From Delhi’s Dwarka to Papum Pare: The Journey of a 2020-Batch IAS Officer Making Her Mark in the Northeast
Earlier this week, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Arunachal Pradesh’s Papum Pare district, images of a poised young IAS officer receiving him at the airport quickly captured public attention. That officer was Vishakha Yadav, whose remarkable journey from the corporate world to the Indian Administrative Service has since become a source of nationwide admiration.
Who Is Vishakha Yadav?
Vishakha Yadav is a 2020-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Papum Pare in Arunachal Pradesh. Born in 1993 in Dwarka, Delhi, she is 31 years old and widely recognized for her academic excellence and professional integrity.
She comes from a modest background. Her father, Rajkumar Yadav, serves as an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Delhi Police, while her mother, Sarita Yadav, is a homemaker. Raised in a household grounded in public service, Vishakha imbibed values of discipline, dedication, and civic responsibility from an early age.
From Engineering to Administration
Vishakha graduated with a B.Tech in Computer Science from Delhi Technological University (DTU). After completing her degree, she joined Cisco in Bengaluru, where she held a well-paying position in the tech sector. However, driven by a deeper calling to serve the nation, she made the bold decision to leave her corporate career and prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
UPSC Journey: Perseverance and Purpose
Her path to success in the UPSC exam was marked by resilience and determination. After facing setbacks in her first two attempts, Vishakha triumphed in her third attempt in 2020, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 6 — one of the highest ranks that year.
Notably, she achieved this feat without enrolling in any formal coaching institute. Her success stands as a testament to the power of self-study, strategic preparation, and unwavering focus. She scored 1,046 out of 2,025 marks, placing her firmly among the top ten candidates nationwide.
Academic Credentials and Further Studies
In addition to her engineering degree, Vishakha holds a Master’s in Public Management (MPM), further enhancing her expertise in governance and public policy — a combination that equips her well for the challenges of public administration.
Serving in Arunachal Pradesh
Currently posted as the Deputy Commissioner of Papum Pare, Vishakha previously served in Kurung Kumey District. Her work in these remote and often challenging regions has earned praise for its effectiveness and commitment to inclusive governance.
During Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit, Vishakha shared her pride in welcoming him via a tweet, writing, “It was an honour to welcome the Hon’ble Prime Minister to Papum Pare,” along with photographs of the moment that quickly went viral.
Vishakha Yadav’s journey — from a tech professional in Bengaluru to a top-ranking IAS officer serving in the far reaches of Arunachal Pradesh — is a powerful example of purpose-driven leadership. Her story continues to inspire aspirants across the country, proving that with grit, humility, and a sense of service, one can truly make a difference.
