Divya Tanwar from Haryana has made remarkable history by cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination twice – first achieving All India Rank 438 in 2021 to become India’s youngest IPS officer at age 21, and then securing AIR 105 in 2022 to fulfill her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
Early Life and Challenges
Divya Tanwar’s journey began in Nimbi village in Mahendragarh district, Haryana, where she faced significant hardships from an early age. Her life took a challenging turn when she lost her father in 2011 at just 8 years old. Following this tragedy, her mother Babita Tanwar became the sole breadwinner, working as a farm laborer and seamstress to support Divya and her three siblings.
Despite the family’s dire financial circumstances, Babita ensured that education remained a priority for her children. Divya began her academic journey in government schools before earning admission to the prestigious Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mahendragarh, where her academic excellence became evident.
Educational Foundation
After completing her schooling at Navodaya Vidyalaya, Divya pursued a Bachelor of Science degree from Government Women’s College, Mahendragarh. Her consistent academic performance throughout these years laid the foundation for her future success in one of India’s most challenging competitive examinations.
First UPSC Success: Becoming India’s Youngest IPS Officer
Following her graduation, Divya dedicated herself completely to preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. What set her apart from many aspirants was her choice to forgo expensive coaching institutes, instead relying on online resources, mock tests, and self-study.
In 2021, at just 21 years old, Divya appeared for the UPSC examination for the first time. Her disciplined preparation paid off spectacularly when she secured All India Rank 438, making her one of the youngest IPS officers in Indian history. In this attempt, she scored 751 marks in the written examination and 179 marks in the personality test, achieving a total of 930 marks.
Significantly, Divya took the examination in Hindi medium with Hindi Literature as her optional subject, challenging the common perception that English medium candidates have an advantage in UPSC.
The Greater Dream: Achieving IAS Status
Despite her remarkable success as an IPS officer, Divya’s ultimate aspiration was to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). While undergoing IPS training, she continued her preparation for another attempt at the UPSC examination, demonstrating extraordinary determination and time management skills.
In 2022, at age 22, Divya appeared for the UPSC examination for the second time. Her persistence and refined strategy yielded even better results – she achieved All India Rank 105, securing her coveted position as an IAS officer. In this attempt, she scored 834 marks in the written examination and 160 marks in the personality test, totaling 994 marks – a significant improvement over her first attempt.
Current Posting and Impact
Divya Tanwar currently serves as an IAS officer in the Manipur cadre, where she continues to make meaningful contributions to public administration. Her journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming a top-ranking civil servant has made her an inspiration for thousands of UPSC aspirants across the country.
