Early Life and Education
Krittika Jyotsna was born on 20 March 1986 and belongs to the 2014 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She hails originally from Hyderabad, Telangana, but her professional cadre is for the State of Uttar Pradesh.
Her academic background is strong. She graduated in Mathematics from Delhi University (Miranda House) and later completed a Master’s in Mathematics. Growing up in a family of high-achievers—her father SBL Mishra was a senior forest service officer and her elder brother Kartikeya Mishra is also an IAS officer—she was inspired to serve in public administration.
Her story of perseverance is notable: she cleared the UPSC exam in her fourth attempt, securing All India Rank 30 in the 2013 Civil Services Examination.
Career Trajectory
Cadre & Early Years
Krittika joined the IAS in 2014 (Andhra Pradesh cadre initially) and underwent training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie. Post-training she served in early administrative roles, learning the functions of public service and district administration.
Cadre Change
After her marriage to her batch-mate IAS Officer Rahul Pandey from Uttar Pradesh cadre, she requested and secured a cadre-transfer to Uttar Pradesh for alignment with her spouse and to serve a state with which she also had a personal connection.
Major Postings & Roles
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In July 2023, she was appointed Special Secretary – Food & Civil Supplies Department and MD of the Uttar Pradesh State Food & Essential Commodities Corporation (UPSFECC). (APAC Media)
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On 17 January 2025, she assumed office as Special Secretary – Revenue, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
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In the large‐scale IAS reshuffle of 28 October 2025 she was transferred from the State Tax Department and named District Magistrate (DM), Basti.
Key Achievements & Focus Areas
Krittika’s mathematical background has been leveraged in governance: her ability to interpret data, streamline administrative processes, and bring analytical rigour has been frequently mentioned.
During her tenure, she has been involved in policy implementation in food & civil supplies, revenue administration and district-level governance. Her shift from a purely academic to an administrative mindset is seen as a strength.
News & Controversies
Controversy in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)
While on deputation in J&K (as part of an inter-cadre stint under AGMUT), Krittika served as Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal. On 10 June an activist (Sajad Rashid Sofi) at a public meeting reportedly remarked that he had hopes from officials from the local region rather than “outsiders”. The officer strongly objected and the activist was later detained for several days under preventive detention. (The Times of India)
This incident drew national media scrutiny, with criticism that the bureaucrat’s response was “high-handed” and raised questions about administration style. (NewsClick)
Rapid Career Progression & Transfer Debate
Her swift movement across significant posts—Food & Civil Supplies, Revenue, district postings—has invited commentary around bureaucracy and postings in the state. While not flagged as formal misconduct, this sort of visibility draws public interest and speculation.
Outlook & Significance
Krittika Jyotsna stands out as an example of a modern IAS officer who blends academic excellence, data-driven mindset, inter-state experience and youth. Her career in Uttar Pradesh—a politically and administratively significant state in India—positions her for potentially even higher roles. For UPSC aspirants and governance watchers she is a case study of transition: from mathematics professor mindset to district and state governance.
Top Interesting Facts
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Cleared UPSC in her 4th attempt and scored AIR 30 in 2013.
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Comes from a family of civil service officers: father in forest service, brother in IAS.
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Initially assigned to Andhra Pradesh cadre, later moved to Uttar Pradesh after marriage.
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Academic background: Master’s in Mathematics, which she credits for sharpening analytical skills in governance.
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Has worked in challenging regions including Jammu & Kashmir.
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Was appointed MD of UPSFECC and then Special Secretary (Revenue) in UP within a short span.
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Known for combining academic rigour with administrative function.
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In one district posting she handled public unrest and local government issues through direct engagement.
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Frequently featured in governance magazines and news outlets as a rising young officer.
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Her career path signals the increasing flexibility and mobility in Indian bureaucracy (cadre-transfer, deputation, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What batch of IAS is Krittika Jyotsna?
A1. She is from the 2014 batch of the Indian Administrative Service.
Q2. Which cadre does she belong to?
A2. She belongs to the Uttar Pradesh cadre of IAS (after cadre-transfer).
Q3. What is her educational qualification?
A3. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mathematics (Delhi University, Miranda House) and prepared for UPSC thereafter.
Q4. Has she faced any controversy?
A4. Yes — during her tenure in J&K (Ganderbal district) an activist’s detention sparked debate about administrative conduct.
Q5. What are her current responsibilities?
A5. As of January 2025 she is Special Secretary (Revenue) for the Government of Uttar Pradesh and, following the October 2025 reshuffle, was appointed DM of Basti district.
Q6. What makes her career special for aspirants?
A6. Her combination of strong academics, perseverance (clearing UPSC on the 4th attempt), cadre change, inter-state postings and youthful leadership make her a model for upcoming officers.

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