IAS Sakshi Sawhney is a well-known name in the Indian civil services. On 29th August 2025, she was again in the news for being a strong and hardworking officer in Punjab, especially known for her efforts during flood rescue operations in Amritsar. She has become the first woman Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Amritsar, a notable achievement in her career. This article explores her life journey, education, career, and her dedication to public service using simple language for better understanding.
Early Life and Family Background
Sakshi Sawhney was born and raised in Punjab. She comes from a family with a good background in public service. Her father worked as an officer in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and her mother is the principal of a school that helps children from poor families. She also has a sister who works in a bank. This environment motivated Sakshi to dream big and serve the country. She did her initial schooling in a private school before moving to higher education.
Education and Interest in Law
Sakshi was a bright student. She completed her graduation in BA LLB from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad in 2012. During her studies, she was among the top students of her batch and received eight gold medals for her excellent performance. Initially, she wanted to work in the field of law. But while studying, she realized that the country needs civil servants who bring change by solving big problems. This thought encouraged her to prepare for the civil services exam.
Sakshi Sawhney IAS Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Current Posting, Birthday, Husband, Hometown & Family
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sakshi Sawhney |
| Birthplace | Punjab, India |
| Family Background | Father: Former IRS officer; Mother: School Principal; Sister: Banker |
| Education | BA LLB from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad (2012), 8 Gold Medals |
| UPSC Rank | All India Rank 6 in UPSC Civil Services Exam (2014 batch) |
| Optional Subject in UPSC | Law |
| First Attempt UPSC | 2012 (Not cleared due to low marks in essay) |
| Successful UPSC Attempt | 2014 |
| IAS Batch | 2014 |
| Early Postings | Additional Secretary Coordination, Staff Officer to Chief Secretary, Punjab |
| Deputy Commissioner (DC) Posts | Patiala (First woman DC, 2022), Ludhiana, Amritsar (First woman DC since 1849, 2024) |
| Major Achievements | First woman DC of Patiala and Amritsar; flood relief leadership in 2023 and 2025 floods |
| Community Initiatives | "Future Tycoons Challenge" for supporting poor and disabled entrepreneurs |
| Personal Traits | Hardworking, honest, community-focused, inspiring leadership |
| Known For | Dedication to public service, fearless leadership during flood rescue & relief efforts |
Journey to Becoming an IAS Officer
Sakshi Sawhney appeared for the very tough UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is one of the most difficult exams in India. She made her first attempt during her final year of law studies in 2012 but did not clear it due to low marks in one paper. She did not give up. Learning from her mistakes, she studied again with full determination.
Her story inspired many because she was patient and persistent. On her second attempt, she secured the All India Rank 6 in the UPSC exam. This result shows how strong her willpower was. She chose law as her optional subject in the exam because she wanted to use her education for a greater good. Her family and friends supported her throughout this journey.
Career and Important Roles
Sakshi started her career as an IAS officer in the 2014 batch. She was first posted as the Deputy Commissioner of Patiala, Punjab. Interestingly, she became the first woman to hold this post in Patiala. She worked hard and earned respect for handling many tough situations. For example, during the heavy floods in 2023, she worked day and night to save lives and help people affected by the disaster.
Later, she served as Deputy Commissioner in Ludhiana and then, in 2024, she made history again by becoming the first woman Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar. This was a proud moment not only for her but also for women in Punjab. Her leadership during the 2025 floods in Amritsar also won high praise. She worked closely with rescue teams, including the army and disaster forces, to help people in flooded areas. She visited affected villages every day, making sure the relief reached everyone safely.
Helping the Community
Apart from managing flood relief, Sakshi works to help business and social development, especially in rural areas. She introduced a program called the "Future Tycoons Challenge" which supports poor and disabled people to start their own businesses. The program worked like “Shark Tank,” a popular business idea contest, giving training, guidance, and money to people with good business ideas. Many participants gained confidence and grew their businesses thanks to her efforts.
She believes in empowering people from small towns and villages. According to her, many talented people just need a chance and the right support to succeed. She actively involves different government agencies, schools, and universities to create a better future for these communities.
Personal Qualities and Impact
Sakshi Sawhney is known for her honesty, hard work, and caring nature. She does not hesitate to stand amidst problems and work on the ground with common people. Her approach is simple but effective — listen carefully to people’s problems and take quick action to solve them.
Her story inspires many young people, especially girls, to aim for civil services. She shows that with patience, determination, and the right mindset, anyone can achieve great things. She has also been a role model for women officers in Punjab during the government led by Bhagwant Mann, where many women have started getting important positions.
Conclusion
In simple words, IAS Sakshi Sawhney is a dedicated public servant who used her education and skills to serve people. She broke many records as the first woman Deputy Commissioner in important districts of Punjab. From her early days in law to handling big challenges like floods and promoting entrepreneurship, her career shows patience, hard work, and a heart for public service. Her achievements motivate beginners and everyone who dreams to make a difference in society. September 2025 marks another chapter in her inspiring story as a fearless leader and a true hero for many in Punjab
