Early Life & Education
Atul Vats is an Indian Administrative Service officer of the 2016 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
He hails originally from Haryana (Sonipat) and secured All India Rank 60 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2015, in his very first attempt. Before joining the civil services, he completed his engineering – a B.E. in Metallurgical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh. His schooling and early life included a desire to serve the nation, and the early selection gave him a strong mandate to make a difference in governance.
Entry into the Civil Services & Batch
By clearing the UPSC in 2015 (Rank 60), Vats entered the IAS in the 2016 batch, UP cadre. His academic background in engineering coupled with sociological interest (his optional subject was Sociology in the UPSC mains) helped him bring a hybrid mindset of technocrat + public service.
Career Trajectory
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His initial posting was as Assistant Magistrate in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. (The Times of India)
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He was later posted as Joint or District Magistrate in Mau district. (Facebook)
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He then served as Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Sultanpur, UP – a key role involving developmental administration. (Facebook)
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In September 2022 he was appointed Vice-Chairperson of the Aligarh Development Authority (ADA). (The Times of India)
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On 16/17 March 2024, Atul Vats assumed charge as Vice-Chairperson of the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA). (The Times of India)
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Most recently (as of October 2025) in a large UP government reshuffle he has been transferred/appointed as District Magistrate of Hathras district.
Through these postings his profile has evolved from field revenue/administration roles (Assistant Magistrate, DM) to development authority leadership (ADA, GDA) and back to district magistracy—a mix of governance, urban development and administrative leadership.
Key Achievements & Highlights
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Achieving Rank 60 in his first attempt at UPSC is a noteworthy achievement and is often cited in UPSC preparation forums.
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As Vice-Chairperson of GDA, his appointment was covered by major news outlets and marked recognition of his career progress. (The Times of India)
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Known for his early willingness to take up challenging districts: coming from an engineering background to join field administration shows adaptability.
News & Recent Developments
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March 2024: His appointment as VC/ vice-chairperson of GDA was prominently reported. (The Times of India)
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October 2025: In a major bureaucratic reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh, 46 IAS officers were transferred; Atul Vats is among them, now posted as DM of Hathras.
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His profile appears in official listings of GDA “Who’s Who” as Vice Chairman. (Ghaziabad)
Controversies / Challenges
While there are no widely reported major personal controversies associated with Atul Vats in the public domain (as of data available), being in high-visibility roles such as at a development authority naturally involves dealing with contentious issues such as land acquisition, urban encroachment, and public grievances.
For example, a document addressed to him as VC GDA regarding the boundary demarcation and hand-over of a residential society notes resident complaints of “40 years of neglect”. (Scribd)
Also, frequent transfers are a feature of UP bureaucracy; his own recent transfer in October 2025 is part of that larger pattern which sometimes becomes subject to political discussion. (The Times of India)
Personal Traits & Style
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His background in engineering and first-attempt success in civil services suggests discipline, methodical preparation and ambition.
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His optional subject choice (Sociology) indicates a sensitivity to social dynamics—a useful trait in administration.
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A quick adaptation to different roles (field, district, development authority) shows flexibility.
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Media reports emphasise his “2016 batch officer” status and comparatively young age for high-responsibility roles in UP administration.
SEO Keywords & Relevance
For search-engine optimisation, phrases relevant to this profile include: Atul Vats IAS, Atul Vats UP cadre, 2016 batch IAS officer Atul Vats, Atul Vats GDA Vice-Chairperson, Atul Vats Hathras DM, Atul Vats career, Atul Vats controversies, etc.
By structuring the article with clear headings and including key milestones, the content becomes search-friendly—for readers wanting his biography, career path, recent roles, and FAQs.
Top Interesting Facts
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Selected for the UPSC in his first attempt, securing Rank 60 (CSE 2015).
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Comes from a technical/engineering background (Metallurgical Engineering) before joining civil services.
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Rapidly moved into development authority leadership roles—in just a few years after induction.
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His appointment at GDA was part of a major UP administration shift.
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While his roles are high profile, there is no publicly reported major personal scandal (as per available public domain data) which is somewhat notable in a state like Uttar Pradesh where bureaucracy meets politics.
FAQs
Q1. When did Atul Vats join the IAS?
A1. He belongs to the 2016 batch of the IAS in Uttar Pradesh cadre. (APAC Media)
Q2. What was his UPSC rank and attempt number?
A2. He achieved All India Rank 60 in the 2015 UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt.
Q3. What major posts has he held?
A3. Among his significant postings: Assistant Magistrate, Sonbhadra; DM/Magistrate, Mau; Chief Development Officer, Sultanpur; Vice-Chairperson, Aligarh Development Authority; Vice-Chairperson, Ghaziabad Development Authority; and (as of October 2025) District Magistrate, Hathras. (The Times of India)
Q4. Are there any controversies associated with him?
A4. There are no major personal scandals widely reported in the public domain. However, in his role as development authority head, he has dealt with resident grievances and bureaucratic transfers, which are typical in such postings. See e.g., a public letter to GDA under his chairmanship. (Scribd)
Q5. What makes his profile notable?
A5. His first-attempt success, engineering background, relatively young age for senior roles in UP administration, and mobility into development authority leadership make his profile stand out among his peers.

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