Dr. Priyanka Soni, an accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2012 Haryana cadre, is a name synonymous with dedication, innovation, and public service. Known for her exemplary administrative skills and compassionate approach, she has carved a niche for herself in India’s bureaucratic landscape. From her early days as a medical professional to her current role as a senior IAS officer, Priyanka Soni’s journey is an inspiring tale of resilience, intellect, and a deep commitment to societal welfare.
Early Life and Education
Priyanka Soni was born in Suratgarh, a town in Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan, India, into a non-bureaucratic family with strong values and a focus on education. Her father ran a jewelry business, while her mother played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations. Growing up in a modest household, Priyanka was instilled with a sense of discipline and determination from a young age. Her family’s emphasis on education paved the way for her academic excellence.
Priyanka pursued her medical education and graduated with an MBBS degree from SMS Medical College in Jaipur, one of India’s premier medical institutions. Her decision to become a doctor reflected her early inclination toward serving society. However, her ambitions didn’t stop there. Inspired by her parents—particularly her mother and father—she set her sights on the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, a gateway to India’s civil services.
After completing her medical education, Priyanka dedicated herself to preparing for the UPSC exam. She cleared it on her second attempt, a feat that took her approximately two and a half to three years of rigorous preparation. Her success in 2012 marked the beginning of her illustrious career as an IAS officer in the Haryana cadre.
Career as an IAS Officer
Priyanka Soni joined the Indian Administrative Service in 2012, a year that saw her transition from a medical professional to a bureaucrat tasked with shaping public policy and governance. Assigned to the Haryana cadre, she quickly rose through the ranks, taking on various challenging roles that showcased her administrative prowess and innovative thinking.
Early Postings
One of her initial significant postings was as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Karnal. Her work in rural development laid the foundation for her reputation as an officer committed to grassroots-level change. In 2017, she succeeded her husband, Dr. Aditya Dahiya, as the Commissioner of the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC), a unique instance of a husband-wife duo serving consecutively in the same role.
Deputy Commissioner Roles
Priyanka Soni’s tenure as Deputy Commissioner (DC) across various districts in Haryana has been marked by innovative initiatives. She served as DC in Kaithal, Hisar, Ambala, and Panchkula, leaving an indelible mark in each posting. In Kaithal, she gained attention for allowing a senior citizen to symbolically take the DC’s chair for a day, highlighting her empathy toward the elderly and her focus on bridging the gap between administration and the public.
As DC of Hisar, she introduced feeding rooms in the mini-secretariat, a thoughtful measure to support working mothers and visitors. Her transfer to Ambala in August 2022 and later to Panchkula in April 2023 further solidified her reputation as a dynamic officer. In Panchkula, she aimed to maximize the benefits of public-friendly government systems, reflecting her commitment to efficient governance.
Recent Appointments
In May 2024, the Haryana government assigned Priyanka Soni the additional charge of Special Secretary of Monitoring & Coordination, alongside her existing role as Special Secretary of the Vigilance Department. This dual responsibility underscores her capability to handle complex administrative tasks. Earlier in 2021, she was also given the additional charge of Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation and District Municipal Commissioner in Hisar, showcasing her versatility.
Personal Profile
Priyanka Soni is not just an IAS officer; she is a multifaceted individual balancing a demanding career with personal responsibilities. Married to Dr. Aditya Dahiya, a 2011-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, she shares a unique bond with her spouse, both professionally and personally. Aditya, also a doctor-turned-IAS officer, studied at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, while Priyanka trained at SMS Medical College. Their shared background in medicine and civil services has made them a power couple in Haryana’s bureaucratic circles.
The couple has a son, Aryan, born around 2018, who is now approximately 7 years old as of April 2025. Priyanka has spoken candidly about juggling her roles as a mother and an IAS officer, often emphasizing the importance of time management and support systems. Despite her hectic schedule, she remains soft-spoken, focused, and approachable—qualities that endear her to colleagues and the public alike.
Family Background
Priyanka Soni hails from a close-knit family in Rajasthan. Her father, a jeweler in Suratgarh, provided the financial stability that allowed her to pursue her education. Her mother, whom she credits as a major inspiration, encouraged her to dream big and break barriers. Priyanka is not the only high achiever in her family—her younger sister is an anesthesia doctor, and her brother is also a medical professional, reflecting a strong familial inclination toward healthcare and service.
Her marriage to Aditya Dahiya further strengthened her personal and professional support system. Aditya has held significant positions, including Deputy Commissioner of Karnal, and the couple’s shared understanding of administrative challenges has fostered a harmonious partnership. Together, they navigate the complexities of their careers while raising their son, Aryan.
Controversies
As of April 2025, Priyanka Soni has largely maintained a clean public image, with no major controversies directly linked to her name. Her innovative initiatives, such as the senior citizen DC experiment and the establishment of feeding rooms, have occasionally sparked debates about their practicality or scalability, but these have been more discussions than criticisms. Her focus on public welfare and transparent governance has kept her away from the scandals that sometimes plague bureaucrats.
However, being part of the IAS, she operates in a high-stakes environment where administrative decisions can attract scrutiny. Any controversies involving the Haryana government or her postings—such as large-scale transfers or policy implementations—could indirectly involve her, though no specific incidents have been documented in available records.
Contributions and Legacy
Priyanka Soni’s contributions extend beyond her official postings. Her emphasis on public grievance redressal, women’s welfare, and elderly care reflects her human-centric approach to governance. Her medical background informs her policies, particularly in health and rural development, making her a standout officer in the Haryana cadre.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Priyanka Soni
- Doctor-Turned-IAS: Priyanka transitioned from being an MBBS graduate to an IAS officer, clearing the UPSC exam on her second attempt.
- Haryana Cadre 2012: She joined the IAS in 2012 and has since served in multiple key roles in Haryana.
- Innovative Initiatives: She introduced feeding rooms in Hisar and allowed a senior citizen to act as DC for a day in Kaithal.
- Power Couple: Married to IAS officer Aditya Dahiya, they are a rare husband-wife duo in the civil services.
- Motherhood and Duty: She balances raising her son, Aryan, with her demanding career.
- Rajasthan Roots: Born in Suratgarh, Rajasthan, she hails from a non-bureaucratic family.
- Medical Family: Her siblings are doctors—an anesthetist sister and a brother in medicine.
- Multiple DC Roles: She has served as Deputy Commissioner in Kaithal, Hisar, Ambala, and Panchkula.
- Additional Charges: In 2024, she took on the additional role of Special Secretary of Monitoring & Coordination.
- Public-Centric Approach: Known for her soft-spoken demeanor and focus on public welfare, she bridges the gap between administration and people.
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