabad Police & CP Shri Prasad Sir.”
Love Life: Ansar Shaikh and Waiza Ansari
Ansar Shaikh is married to Waiza Ansari, whom he often credits for supporting him through his UPSC journey. Their love story began a few years ago, and according to Ansar, they spent seven hours talking on their first meeting. In his social media posts, Ansar often talks about how Waiza helped him stay grounded and motivated during difficult times.
| Wife’s Name | Waiza Ansari |
|---|---|
| Profession | Homemaker |
| Marriage Date | December 24, 2023 |
| Waiza Ansari Instagram |
In a heartfelt note, Ansar mentioned that Waiza made him believe in love and stood by him even during his lowest points. In response, Waiza shared a touching story about her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s, stating that even though her grandmother forgot many things, the one constant was her love for her son. This beautiful story highlights the deep bond between Ansar and Waiza.
Conclusion
IAS Ansar Shaikh’s story is one of sheer determination, hard work, and perseverance. From a humble background to becoming one of the youngest IAS officers in India, he has shown that no obstacle is too big if you are committed to your dreams. His story continues to inspire thousands of students, especially those from underprivileged sections of society.
