Uma Harathi N, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has captured the nation’s attention with her remarkable achievement of securing All India Rank (AIR) 3 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. A native of Telangana and an alumna of IIT Hyderabad, Uma’s story is one of perseverance, strategic planning, and familial support. Her journey from facing multiple failures to becoming one of India’s top IAS officers is both inspiring and instructive for UPSC aspirants and beyond.
Early Life and Family Background
Uma Harathi N was born in Huzur Nagar Sitaramnagar Colony, Suryapet, Telangana, into a family that valued service and discipline. Her father, Nukala Venkateshwarlu, is a respected Superintendent of Police (SP) and currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA). Her mother, a homemaker, provided a nurturing environment that fostered Uma’s academic and personal growth. Growing up in a household where public service was a way of life, Uma was inspired early on by her father’s dedication as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. This influence played a pivotal role in shaping her aspiration to become an IAS officer, a profession she viewed as a platform to effect meaningful change.
Uma’s childhood was marked by academic excellence and a disciplined approach to learning. She completed her schooling up to the 10th grade at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Hyderabad, where she developed a strong foundation in academics. Her early exposure to her father’s work instilled in her a sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute to society, setting the stage for her future endeavors.
Educational Journey
Uma Harathi’s academic journey is a testament to her intellectual rigor. After excelling in her school years, she pursued a B.Tech in Civil Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad. Her time at IIT honed her analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, qualities that would later prove invaluable in her UPSC preparation. Despite her engineering background, Uma’s interest in public administration and governance led her to pivot toward the civil services.
After graduating from IIT Hyderabad, Uma briefly worked at a civil services coaching institute for six months, gaining insights into the UPSC examination process. Initially, she considered preparing for the exam in Delhi, the hub for UPSC coaching, but found the environment less conducive to the tranquility she needed for focused study. She returned to Hyderabad, where she crafted a disciplined and personalized preparation strategy that ultimately led to her success.
UPSC Journey: Triumph After Trials
Uma Harathi’s path to securing AIR 3 in UPSC CSE 2022 was far from straightforward. It took her five attempts to crack one of India’s toughest examinations, a journey marked by setbacks, self-reflection, and strategic adjustments. Her first three attempts were unsuccessful, with her third attempt failing due to low marks in the Mains examination. In her fourth attempt, Uma realized that her optional subject, Geography, was not suited to her strengths. She made the bold decision to switch to Anthropology, a subject that aligned better with her analytical skills and interests.
Uma’s preparation strategy was characterized by consistency, discipline, and a focus on quality over quantity. She relied on fundamental resources like NCERT books, standard textbooks, and daily news for current affairs, avoiding the trap of overwhelming herself with too many materials. She emphasized thorough comprehension of the syllabus, regular revision, and practice through mock exams and previous years’ papers. Her ability to learn from failures and adapt her approach was key to her eventual success. In the 2022 Mains examination, Uma scored an impressive 873 marks, securing a total of 1060 marks, which placed her among the top rankers.
Uma credits her family, particularly her father, for her motivation. In interviews, she has spoken about how her father’s unwavering support and encouragement inspired her to persevere. “Have faith in yourself, understand the exam, have your own strategy, and own up to your setbacks and failures,” she advised aspirants, encapsulating her approach to the UPSC journey.
Professional Life as an IAS Officer
As a probationary IAS officer, Uma Harathi has been posted in Vikarabad, Telangana, where she is undergoing training and contributing to administrative duties. Her role involves learning the intricacies of governance, policy implementation, and public service delivery. One of the most heartwarming moments of her career came in June 2024, when she visited the Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA) for a seminar as part of her training. There, her father, SP N Venkateshwarlu, saluted her in a touching gesture that symbolized both professional respect and paternal pride. The moment, captured in photographs, went viral on social media, earning widespread admiration.
Uma’s posting in Vikarabad has placed her in a position to address local governance challenges, and her engineering background is likely to inform her approach to infrastructure and development projects. While specific details of her contributions in Vikarabad are not extensively documented in recent news, her reputation as a dedicated and disciplined officer suggests she is making a positive impact.
Recent News and Public Recognition
Uma Harathi’s story has been widely covered in the media, particularly in 2024 and early 2025, due to her inspiring journey and the viral moment with her father. In June 2024, multiple news outlets, including News18, India Today, and Deccan Chronicle, reported on the emotional encounter at TSPA, where her father saluted her. The story resonated with audiences, highlighting the pride of a father and the achievements of a daughter who outranked him in the civil services hierarchy.
In September 2024, Times Now Navbharat and India.com featured Uma’s success story on Daughters’ Day, emphasizing her resilience in overcoming four failed UPSC attempts. These articles underscored her role as a role model for young women aspiring to enter the civil services. In December 2024, Eenadu published an interview where Uma spoke about her father’s influence as her primary source of inspiration. More recently, in March 2025, Times Now Navbharat revisited the viral salute moment, further cementing Uma’s status as a public figure of inspiration.
Controversies
As of June 11, 2025, there are no reported controversies associated with Uma Harathi N. Unlike some IAS officers, such as Puja Khedkar, who faced allegations of abusing power and faking disability and OBC certificates in 2024, Uma’s public image remains untainted. Her story is one of hard work and integrity, and she has not been linked to any professional or personal scandals. The absence of controversies enhances her credibility as a role model for UPSC aspirants and young professionals.
Personal Profile and Personality
At approximately 28 years old, Uma Harathi is known for her humility, determination, and analytical mindset. Her choice of Anthropology as an optional subject reflects her interest in understanding societal structures, a quality that likely informs her approach to governance. Uma’s ability to remain focused despite repeated failures showcases her resilience, while her reliance on her family’s support highlights her grounded personality.
In interviews, Uma has emphasized the importance of self-belief and strategic planning. Her advice to aspirants—“own up to your setbacks and failures”—reflects a mature perspective on personal growth. Her public appearances, though limited, convey a sense of professionalism and warmth, as seen in the viral images with her father.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Uma Harathi N
UPSC AIR 3: Uma secured All India Rank 3 in UPSC CSE 2022, making her one of the top female performers that year.
IIT Hyderabad Alumna: She holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Hyderabad.
Five Attempts: Uma cleared the UPSC exam on her fifth attempt, showcasing remarkable perseverance.
Anthropology Optional: She switched to Anthropology as her optional subject after realizing Geography was not suitable.
Viral Salute Moment: In June 2024, her father, SP N Venkateshwarlu, saluted her at TSPA, a moment that went viral.
Telangana Roots: Uma hails from Suryapet, Telangana, and is proud of her regional heritage.
Father’s Inspiration: Her father, an IPS officer, motivated her to pursue a career in civil services.
No Controversies: Uma has maintained a clean public image with no reported controversies.
Posted in Vikarabad: She is currently a probationary IAS officer posted in Vikarabad, Telangana.
High Mains Score: Uma scored 873 marks in the UPSC Mains 2022, contributing to her total of 1060 marks.
FAQs About Uma Harathi N
1. What is Uma Harathi N’s UPSC rank?
Uma Harathi N secured All India Rank 3 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022.
2. What is Uma Harathi’s educational background?
She holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Hyderabad and completed her schooling at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Hyderabad.
3. How many attempts did Uma Harathi take to clear UPSC?
Uma cleared the UPSC exam on her fifth attempt.
4. What was Uma Harathi’s optional subject?
She chose Anthropology as her optional subject for the UPSC Mains.
5. Who is Uma Harathi’s father?
Her father, Nukala Venkateshwarlu, is a Superintendent of Police and Deputy Director of the Telangana State Police Academy.
6. Where is Uma Harathi posted as an IAS officer?
She is currently posted as a probationary IAS officer in Vikarabad, Telangana.
7. Has Uma Harathi been involved in any controversies?
No, as of June 2025, Uma Harathi has not been associated with any controversies.
8. What inspired Uma Harathi to become an IAS officer?
Her father’s career as an IPS officer and his encouragement motivated her to pursue a career in the IAS.
9. What was Uma Harathi’s score in UPSC 2022?
She scored 873 marks in the Mains and a total of 1060 marks, securing AIR 3.
10. Why did Uma Harathi’s salute moment go viral?
In June 2024, her father saluted her at TSPA during a seminar, symbolizing pride and respect, which resonated widely online.
Conclusion
Uma Harathi N’s journey from an IIT graduate to an IAS officer with AIR 3 is a powerful narrative of resilience, strategic planning, and familial support. Her story, free of controversies, serves as an inspiration for UPSC aspirants and young women across India. The viral moment with her father saluting her at TSPA encapsulates her achievements and the pride she brings to her family and community. As she continues her career in Vikarabad, Uma Harathi N remains a shining example of dedication and public service, poised to make significant contributions to India’s governance.
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