Dr. Kashmira Sankhe, a 29-year-old Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Thane, Maharashtra, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring civil servants across India. Her remarkable journey from dentistry to securing an All-India Rank (AIR) of 25 in the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2022 has captivated many. As Maharashtra’s topper in the UPSC exam, Dr. Sankhe’s story is one of perseverance, discipline, and a deep commitment to public service.
Early Life and Background
Dr. Kashmira Sankhe was born and raised in Wagle Estate, Thane, Maharashtra, in a family deeply rooted in the medical profession. Her father, Kishor Sankhe, serves as the Vice President of a private company, while her mother, Pratima Sankhe, is a naturopathy practitioner. Her elder sister is a dentist, and her younger brother is pursuing an engineering degree. Growing up in a family of professionals, Kashmira was instilled with values of hard work, education, and service from an early age.
Her mother played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations, often sharing stories of prominent civil servants like Kiran Bedi, a trailblazing IPS officer. These stories ignited a childhood dream in Kashmira to become an IAS officer and serve the nation. Her family affectionately referred to her as “IAS Kashmira Sankhe” at home, a nickname that served as both motivation and a reminder of her goal.
Educational Journey
Kashmira’s academic journey is a testament to her determination and focus. She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from St. George Government Dental College and Hospital in Mumbai in 2019. While practicing as an assistant dentist alongside her sister, she developed an interest in public administration, driven by her desire to make a broader societal impact. The IAS offered a platform to address systemic issues and implement reforms, which aligned with her aspirations.
To prepare for the UPSC exam, Kashmira adopted a disciplined approach, balancing her dental practice with rigorous study schedules. She followed the Pomodoro technique, studying for 50 minutes followed by a 10-minute break, often dedicating 14–15 hours daily to her preparation. She avoided social media to maintain focus and took coaching only for her optional subject, Anthropology, while studying in Delhi. Her mantra of “Read, repeat, rewrite, and revise” guided her through the grueling UPSC preparation process.
UPSC Journey and Success
Dr. Kashmira Sankhe’s path to becoming an IAS officer was not without challenges. She faced two unsuccessful attempts at the UPSC exam before cracking it on her third try in 2022. Her perseverance paid off when she secured the 25th rank nationwide and topped Maharashtra, earning her the opportunity to join her preferred service, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Her success was celebrated widely, with Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Commissioner Abhijit Bangar personally congratulating her for her achievement.
Kashmira’s choice of IAS over other services, such as the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), stemmed from her desire to serve in her home state of Maharashtra, where she is familiar with the culture and language. She expressed her eagerness to use her position to bring about societal reforms and serve the people of India.
Career as an IAS Officer
Since clearing the UPSC exam, Dr. Kashmira Sankhe has embarked on her journey as an IAS officer. While specific details about her postings and assignments are limited in recent public records, her expressed goal is to work for societal betterment, leveraging the IAS platform to implement impactful reforms. Her background as a dentist and her disciplined approach to challenges suggest she brings a unique perspective to her administrative roles.
As a relatively new officer, Kashmira is likely undergoing training or serving in an initial posting, possibly in Maharashtra, given her preference. Her focus on public service and her rigorous preparation indicate she is well-equipped to handle the demands of civil administration, from policy implementation to grassroots governance.
Recent News and Developments
Dr. Kashmira Sankhe’s success in the UPSC exam in 2023 garnered significant media attention, particularly in Maharashtra. Local and national outlets, including The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and Times of India, covered her achievement as the state topper. Her story resonated with many, especially young women aspiring to enter the civil services. The Thane Municipal Corporation’s recognition further highlighted her as a role model for the youth of Thane.
In 2023, Kashmira shared insights into her preparation strategy during a meeting with TMC Commissioner Abhijit Bangar. She emphasized the importance of mentorship and a structured study routine, inspiring students at TMC’s C.D. institute by offering to guide aspiring candidates. Her commitment to mentoring reflects her dedication to giving back to the community that supported her journey.
Controversies
As of the latest available information, Dr. Kashmira Sankhe has not been directly linked to any major controversies. Unlike some other IAS officers, such as Pooja Khedkar, who faced allegations of misusing power and submitting fake certificates, Kashmira’s public profile remains untainted by such issues. Her focus has been on her academic and professional achievements, and she has maintained a low-key presence, avoiding the spotlight for anything other than her UPSC success.
However, it’s worth noting that the civil services field can sometimes attract scrutiny, and as Kashmira progresses in her career, she may face challenges typical of high-profile administrative roles. For now, her record appears clean, and her reputation is that of a diligent and inspiring officer.
Personal Life
Dr. Kashmira Sankhe keeps her personal life private, with little information available about her relationships or hobbies outside her professional pursuits. Her family has been her backbone, with her parents and sister providing unwavering support during her UPSC preparation. Her father’s jubilant reaction to her success—yelling with joy at his office—and her mother’s motivational stories about civil servants highlight the close-knit nature of the Sankhe family.
Kashmira’s decision to stay away from social media during her preparation reflects her disciplined personality. She has expressed a love for learning, particularly foreign languages, which initially made the Indian Foreign Service an appealing option. However, her commitment to serving her home state ultimately guided her toward the IAS.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Dr. Kashmira Sankhe
- Maharashtra’s UPSC Topper: Kashmira secured the first rank in Maharashtra and 25th nationwide in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022.
- Third-Time Lucky: She cleared the UPSC exam on her third attempt after two unsuccessful tries, showcasing her resilience.
- Dentist-Turned-IAS: A qualified dentist, she completed her BDS from St. George Government Dental College in Mumbai.
- Pomodoro Technique Advocate: Kashmira used the Pomodoro technique (50 minutes of study, 10 minutes of rest) to manage her intense study schedule.
- Anthropology as Optional: She took coaching only for her optional subject, Anthropology, during her UPSC preparation.
- Social Media Detox: Kashmira stayed away from social media during her preparation to maintain focus.
- Family of Professionals: Her parents and elder sister are in the medical field, while her younger brother is an engineering student.
- Inspired by Kiran Bedi: Her mother’s stories about IPS officer Kiran Bedi fueled her childhood dream of becoming an IAS officer.
- Biryani Celebration: Upon learning of her UPSC success, Kashmira was eating biryani, her favorite dish, when her mentor called to congratulate her.
- Mentorship Advocate: She has expressed willingness to guide aspiring UPSC candidates, as seen in her interaction with TMC’s C.D. institute.
FAQs About Dr. Kashmira Sankhe
1. What is Dr. Kashmira Sankhe’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from St. George Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, completed in 2019.
She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from St. George Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, completed in 2019.
2. How did Kashmira Sankhe prepare for the UPSC exam?
She followed a rigorous schedule, studying 14–15 hours daily using the Pomodoro technique, took coaching for Anthropology, and avoided social media to stay focused.
She followed a rigorous schedule, studying 14–15 hours daily using the Pomodoro technique, took coaching for Anthropology, and avoided social media to stay focused.
3. What rank did she achieve in the UPSC exam?
Kashmira secured an All-India Rank of 25 and was the topper from Maharashtra in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022.
Kashmira secured an All-India Rank of 25 and was the topper from Maharashtra in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022.
4. Why did she choose IAS over other services?
She preferred IAS to serve in Maharashtra, where she is familiar with the culture and language, and to work on societal reforms.
She preferred IAS to serve in Maharashtra, where she is familiar with the culture and language, and to work on societal reforms.
5. Has Dr. Kashmira Sankhe been involved in any controversies?
As of the latest available information, she has not been linked to any controversies. Her public profile focuses on her UPSC success and aspirations.
As of the latest available information, she has not been linked to any controversies. Her public profile focuses on her UPSC success and aspirations.
6. What is her family background?
Her father is a Vice President in a private company, her mother is a naturopathy practitioner, her elder sister is a dentist, and her younger brother is pursuing engineering.
Her father is a Vice President in a private company, her mother is a naturopathy practitioner, her elder sister is a dentist, and her younger brother is pursuing engineering.
7. What inspired her to become an IAS officer?
Her mother’s stories about prominent civil servants, particularly Kiran Bedi, inspired her childhood dream of joining the IAS.
Her mother’s stories about prominent civil servants, particularly Kiran Bedi, inspired her childhood dream of joining the IAS.
8. Where is she currently posted?
Specific details about her current posting are not publicly available, but she has expressed a preference to serve in Maharashtra.
Specific details about her current posting are not publicly available, but she has expressed a preference to serve in Maharashtra.
9. How did she balance her dental practice and UPSC preparation?
She scaled back her dental practice for 1.5 years to focus on UPSC studies, assisting her sister at her clinic while preparing.
She scaled back her dental practice for 1.5 years to focus on UPSC studies, assisting her sister at her clinic while preparing.
10. What is her approach to mentoring others?
Kashmira has offered to guide aspiring UPSC candidates, sharing her strategies during interactions with institutions like TMC’s C.D. institute.
Kashmira has offered to guide aspiring UPSC candidates, sharing her strategies during interactions with institutions like TMC’s C.D. institute.
Conclusion
Dr. Kashmira Sankhe’s journey from a dentist to an IAS officer is a story of grit, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her childhood dream. Her success in the UPSC exam, coupled with her disciplined approach and commitment to public service, makes her a role model for aspirants across India. While she has not been linked to controversies, her rising profile suggests she will continue to make an impact in the civil services. As she embarks on her career, Dr. Sankhe’s story serves as a reminder that with perseverance and a clear vision, even the toughest goals are achievable.
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