Saloni Verma IAS is one of India’s accomplished young civil servants. She secured All India Rank 70 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020 in her second attempt through self-study, without any coaching. Originally from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, she grew up in Delhi and represents the new generation of IAS officers dedicated to public service.
What makes her success particularly inspiring is that she achieved this remarkable rank through self-study alone, without taking any coaching. Originally from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, but having lived in Delhi for most of her life, Saloni Verma represents the aspirations of millions of UPSC candidates across India.
Quick Information Table: Saloni Verma IAS
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saloni Verma |
| Profession | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer |
| Date of Birth | 26 July 1997 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 29 years |
| Birth Place | Jamshedpur, Jharkhand |
| Hometown / Domicile | Delhi |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.A. (Hons) English Literature |
| College / University | Hindu College, University of Delhi |
| Graduation Year | 2019 |
| UPSC Year | 2020 (2nd Attempt) |
| All India Rank | 70 |
| IAS Batch | 2021 |
| Cadre | Assam-Meghalaya |
| Optional Subject | Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) |
| Father | Works in the Supreme Court of India |
| Mother | Homemaker |
| Siblings | Younger brother |
Saloni Verma IAS: Age, Early Life and Education
Childhood and Early Years
Saloni Verma was born in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, but shifted to Delhi shortly after birth and grew up entirely in the capital. She completed her schooling from Convent of Jesus and Mary, Delhi (science stream till Class 12).
Growing up in Delhi, the capital of India, exposed her to the functioning of governmental institutions and the role of civil administration in nation-building. These formative years significantly influenced her career aspirations.
Schooling
While specific details about her schooling remain limited in public records, Saloni Verma completed her school education in Delhi. Her academic foundation was strong, which eventually paved the way for her success in competitive examinations.
Graduation and Higher Education
Saloni Verma completed her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Hindu College, Delhi University, graduating in 2019. Her choice of English Literature as a subject reflects her interest in language, communication, and humanities—skills that prove invaluable in civil service.
Hindu College, established in 1899, is one of Delhi University’s most prestigious institutions, known for producing accomplished professionals across sectors. The college’s emphasis on holistic education and critical thinking helped develop Saloni’s intellectual capabilities.
Academic Achievements
Her educational background demonstrates strong academic performance, which later translated into her competitive exam success. The humanities background provided her with excellent writing and communication skills—essential for the IAS examination, which tests comprehensive knowledge across multiple subjects.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: Path to IAS
Preparation Strategy and Approach
She started preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination after graduation. She cleared the exam in her second attempt in 2020 with All India Rank 70 through complete self-study, without joining any coaching institute. Her optional subject was Political Science and International Relations (PSIR).
She was allotted the Assam-Meghalaya cadre and joined the 2021 batch of the Indian Administrative Service.
Self-Study Without Coaching
What sets Saloni Verma apart from many successful IAS officers is her commitment to self-study.She cracked the fiercely tough UPSC civil services test without any tutoring support or coaching. This achievement demonstrates the power of determination, self-discipline, and strategic preparation.
Her success without coaching sends a powerful message to UPSC aspirants: while coaching can be helpful, success is primarily determined by self-motivation, consistent effort, and intelligent study planning.
Examination Details and Rank
| Examination Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination Year | 2020 |
| Examination Attempts | 2nd Attempt (Successful) |
| All India Rank (AIR) | 70 |
| Service Selected | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Cadre Allotment | Assam Meghalaya |
| Allotment Year | 2021 (March 2021) |
| Optional Subject | Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) |
| Medium of Examination | English |
| Key to Success | Self-study, no formal coaching |
Family Background
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Works in the Supreme Court of India |
| Mother | Homemaker |
| Siblings | Younger brother |
Career Profile and IAS Journey
Service Timeline
Saloni Verma started her service in the Indian Administrative Service with her first posting in December 2021. She has held 4 distinct postings across 3 sectors of government during her service.
Career and Postings
Saloni Verma has served in various roles in Meghalaya, including:
- Block Development Officer, Mylliem
- Assistant Commissioner, Shillong
- Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Sohra
- Roles in Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department
- Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Meghalaya
- Executive Director, Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA)
- Additional responsibilities related to sustainable development and urban affairs
As of the latest available information (2025–2026), she has held positions such as Deputy Secretary / Director level in departments related to Agriculture, Food & Consumer Affairs, and Urban Affairs in Meghalaya.
Areas of Expertise and Experience
Based on her posting history, Saloni Verma’s top areas of experience include Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (2.5 years), and Land Revenue administration (1.1 years).
Her diverse postings have exposed her to multiple dimensions of governance:
- Consumer Affairs & Food: Policy formulation, public distribution systems, consumer protection
- Land Revenue: Land management, revenue administration, dispute resolution
- Agriculture: Agricultural development, farmers’ welfare, policy implementation
- General Administration: District-level governance, public services delivery
Pay Level and Classification
| Service Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Service | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Batch | 2021 (Allotted March 2021) |
| Cadre | Assam Meghalaya |
| Officer ID | 01AM120C02 |
| Type of Recruit | Direct Recruit (DR) through UPSC |
| Pay Level | Level 11 in IAS Pay Matrix (as of 2026) |
| Years of Service | Approximately 5 years (as of 2026) |
| Number of Postings | 4 distinct postings |
Achievements and Recognition
- Secured AIR 70 in UPSC CSE 2020 without coaching
- Known for writing on governance, heritage conservation, and agricultural development in Meghalaya (published in The Indian Express and other platforms)
- Actively contributes to public discourse on policy and development issues
Contribution to Policy and Governance
Her work in various departments has contributed to:
- Implementation of food distribution policies
- Consumer affairs administration
- Agricultural sector development in Meghalaya
- Heritage conservation and cultural documentation
Thought Leadership and Writing
Saloni Verma is recognized for her intellectually rigorous writing on governance and public policy:
| Publication | Topic | Year/Date |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Express | Heritage conservation, archaeological exploration in Meghalaya | July 2023 |
| BW Businessworld (Business World) | Meghalaya’s spice sector and agricultural development | 2023 |
| Medium Platform | Various articles on governance and policy analysis | Ongoing (187+ followers) |
Her contributions to mainstream publications demonstrate her commitment to public discourse on important issues beyond routine administrative duties.
Interesting Facts About Saloni Verma IAS
- Self-Made Success: Unlike many top UPSC rankers, Saloni Verma achieved AIR 70 without formal coaching, relying entirely on self-study and strategic preparation.
- Early Success in Competitive Arena: She cleared the UPSC examination on her second attempt, demonstrating resilience and learning from her first attempt experience.
- Humanities Background: With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from a prestigious college, she represents successful candidates from humanities streams in civil services—a category that often faces less visibility compared to science and engineering graduates.
- Intergenerational Representation: As a woman IAS officer from the 2021 batch, she is part of the growing representation of women in India’s elite civil services, contributing to gender balance in governance.
- Multifaceted Professional: Beyond administrative duties, she actively engages in writing, research, and thought leadership, contributing articles to prestigious publications.
- Meghalaya Focus: Her postings have primarily been in the North-Eastern region, specifically in the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, contributing to governance and development in this geographically and culturally significant region.
- Agricultural and Rural Development: Her work in consumer affairs, food distribution, and agriculture sectors connects her to India’s rural economy and farmers’ welfare.
- Heritage and Culture Advocate: Her writing on Meghalaya’s archaeological sites and cultural heritage demonstrates concern for preservation of historical knowledge and indigenous wisdom.
- Public Engagement: Her social media presence (2,400+ Twitter followers, 23K+ Instagram followers) shows active engagement with public discourse on governance and development issues.
- Institutional Affiliation: Her training at LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration) as part of the 2021 batch connected her with a strong peer network of contemporary IAS officers.
Administrative Contributions
Saloni Verma has served in multiple roles in the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, gaining experience across different sectors of governance:
- Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs: She has worked as Deputy Secretary and later as Director in the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department of Meghalaya. Her responsibilities included public distribution systems, food security measures, and consumer protection.
- District Administration & Land Revenue: She served as Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) in Sohra, handling district-level administration, land-related matters, and local governance.
- Sustainable Development & Agriculture-related Work: She has held additional charges as Executive Director of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and worked on projects related to sustainable land management and rural development.
Thought Leadership
Beyond her administrative duties, Saloni Verma has contributed to public discourse through writing:
- She has written about heritage conservation and archaeological exploration in Meghalaya (published in The Indian Express).
- She has also written on Meghalaya’s spice sector and its potential in organic farming and agricultural entrepreneurship.
- She shares perspectives on governance and policy through platforms such as Medium.
Inspiration for UPSC Aspirants
Saloni Verma’s journey offers useful lessons for aspirants:
- Self-Belief and Determination: She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her second attempt after an unsuccessful first attempt.
- Importance of Self-Study: She achieved All India Rank 70 without joining any coaching institute, relying entirely on self-study.
- Strategic Optional Choice: She chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject.
- Background Advantage: Coming from an English Literature background (Hindu College, DU), she successfully handled the generalist nature of the UPSC examination.
- Balanced Approach: Even after joining the service, she continues to write and engage with issues of governance, heritage, and development.
Official References
- Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT): Maintains the official IAS Civil List containing batch, cadre, and service details of officers.
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): Conducted the Civil Services Examination 2020 through which she secured All India Rank 70.
- Government of Meghalaya: The state government under which she has served in various administrative capacities.
Conclusion
Saloni Verma IAS stands as an inspiring example for UPSC aspirants. Her journey from a self-studying student of English Literature at Hindu College to an IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre shows the power of determination, disciplined self-study, and consistent effort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Saloni Verma IAS’s current posting in 2026?
A: As of the latest available information, Saloni Verma has served in senior roles in Meghalaya, including Director in the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department and Executive Director of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA).
Q2: What was Saloni Verma IAS’s UPSC rank?
A: Saloni Verma secured All India Rank (AIR) 70 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020.
Q3: Did Saloni Verma take coaching for UPSC?
A: No. She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination through complete self-study without any formal coaching.
Q4: What is Saloni Verma’s educational background?
A: She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature (Hons) from Hindu College, University of Delhi, graduating in 2019.
Q5: What is Saloni Verma IAS’s age?
A: Born on 26 July 1997, she is 29 years old as of 2026.
Q6: Which IAS batch does Saloni Verma belong to?
A: She belongs to the 2021 batch of the Indian Administrative Service.
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