Srushti Jayant Deshmukh is a 2019-batch Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officer who secured All India Rank 5 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2018 on her first attempt, and she is currently serving as Additional Collector, Khandwa, in Madhya Pradesh.
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh: Quick Stats Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Srushti Jayant Deshmukh (Srushti Deshmukh Gowda, post-marriage) |
| Date of Birth | 28 March 1996 (reported; treat as approximate — see verification note below) |
| Age | 30–31 years |
| Birthplace | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Father | Jayant Deshmukh (Engineer) |
| Mother | Sunita Deshmukh (Teacher) |
| Schooling | Carmel Convent School, BHEL, Bhopal |
| Education | B.E. in Chemical Engineering, Lakshmi Narain College of Technology (affiliated to RGPV), Bhopal |
| UPSC Attempt | First attempt |
| UPSC Batch | 2019 |
| UPSC Rank | AIR 5, CSE 2018 (Topper among female candidates that year) |
| Cadre | Madhya Pradesh |
| Service | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Optional Subject | Sociology |
| Husband | Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, IAS (2019 batch, AIR 418, MP cadre) |
| Marriage Date | 22–23 April 2022 (sources vary by a day) |
| Children | No confirmed public information as of 2026 |
| Current Posting | Additional Collector, Khandwa |
| Posting In Which District | Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh |
| Salary Per Month | Approx. ₹80,000–₹1,50,000 gross (Pay Level 11, 7th CPC, plus allowances) |
| Books | Booklist/notes shared publicly; credited on “UPSC Guide: The Answer Writing” study material |
Who Is Srushti Jayant Deshmukh, Really?
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh is one of those rare UPSC toppers whose story didn’t start with a grand plan to join the civil services. She actually wanted to get into an IIT. She sat for JEE, didn’t clear it, and instead landed at Lakshmi Narain College of Technology in Bhopal to study Chemical Engineering.
If you’re picturing a moody, disappointed teenager sulking about a missed IIT seat — that’s not quite what happened. Srushti Jayant Deshmukh simply pivoted. She finished her engineering degree, then turned her attention to the UPSC Civil Services Examination. And she didn’t just clear it. She smashed it, landing AIR 5 in the 2018 exam, on her very first attempt, becoming the top-ranked woman that year among 182 female candidates who cleared it.
A Quick Timeline of Her Journey
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Class 10 | Perfect 10 CGPA at Carmel Convent School, Bhopal |
| Class 12 | Around 93–94% marks |
| Post-Class 12 | Did not clear JEE for IIT |
| Engineering | B.E. Chemical Engineering, Lakshmi Narain College of Technology, Bhopal |
| 2018 | Cleared UPSC CSE with AIR 5 on first attempt |
| 2019 | Joined IAS, allotted Madhya Pradesh cadre |
| 2022 | Married Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, IAS |
| 2023 | Served as CEO, Zila Panchayat, Burhanpur |
| 2025 | Transferred as Additional Collector, Khandwa |
| 2026 | Continues public role while managing district administration |
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh Age: How Old Is She Now?
This is one of the most-searched questions about her, and it’s a fair one — public records for civil servants aren’t always front and center. Based on widely reported information, Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s date of birth is 28 March 1996, which puts her at 30 years old in 2026.
Verification note: her exact date of birth is not confirmed by an official government release, so this figure should be treated as the most commonly cited estimate, not a verified certificate detail. For anyone citing this professionally, cross-check with the DoPT IAS Civil List.
What we do know with more confidence is her age when she cracked the exam — she was around 22 to 23 years old, which makes her achievement even more remarkable.
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh Education: The Academic Blueprint
Let’s slow down on this, because her educational path is genuinely instructive for anyone who thinks a “non-humanities” background is a disadvantage for UPSC.
- School: Carmel Convent School, BHEL, Bhopal — strong academic record throughout, including a perfect 10 CGPA in Class 10.
- Class 12: Around 93–94%, keeping her firmly in topper territory.
- Undergraduate: B.E. in Chemical Engineering from Lakshmi Narain College of Technology, Bhopal (affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya).
- UPSC Optional: Despite an engineering background, she chose Sociology as her optional subject — a subject with no direct overlap with chemical engineering, which says a lot about her willingness to start fresh.
Her Public Study Approach
She has spoken publicly, including in interviews, about a few consistent habits:
- Reading newspapers daily (The Hindu, Times of India, Economic Times were commonly cited by similar toppers)
- Watching Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) for current affairs and policy depth
- Using NCERT textbooks (Class 6 to 12) as the foundation for General Studies
- Practicing daily yoga and keeping music as a stress outlet
- Tracking her time using a mobile app to stay disciplined during preparation
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh Books: What Did She Actually Study From?
If you search “Srushti Jayant Deshmukh Books,” you’ll find two different things mixed together — books she recommends, and study material credited to her name. Here’s the breakdown, organized so it’s not confusing.
Books and Sources She Recommended to Aspirants
| Subject | Recommended Source |
|---|---|
| Ancient & Medieval History | Tamil Nadu Board textbooks + NCERTs |
| Modern History | A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum |
| Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography + Atlas |
| Art & Culture | Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania |
| Polity | Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth + NCERTs |
| Economy | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh + NCERTs |
| Science & Tech | Current affairs + government portals |
| Ethics (GS Paper 4) | Lexicon for Ethics |
| Newspapers | The Hindu, Times of India, Economic Times |
Study Material Credited to Her
A structured answer-writing guide, commonly referenced online as “UPSC Guide: The Answer Writing by Srushti Deshmukh Gowda,” compiles her exam strategy, covering the CSE exam pattern, answer-writing techniques, GS strategy for all four papers, essay writing tips, and a booklist. This kind of resource-sharing is a big part of why Srushti Jayant Deshmukh built such a loyal following among UPSC aspirants — she treated her prep notes as something to give away, not guard.
Ias Srushti Jayant Deshmukh: Career and Postings So Far
Once she joined the IAS in the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s postings followed the fairly typical early-career trajectory for a topper — starting with sub-divisional responsibilities and moving up to district-level administrative roles.
Posting History Table
| Period | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Early posting | Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / SDO (Revenue) | Gadarwara, Narsinghpur district |
| From July 2023 | CEO, Zila Panchayat | Burhanpur district |
| From September 2025 | Additional Collector | Khandwa district |
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh Current Posting
As of the most recent Madhya Pradesh government transfer notification, Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s Current Posting is Additional Collector in Khandwa district. This came through a broader reshuffle of 18 IAS officers across the state, aimed at strengthening district-level governance.
Do keep in mind that IAS transfers happen fairly often (sometimes every one to two years), so this posting could change with the next state government reshuffle. Always check the latest Madhya Pradesh GAD (General Administration Department) notification for the most current status.
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh Salary Per Month: What Does an AIR 5 Officer Actually Earn?
People assume topping UPSC leads to a massive paycheck. It doesn’t — not in the way private-sector jobs do. IAS salaries follow the 7th Pay Commission matrix, and pay is tied to service level, not exam rank.
Approximate Salary Breakdown
| Component | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 11 (entry-to-mid IAS level) |
| Basic Pay | Around ₹67,700 starting, rising with increments |
| Gross Monthly Salary | Roughly ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 (with DA and allowances) |
| Additional Perks | Government accommodation, official vehicle, staff support, medical benefits, pension under NPS |
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh Husband: The Power Couple Everyone Talks About
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s Husband is Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, also an IAS officer from the 2019 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre, who secured AIR 418 in the same UPSC CSE 2018 exam. He’s a qualified MBBS doctor by original training who chose to switch into civil services.
The two met during their training at LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration) and got married in April 2022. Together, they’re often described online as a “Power IAS Couple,” known for their active social media presence and openness with aspirants.
Husband: Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda |
| Date of Birth | 9 May 1992 (as reported) |
| UPSC Rank | AIR 418, CSE 2018 |
| Original Qualification | MBBS (Medicine) |
| Cadre | Madhya Pradesh, 2019 batch |
| Current Role | CEO, District Panchayat, Khandwa (recent posting) |
| Marriage | 22–23 April 2022, to Srushti Jayant Deshmukh |
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh Children: Setting the Record Straight
There is no confirmed public information about Srushti Jayant Deshmukh having children as of 2026. She and Dr. Gowda keep their personal life fairly private outside of their professional and occasional social media presence.
Conclusion
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s journey is a powerful example of how consistency, adaptability, and focused preparation can lead to success. After missing her initial IIT goal, she changed direction, pursued engineering, and went on to secure AIR 5 in UPSC 2018. Her journey later included marriage to fellow IAS officer Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda and a growing career in public administration. Her story continues to inspire UPSC aspirants by showing that setbacks do not define success—a clear plan, discipline, and consistent effort do.
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Srushti Jayant Deshmukh: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Srushti Jayant Deshmukh?
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh is an IAS officer from the 2019 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre, who secured AIR 5 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2018 on her first attempt.
2. What is Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s current posting?
As per the latest available records, her current posting is Additional Collector, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.
3. Who is Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s husband?
Her husband is Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, also an IAS officer of the 2019 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre, who secured AIR 418 in the same exam year.
4. What was Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s optional subject in UPSC?
She chose Sociology as her optional subject, despite having an engineering academic background.
5. What is Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s age?
Based on her widely reported date of birth (28 March 1996), she is approximately 30 years old as of 2026. This is treated as the best publicly available estimate.
6. Does Srushti Jayant Deshmukh have children?
There is no confirmed public information about her having children as of 2026.
7. What is Srushti Jayant Deshmukh’s monthly salary?
As an IAS officer at Pay Level 11, her approximate gross monthly salary ranges between ₹80,000 and ₹1,50,000, along with government housing, vehicle, and other allowances.
For more verified information, you can refer to this trusted external source: Officer Life Path
