Introduction: Kanishak Kataria Age
Kanishak Kataria is a name that resonates with excellence and determination, especially among aspiring civil servants in India. Known for securing All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2018, Kataria’s journey is an inspiration for many. This article delves into every aspect of his life, including his age, background, education, and the strategies that led to his remarkable success.
Wiki Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kanishak Kataria |
| Profession | IAS Officer |
| Known For | Securing AIR 1 in UPSC CSE 2018 |
| Birth Year | 1992 |
| Age | 32 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.Tech in Computer Science, IIT Bombay |
| Father’s Name | Sanwar Mal Verma (IAS Officer) |
| Mother’s Name | Homemaker |
| Siblings | Younger Sister |
| UPSC Rank | All India Rank 1 |
| UPSC Year | 2018 |
| Optional Subject | Mathematics |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Girlfriend | Name undisclosed (acknowledged in interviews) |
| Current Posting | Rajasthan (IAS Officer) |
| Hobbies | Reading, Puzzles, Sports |
Table of Contents
Who Is Kanishak Kataria?
Kanishak Kataria is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who gained national attention when he topped one of the toughest examinations in India—the UPSC Civil Services Examination—in 2018.
Early Life and Family Background
- Birth Year and Age: Kanishak Kataria was born in 1992, which makes him 32 years old as of 2024.
- Hometown: He hails from Jaipur, Rajasthan, a city known for its rich cultural heritage.
- Family:
- Father: Sanwar Mal Verma, an IAS officer himself, served as an inspiration for Kanishak’s career choice.
- Mother: A homemaker who provided immense emotional support.
- Sister: He has a younger sister who is also academically inclined.
Education
Kanishak Kataria’s academic journey has been exemplary, marked by brilliance and discipline.
Schooling
- Kanishak completed his schooling in Jaipur, excelling in academics from a young age.
- He was particularly strong in mathematics and science, which later influenced his choice of optional subject in UPSC.
Higher Education
- Undergraduate Degree: Kanishak pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.
- Graduation Year: 2014
- He was among the top students at IIT Bombay, showcasing his analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Professional Career:
- Post-graduation, he worked as a data scientist at Samsung in South Korea.
- His experience in the corporate sector helped him develop discipline and a results-oriented mindset.
Journey to UPSC: The Turning Point
Decision to Prepare for UPSC
Despite a successful career in the tech industry, Kanishak Kataria decided to return to India and pursue a career in public service. This decision was influenced by his desire to contribute to society and the inspiration he drew from his father.
Preparation Strategy
- Optional Subject: Kanishak chose Mathematics as his optional subject, leveraging his strong foundation from his engineering background.
- Study Hours: He dedicated an average of 10-12 hours daily to his preparation.
- Coaching: He attended coaching classes for guidance but relied heavily on self-study.
Challenges Faced
- Balancing the vast UPSC syllabus with personal commitments was a significant challenge.
- He overcame periods of self-doubt by staying focused on his goals and receiving encouragement from his family and girlfriend.
Achievements and Milestones
UPSC 2018 Results
- Rank: Kanishak Kataria secured AIR 1 in his very first attempt.
- Total Marks: He scored 1121 out of 2025 (55.37%).
- Optional Subject Marks: He excelled in Mathematics, which significantly contributed to his high overall score.
Recognition
- Kanishak’s achievement was widely celebrated across India.
- He credited his success to consistent hard work, effective time management, and the unwavering support of his family.
Personal Life
Kanishak Kataria has often highlighted the importance of emotional support in his journey.
- Girlfriend: He openly acknowledged his girlfriend in his post-result interviews, a rare move that earned him respect for his honesty.
- Hobbies: Kanishak enjoys reading, solving puzzles, and playing sports during his leisure time.
Insights into Kanishak Kataria’s Preparation Tips
Study Routine
- Structured Plan: Kanishak created a daily, weekly, and monthly study plan.
- Quality over Quantity: Instead of focusing on long hours, he emphasized effective learning.
Resources Used
- NCERT Books: As the foundation for all subjects.
- Standard Texts: Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History, and Ramesh Singh for Economics.
- Mock Tests: Regularly attempted mock tests to assess his preparation and improve time management.
Key Strategies
- Answer Writing Practice: Focused on writing concise and impactful answers.
- Revision: Repeated revisions ensured he retained information effectively.
- Balanced Approach: Maintained a balance between General Studies and his optional subject.
Current Role and Contributions
As an IAS officer, Kanishak Kataria is now serving in various capacities to contribute to governance and public administration.
Posting and Responsibilities
- Initial Training: After clearing UPSC, he underwent training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
- Current Role: He is posted in his home state, Rajasthan, where he is actively involved in policy-making and administrative reforms.
Vision for Public Service
Kanishak aims to work on:
- Improving education and healthcare systems
- Enhancing digital governance
- Tackling social and economic inequalities
Inspirational Lessons from Kanishak Kataria’s Life
- Determination and Focus: Kanishak’s journey exemplifies how dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements.
- Balancing Act: He successfully balanced professional commitments with UPSC preparation.
- Learning from Failures: His ability to overcome challenges and stay motivated is a key takeaway for aspirants.
FAQs About Kanishak Kataria
1. What is Kanishak Kataria’s Age?
As of 2024, Kanishak Kataria is 32 years old, born in 1992.
2. What Was His Optional Subject in UPSC?
He opted for Mathematics, which played a pivotal role in his success.
3. Where Is He Currently Posted?
Kanishak Kataria is currently serving as an IAS officer in Rajasthan.
4. What Was His Educational Background?
He graduated in Computer Science Engineering from IIT Bombay.
5. How Did He Prepare for UPSC?
Kanishak followed a structured preparation strategy, focusing on consistent hard work, mock tests, and effective revision.
Conclusion
Kanishak Kataria’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and determination. His journey from a small town in Rajasthan to becoming the topper of UPSC CSE 2018 serves as an inspiration to millions of aspirants. His contributions as an IAS officer further underline his commitment to making a difference in society.
For those seeking inspiration and guidance, Kanishak Kataria’s journey offers valuable lessons on achieving one’s dreams with unwavering focus and hard work.
