From IIT Bombay to IAS Officer: The Inspiring Story of Simi Karan
In a country where cracking either IIT or UPSC is considered a monumental achievement, Simi Karan broke both barriers—and did it in the same year. At just 22 years old, she became one of India’s youngest IAS officers, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 31 in the 2019 UPSC Civil Services Examination.
A Humble Beginning in Bhilai
Simi Karan was born in Odisha and brought up in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, where her academic journey began. Her father worked for the Bhilai Steel Plant and her mother was a school teacher—both played a crucial role in shaping her values and focus on education.
In school, Simi excelled beyond expectations. She was the CBSE state topper with a whopping 98.4% in her Class 12 exams. Her outstanding performance earned her a seat in IIT Bombay, one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions, where she pursued electrical engineering.
A Shift in Vision at IIT Bombay
While many IITians aim for tech giants or MBA programs, Simi’s life took a different turn during her undergraduate years. She was involved in social service, particularly in teaching underprivileged children in Mumbai’s slum areas as part of an internship program.
That experience left a deep impact on her. Simi realized that systemic change was necessary to uplift such communities—and the best way to do that was to enter public service. Her decision to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination was born from this conviction.
No Coaching, No Excuses: Simi’s UPSC Strategy
Simi graduated in May 2019, and the UPSC Prelims were scheduled for June. With barely a few weeks to prepare, she defied all odds by qualifying both the Prelims and Mains, eventually securing AIR 31 in her first attempt.
What made her achievement even more incredible was her decision to not take coaching classes. Instead, she chose self-study, developing a strategy tailored to her strengths:
Focused Syllabus Coverage: She split the UPSC syllabus into modules and followed a disciplined timetable. Smart Resources: Instead of hoarding materials, she relied on NCERTs, selective standard books, and toppers’ notes. Digital Tools: She used Evernote to store and organize information, allowing access on the go. Daily Newspaper Reading: For current affairs
Meet Simi Karan: The Young Trailblazer Who Cracked IIT and UPSC in the Same Year
A Star from Bhilai with Dreams Beyond the Classroom
Born in Odisha and raised in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, Simi Karan was always a standout student. Her academic brilliance showed early when she scored 98.4% in her Class 12 CBSE exams, becoming a state topper. With a strong foundation and relentless determination, she earned a seat in IIT Bombay, choosing to pursue electrical engineering—a field dominated by tough competition and demanding coursework.
From Engineering to Administration: A Turning Point
At IIT Bombay, Simi wasn’t just focused on academics. She actively participated in social initiatives, especially teaching children in underprivileged communities. This experience deeply influenced her. While she was already excelling in one of the top engineering institutes, her time working with under-resourced children made her question how she could make a more meaningful impact. The answer? Civil services.
That single shift in vision was powerful. Instead of taking up a corporate job or going abroad like many of her peers, she decided to serve the nation by becoming an IAS officer.
UPSC Preparation: No Coaching, Just Clarity
In 2019, right after completing her engineering degree, Simi appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination—and cracked it in her first attempt.
What makes her journey even more remarkable is that she did not attend any formal coaching. She relied solely on self-study, past toppers’ strategies, disciplined time management, and strong foundational knowledge. Simi focused on consistency rather than long hours—choosing quality over quantity in her study time.
She often mentioned using tools like Evernote to organize notes and materials across subjects, which helped her revise efficiently. Her approach was strategic: she broke down the vast UPSC syllabus into digestible chunks, dedicated specific time to answer writing practice, and stayed updated through newspapers and mobile apps.
AIR 31: A Moment of Glory
When the results were declared, Simi Karan secured All India Rank 31 in the Civil Services Examination 2019. At just 22 years old, she became one of the youngest IAS officers in India.
Her success wasn’t just about intelligence; it was about purpose. She credited her family’s support, her clarity of vision, and her discipline in preparation for the result. Importantly, she maintained a routine that included relaxation and recreation, understanding that mental health and balance were key to such an intense process.
A Role Model for Millions
Now serving as an IAS officer, Simi is part of the Delhi cadre and has expressed her passion for working in sectors like education, women empowerment, and grassroots development. She has also received praise during her training at LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration), including awards for outstanding performance.
Simi believes that civil services are not just a career, but a platform to create systemic change—something she is deeply committed to. Her story has become a beacon of inspiration for thousands of UPSC aspirants, especially young women from small towns who dream big.
Lessons from Simi Karan’s Journey
Follow Purpose Over Prestige: Her shift from IIT to IAS shows that true fulfillment lies in meaningful impact. Self-Study Works: Coaching isn’t a must. With the right resources and discipline, success is achievable. Stay Balanced: A healthy mind sustains high performance. Break Big Goals into Small Tasks: Her structured strategy was key to handling the vast UPSC syllabus. Believe in Service: Her heart was in public service, and that belief drove her.
Simi Karan’s story is not just about exams—it’s about finding your calling, working relentlessly toward it, and creating change with compassion and courage. For every young student who thinks they need to choose between ambition and service, Simi proves you can have both.
