 |
| Amrapali Kata, IAS |
Amrapali Kata is a name synonymous with determination, leadership, and public service in India. As a 2010-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Telangana cadre, she has carved a niche for herself as a dynamic and inspiring civil servant. Known for her relentless efforts in governance, women’s empowerment, and urban development, Amrapali has become a role model for aspiring bureaucrats and young women across the country.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on November 4, 1982, in Narsapuram Agraharam, Andhra Pradesh, Amrapali Kata hails from a family rooted in academia and public service. Her father, Venkat Reddy Kata, was a respected professor at Andhra University, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and discipline in their household. Her mother, Padmavathi Kata, played a pivotal role in nurturing Amrapali’s values and ambitions. Growing up in Visakhapatnam, a coastal city known for its vibrant culture, Amrapali was exposed to a blend of tradition and modernity that shaped her worldview.
Amrapali has a sister who works in the Revenue Department of Karnataka, reflecting a family inclination toward public service. While details about her childhood remain limited, it’s evident that her upbringing emphasized education, hard work, and a commitment to societal betterment—qualities that would later define her career as an IAS officer.
Educational Journey: From IIT to IIM
Amrapali Kata’s academic journey is nothing short of remarkable. She completed her schooling at Sai Satya Mandir School in Visakhapatnam, where her teachers recall her as a studious and focused student. Her intellectual prowess led her to crack the highly competitive Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), securing admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. There, she pursued a B.Tech in Civil Engineering, graduating between 2000 and 2004—a testament to her analytical mind and technical acumen.
Not content with just one prestigious degree, Amrapali went on to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, completing it between 2004 and 2006. This MBA honed her leadership and management skills, preparing her for the multifaceted challenges of a corporate career. However, her aspirations soon shifted from the private sector to the realm of public administration, setting the stage for her UPSC journey.
Early Career and Transition to Civil Services
Post her MBA, Amrapali briefly ventured into the corporate world, joining ABN AMRO Bank as a Junior Relationship Banker. The role offered a lucrative salary and promising career growth, but her heart lay elsewhere. Inspired by a desire to impact millions of lives directly, she quit her banking job to prepare for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination—one of India’s toughest competitive exams.
In 2010, at the age of 27, Amrapali cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 39. Her achievement marked her as one of the youngest candidates to join the IAS that year. Assigned to the Andhra Pradesh cadre (later Telangana post-bifurcation), she embarked on a career that would blend her technical expertise, management skills, and passion for public welfare.
IAS Career: Milestones and Contributions
Amrapali Kata’s IAS career is a tapestry of impactful postings and transformative initiatives. After completing her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, she began her journey in Andhra Pradesh. Her first significant role came as the Sub-Collector of Vikarabad, where she displayed a no-nonsense approach to administration, even suspending officers for inefficiency—an action that earned her respect and established her authority early on.
In 2014, she was appointed Director of the Women and Child Welfare Department, where she championed gender equality and child welfare programs. A year later, she served as the Joint Collector of Ranga Reddy District, tackling administrative challenges in one of Telangana’s key regions. However, her most notable posting came in 2016 when she became the first woman District Collector and Magistrate of Warangal Urban District in Telangana—a newly formed district at the time.
As Warangal’s Collector, Amrapali spearheaded infrastructure development, sanitation drives, and beautification projects. Her innovative “Nagara Sundarikarana” program aimed at city beautification gained widespread attention, with her rewarding participants with Bahubali 2 movie tickets—a creative incentive that showcased her ability to connect with the public. She also addressed critical issues like poor hygiene and unsafe water, distributing books like Economics of Sanitation to raise awareness.
Her tenure in Warangal earned her a unique honor: admirers installed an idol of her holding Lord Ganesha, symbolizing her revered status among locals. Later, she served as a Private Secretary to G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home, before being appointed Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in 2020—a role she continues to hold on central deputation until 2026.
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Amrapali Kata’s personal life reflects her ability to balance professional excellence with personal commitments. On February 18, 2018, she married Sameer Sharma, a 2011-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer currently serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Diu and Daman. Their union is a power couple story, blending the IAS and IPS cadres, though managing different cadres (Telangana for her, AGUMT for him) adds a layer of complexity to their lives. Interestingly, her brother-in-law is also an IAS officer, further embedding public service in her extended family.
While Amrapali keeps her personal life private, her marriage to Sameer Sharma has been celebrated as a partnership of two driven individuals dedicated to nation-building. The couple’s shared commitment to public service continues to inspire many.
Legacy and Impact
At 42 years old (as of March 2025), Amrapali Kata remains one of Telangana’s most dynamic IAS officers. Her journey from a small town in Andhra Pradesh to the PMO exemplifies resilience, intellect, and a deep-seated desire to serve. She is particularly admired for breaking gender barriers—becoming the first woman Collector of Warangal Urban—and for her tech-savvy, multitasking approach to governance. Whether typing messages while addressing officers or spearheading urban reforms, she embodies modern leadership.
Her accolades include the Swachhta Ranking 2017 and recognition as the Best District Election Officer, underscoring her versatility. Amrapali’s story resonates with UPSC aspirants, women leaders, and anyone striving to make a difference, making her a beacon of inspiration in India’s administrative landscape.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Amrapali Kata, IAS
- Youngest IAS Officer: At 27, she was among the youngest to crack the UPSC exam in 2010 with AIR 39.
- First Woman Collector: She became the first female District Collector of Warangal Urban in 2016.
- IIT-IIM Alumna: She holds a B.Tech from IIT Madras and an MBA from IIM Bangalore.
- Corporate to Civil Services: She left a cushy job at ABN AMRO to pursue public service.
- Unique Incentive: She gifted Bahubali 2 tickets to participants of her Warangal beautification drive.
- Idolized in Warangal: Fans erected an idol of her holding Lord Ganesha, a rare tribute.
- Power Couple: Married to IPS officer Sameer Sharma, they represent IAS-IPS synergy.
- Sanitation Advocate: She distributed Economics of Sanitation to promote hygiene awareness.
- PMO Role: She currently serves as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office until 2026.
- Multitasker Extraordinaire: Known for typing messages while engaging with officers or media.
FAQs About Amrapali Kata, IAS
1. Who is Amrapali Kata?
Amrapali Kata is a 2010-batch IAS officer of the Telangana cadre, known for her roles as Warangal’s first woman Collector and Deputy Secretary in the PMO.
Amrapali Kata is a 2010-batch IAS officer of the Telangana cadre, known for her roles as Warangal’s first woman Collector and Deputy Secretary in the PMO.
2. What is Amrapali Kata’s educational background?
She completed a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Madras and a PGDM from IIM Bangalore.
She completed a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Madras and a PGDM from IIM Bangalore.
3. When did Amrapali Kata join the IAS?
She joined the IAS in 2010 after securing AIR 39 in the UPSC exam.
She joined the IAS in 2010 after securing AIR 39 in the UPSC exam.
4. Who is Amrapali Kata’s husband?
She is married to Sameer Sharma, a 2011-batch IPS officer serving as SP in Diu and Daman.
She is married to Sameer Sharma, a 2011-batch IPS officer serving as SP in Diu and Daman.
5. What is Amrapali Kata’s current posting?
As of March 2025, she is Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office on central deputation.
As of March 2025, she is Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office on central deputation.
6. What are some of Amrapali Kata’s achievements?
She pioneered Warangal’s urban development, earned Swachhta Ranking 2017, and broke gender barriers as a female Collector.
She pioneered Warangal’s urban development, earned Swachhta Ranking 2017, and broke gender barriers as a female Collector.
7. Where was Amrapali Kata born?
She was born in Narsapuram Agraharam, Andhra Pradesh, on November 4, 1982.
She was born in Narsapuram Agraharam, Andhra Pradesh, on November 4, 1982.
8. Why is Amrapali Kata famous?
Her fame stems from her young age, dynamic leadership, and being the first woman Collector of Warangal Urban.
Her fame stems from her young age, dynamic leadership, and being the first woman Collector of Warangal Urban.
9. What is Amrapali Kata’s family background?
Her father was a professor at Andhra University, and her sister works in Karnataka’s Revenue Department.
Her father was a professor at Andhra University, and her sister works in Karnataka’s Revenue Department.
10. How has Amrapali Kata inspired others?
Her journey from IIT-IIM to IAS, focus on women’s empowerment, and innovative governance inspire UPSC aspirants and young leaders.
Her journey from IIT-IIM to IAS, focus on women’s empowerment, and innovative governance inspire UPSC aspirants and young leaders.
Comments
Post a Comment