S. Divyadharshini

S. Divyadharshini is an accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer belonging to the Tamil Nadu cadre, widely recognised for securing the All-India Rank 1 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2010. Her achievement at a young age, coupled with her consistent commitment to public service, has made her an inspiration for civil service aspirants across India.

Early Life and Education

S. Divyadharshini was born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She pursued her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (B.A. LL.B) degree from Dr Ambedkar Government Law College, Chennai. Her educational background in law provided her with a strong foundation in constitutional principles, public administration, and governance—subjects that later supported her in civil service preparation.
Even during her student years, she was known for her discipline and determination. After completing her studies, she briefly worked in the banking sector, gaining practical exposure to institutional systems before deciding to pursue her long-standing aspiration of joining the Indian Administrative Service.

UPSC Journey and Achievement

In 2010, at the age of 24, Divyadharshini achieved the rare distinction of topping the UPSC Civil Services Examination on her second attempt. Her success was a result of strategic preparation, deep understanding of core subjects, and consistent effort.
Her journey was marked by resilience and focus. Having faced initial setbacks in her first attempt, she re-evaluated her approach, refined her study methods, and developed a disciplined routine that eventually led her to success. Her story has often been cited as a model of perseverance and dedication among civil service aspirants.

Career and Key Administrative Roles

Upon joining the IAS (2011 batch, Tamil Nadu cadre), Divyadharshini has served in various key capacities across the state and central administrations. Her roles have encompassed governance in sectors such as rural development, women’s empowerment, finance, and economic affairs.
Some of her notable positions include:

  • Chief Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project (TNRTP): Focused on improving rural livelihoods, promoting self-help groups, and encouraging rural entrepreneurship.
  • Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women: Worked towards financial inclusion, skill training, and women-led enterprise promotion.
  • Director (Multilateral Institutions Division), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India: Involved in coordination with global financial institutions and international development agencies.

Her administrative approach reflects a blend of policy innovation and grassroots understanding, ensuring that government initiatives reach and benefit the most vulnerable sections of society.

Vision and Work Philosophy

S. Divyadharshini is known for her people-centric approach to governance. Her vision emphasises inclusive development, empowerment of women, and sustainable rural growth. She advocates for the use of data-driven decision-making and digital technology in governance to improve transparency and efficiency.
Her key principles include:

  • The importance of resilience and continuous learning.
  • Ensuring equity and accountability in administration.
  • Balancing policy design at higher levels with effective on-ground implementation.

She also highlights the need for empathy in public service, viewing civil administration not merely as a position of authority but as a platform for social change.

Influence and Inspiration

S. Divyadharshini’s journey from a young law graduate to the nation’s top civil services rank-holder is an inspiring example of perseverance and purpose. She has become a role model for students and aspirants, particularly women, demonstrating that determination and discipline can overcome challenges in competitive examinations and beyond.
Her professional career reflects how a civil servant can bridge the gap between policy formulation and grassroots execution, ensuring that governance remains citizen-focused and inclusive.

Present Engagements

As a senior IAS officer, S. Divyadharshini continues to contribute actively to governance and development initiatives both at the state and national levels. Her work focuses on promoting rural transformation, economic empowerment, and institutional capacity building.
Through her leadership and commitment, she exemplifies the transformative power of public service and continues to inspire future generations of administrators.

Originally written on June 7, 2011 and last modified on November 4, 2025.

42 Comments

  1. S. Deepam

    June 7, 2011 at 6:11 am

    The pearl was always there, S.Divyadarshini just opened the shell. This is just the beginning!

    Reply
  2. Aravind

    June 7, 2011 at 7:31 am

    Yes it is a very useful site. Before last mains examination, the sole source I could get for latest amendments was from gktoday.in. And two of those amendments were asked in the Mains Examination.

    Reply
  3. Tejaswi

    June 7, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    yes..it is very helpful sir..v all are thankful for ur efforts..i started my prep very late and dis site is on top list of my prep materials.

    Reply
  4. akmadhuker

    June 29, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    hi sir

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    Reply
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    July 6, 2011 at 12:55 pm

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    Reply
  6. visha

    July 10, 2011 at 12:02 pm

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    Reply
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    July 10, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    A mighty site for competitive exam

    Reply
  8. karunakar saroj

    July 12, 2011 at 10:04 pm

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    Reply
  9. neha raput

    July 22, 2011 at 7:26 am

    sir

    this e-magazine which is pubilishing on regular basis is a fantastic…….today is my first visit,but not last.from today i want to b aregular visitor….because being an IAS aspirant it is good for me

    with regards
    Neha rajput

    Reply
  10. joe

    August 10, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    hi sir
    i have been visiting this site from last two months…..
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    Reply
  11. ashvin.ashvinrathod.rathod9

    August 17, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    Sir, I am from Amravati in maharashtra. I was started my upsc preparation from 15 aug. After looking, I thought this is very useful site for IAS study students. Also for other civil service examination.

    Reply
  12. Mahak

    August 28, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    I’m very lucky that today while browsing i got this site and I am also a civil service aspirant.

    Reply
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    August 31, 2011 at 1:58 am

    Thankyou

    Reply
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    September 12, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    sir
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    Reply
  15. MIAN GUL MOHD

    September 19, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    i am very thankful of Divyadharshani for praising this source of knowledge.

    Reply
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    September 26, 2011 at 10:54 am

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    Reply
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    November 2, 2011 at 11:03 am

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    Reply
  18. Bharti Pandita

    November 4, 2011 at 10:00 pm

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    Regards

    Reply
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    November 13, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    hi sir i am new reader this site. Thank you sir this site more information current affair. Sir i request u tell me how prepare bank ibps examination

    Reply
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    November 23, 2011 at 11:01 am

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    Reply
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    December 15, 2011 at 10:20 pm

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    Reply
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    December 25, 2011 at 10:13 am

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    Reply
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    January 20, 2012 at 11:28 am

    Its really a very pleasent experience for me to go through your site.You have done really a great job by accumulating all the core issues of gs along with updating current affairs.Its of great importance for civil services aspirants.

    Reply
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    February 2, 2012 at 11:27 am

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    Reply
  26. balasaheb maske

    February 2, 2012 at 11:29 am

    one more thinks can that site open in marathi language this is Q. plz reply must

    Reply
  27. mayank.shakya

    February 16, 2012 at 2:42 am

    i like this site becose of coverage of all section in just a clik away ie gktoday.in
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    Reply
  28. alok

    February 16, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    it is necessary to give all questions in different regional language, so pls check ur useful decision to criticise ur opinion.

    Reply
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    March 2, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    It is good to see the helping hands of awareness and knowledge in the hands of
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    Reply
  30. vinita yadav

    March 21, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    sir,i m very thankful to u for providing more information at one place.THANK U

    Reply
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    March 21, 2012 at 1:59 pm

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    Reply
  32. E Balraj

    April 3, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    Dear Sir,

    i would like to choose Civil Services Field and for this we need to be uptodate with General Awareness, GKtoday.in website seems good for me, i would like to subscribe for books, as sitting and studying infront of the system getting strain to eyes. pls help me out sir. Thank You in Advance.

    Reply
  33. ASHOK MISHRA

    April 3, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    VERY THANKS FOR DONATION OF KNOWLEDGE FROM YOU. GOD BE HAPPY ALWAYS WITH YOU
    I WISH….

    Reply
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    April 5, 2012 at 10:45 pm

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    Reply
  35. Subhransu Mondal

    April 12, 2012 at 12:25 am

    Thank u gk today .

    Reply
  36. Rahul

    April 21, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    nice website for current affairs….

    Reply
  37. Rahul

    April 21, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    nice website for cs….

    Reply
  38. mahesh

    April 25, 2012 at 10:03 pm

    If i am correct .you are Raju and classmate of mr TGC Prasad.

    I have read about you in one of his book.

    thanks a lot.

    Reply
  39. tulasi r

    May 7, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    right from the basics of gk to current affairs it is providing very very useful info to every aspirants those who are seriously preparing for their exams. thanks a lot for great valuable info.

    Reply
  40. ankit p

    January 18, 2013 at 10:56 pm

    sir , m crazy bout cse ,,, nd a regular reader of this site… I want to crack cse… Plz guide me…

    Reply
  41. Sangeetha.s.k

    July 16, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    Respected sir/mam…. I was searching 4 sources to start my IAS preparation……. And i am damn lucky dat i found dis site……… I hope it helps many more students 2 reach der goal lk s.dhakshayini……. ………. ………. With regards

    Reply
  42. Sangeetha.s.k

    July 16, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    Sry its nt dhakshayini……… Its s.Divyadarshini

    Reply

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