IAS Apoorv Devgan Biography, Wiki, Age, Early Life, Family, Education, Career Path, UPSC Journey, Net Worth, Achievements and Recognition

IAS Apoorv Devgan Biography

IAS Apoorv Devgan (born March 20, 1988 in Ludhiana, Punjab, India) is a 2011-batch IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, who secured All India Rank 165 in UPSC CSE 2011 after completing his B.Tech from IIT Delhi and MBA from IIM Calcutta.

Known for his people-centric governance and educational reforms, he gained recognition as the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi where he launched the innovative “Apna Pustakalay” initiative to promote community libraries and literacy at the grassroots level.

With a career spanning over a decade in public administration since 2011, he has worked extensively in district administration, healthcare, rural development, and education sectors, earning respect for his integrity, transparency, and innovative leadership.

As of September 2025, Apoorv Devgan is 37 years old, and his inspiring journey from IIT–IIM to IAS continues to motivate thousands of UPSC aspirants across India.

IAS Apoorv Devgan Wikipedia

IAS Apoorv Devgan Early Life, Family & Education

IAS Apoorv Devgan was born on March 20, 1988 in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, into a family that deeply valued education, integrity, and service to society.

Growing up in an environment that emphasized knowledge and discipline, he developed a strong academic inclination from an early age.

After completing his schooling with excellent performance, he pursued higher education at one of India’s most prestigious institutes, IIT Delhi, where he earned his B.Tech degree.

Determined to further strengthen his management and leadership skills, he went on to study at IIM Calcutta, obtaining an MBA.

His outstanding academic journey at IIT and IIM not only shaped his intellectual foundation but also instilled in him the determination to serve the nation, eventually guiding him towards the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Career Path & UPSC Journey of IAS Apoorv Devgan

Apoorv Devgan’s journey to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a story of perseverance and determination.

In his first attempt at UPSC, he could not even clear the prelims. Undeterred, he tried again, and in his second attempt, he secured a position in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS).

However, Apoorv always aspired to join the IAS because of the wider scope of impact and service it provides.

Finally, in his third attempt in 2015, he cracked the exam with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 61, earning his place in the 2015 IAS batch and being allotted the Himachal Pradesh cadre.

His success story highlights the value of resilience, consistency, and focused preparation.

After completing his training, Apoorv began his administrative career at the grassroots level, serving as Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Banjar and Karsog, where he gained firsthand experience in governance, rural development, and people’s issues.

He later served as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Shimla, contributing to revenue management and welfare programs, and as Member Secretary, H.P. State Pollution Control Board, where he worked on environmental sustainability.

His dedication and innovative thinking led to higher responsibilities, including serving as Deputy Commissioner of Chamba (April 2023 – February 2024) and later Deputy Commissioner of Mandi (2024), where he launched the “Apna Pustakalay” initiative to establish community libraries in rural areas, promoting reading culture and digital learning.

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Administrative Roles & Key Posts of IAS Apoorv Devgan

After joining the IAS in 2015 (Himachal Pradesh cadre), Apoorv Devgan steadily built a reputation for his grassroots connect, innovation, and people-oriented governance.

His career postings showcase a balance between rural development, urban administration, and environmental governance:

• Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Banjar & Karsog (2016–2018): He began his career at the grassroots, handling land reforms, revenue cases, law and order, and local development schemes. His tenure allowed him to understand the day-to-day challenges of rural administration and public service delivery.

• Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Shimla (2018–2020): In Shimla, he managed planning, welfare delivery, and revenue management, ensuring smoother coordination between departments. His work strengthened local governance and improved service efficiency in the capital district.

• Member Secretary, H.P. State Pollution Control Board, Shimla (2020–2022): Apoorv’s technical background in engineering helped him balance industrial growth with environmental sustainability, focusing on pollution monitoring, eco-friendly practices, and stricter environmental regulations.

• Deputy Commissioner, Chamba (April 2023 – February 2024): As DC Chamba, he launched initiatives like the ‘Chamba Products’ campaign to promote local handicrafts and specialties, and introduced efficient waste management and garbage disposal systems. He also focused on creating 20 community libraries across panchayats and wards, strengthening his literacy mission.

• Deputy Commissioner, Mandi (2024 – Present): Currently serving as DC Mandi, Apoorv is driving the “Apna Pustakalay” initiative, aiming to set up at least 10 more libraries in the district. The model encourages student-run committees, Wi-Fi-enabled study spaces, and community book donations to make education and exam preparation accessible even in remote hilly regions.

Through these roles, Apoorv Devgan has built a career marked by inclusive development, grassroots empowerment, environmental responsibility, and literacy promotion.

Deputy Commissioner of Mandi & “Apna Pustakalay”

When Apoorv Devgan took charge as the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi in 2024, he carried forward one of his most impactful initiatives, the “Apna Pustakalay” project, a community-driven library movement aimed at reviving the culture of reading in Himachal Pradesh’s hilly and rural regions.

The idea for Apna Pustakalay came from his own experiences as a UPSC aspirant, where he relied heavily on public libraries in Chandigarh and Delhi.

Realizing that students in remote Himachal towns often lacked such facilities, he introduced the initiative to bridge the gap.

• First Libraries: The model was first tested in Banjar (Kullu district) during his posting as SDM, and later expanded to Karsog (Mandi district).

• Expansion in Chamba (2023–2024): As Deputy Commissioner, he set up 20 libraries across panchayats, municipal wards, and urban bodies, all managed by student committees with support from local administrations.

• Strengthening in Mandi (2024–Present): On taking charge in Mandi, he announced plans to establish 10 new community libraries, each equipped with Wi-Fi facilities, comfortable reading spaces, and access to competitive exam material for UPSC, NEET, and JEE aspirants.

The project follows a community-participation model:

• Libraries are located near administrative offices or schools.

• They are run by students and monitored by local committees to ensure ownership and discipline.

• Citizens and aspirants are encouraged to donate books, creating a cycle of knowledge sharing.

• Digital facilities are added to keep students connected with modern learning resources.

One of the most successful examples is the Karsog library, which has been running efficiently for over seven years under student management and is now being expanded due to growing demand.

Through Apna Pustakalay, Apoorv Devgan has not only created physical spaces for reading but also ignited a literacy movement in Himachal Pradesh, ensuring that even children and youth in the remotest villages have access to books, the internet, and academic resources.

Personal Life & Interests of IAS Apoorv Devgan

IAS Apoorv Devgan comes from a family deeply rooted in discipline, education, and public service.

His father served in the Indian Air Force, while his mother worked as an educator and retired as Joint Director of Technical Education, Haryana.

This environment instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility, patriotism, and a passion for learning.

In his personal life, Apoorv is known to be simple, humble, and grounded. He values spending time with his family and draws inspiration from his parents’ professional dedication.

His mother’s career in education particularly influenced his focus on literacy and knowledge-sharing initiatives, such as Apna Pustakalay.

Beyond administration, Apoorv has a keen interest in reading, travelling, and exploring local cultures.

His own experiences of studying in public libraries during his youth shaped his lifelong habit of reading and eventually led him to replicate such spaces for others.

He is also known to encourage young people, especially UPSC aspirants, by sharing his story of failing twice before achieving AIR-61 in his third attempt, proving his belief in resilience and persistence.

He enjoys activities that connect him with nature and people, often interacting with students, village communities, and local entrepreneurs, reinforcing his philosophy of inclusive and participatory governance.

IAS Apoorv Devgan Net Worth

As a serving IAS officer of the 2015 batch (Himachal Pradesh cadre), Apoorv Devgan’s income comes from his official government salary and allowances, as per the 7th Central Pay Commission.

An IAS officer at his level typically earns between ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakh per month, depending on grade pay, position, and benefits.

His net worth is not publicly disclosed, since civil servants are not permitted to engage in private commercial ventures, but it largely comprises his salary savings, assets declared in official service records, and allowances.

IAS Apoorv Devgan Achievements & Recognition

• UPSC Success (2015): Secured All India Rank 61 in his third attempt, a testament to resilience after failing prelims once and joining IRTS earlier.

• Grassroots Impact: As SDM Banjar & Karsog, he directly worked with rural communities, gaining recognition for efficient governance.

• Environmental Administration: Served as Member Secretary, H.P. State Pollution Control Board, where he balanced development with sustainable practices.

• Promotion of Local Economy: As Deputy Commissioner, Chamba (2023–2024), I launched the “Chamba Products” initiative to promote local crafts and traditional goods.

• Waste Management Innovation: Introduced efficient garbage and waste disposal systems in the Chamba district.

• Apna Pustakalay Movement: Widely recognized for its community-library initiative, which established over 30 reading spaces across Banjar, Karsog, Chamba, and Mandi. This project has been praised for student-led management, Wi-Fi integration, and inclusivity, inspiring similar initiatives in other districts.

• Public Recognition: Featured in reputed media platforms like Indian Masterminds and praised by educationists, aspirants, and civil society groups for being a “literacy crusader” in the hills.

His recognition lies less in awards and more in the grassroots appreciation from communities and youth, especially students preparing for competitive exams, who directly benefit from his initiatives.

Physical Stats of IAS Apoorv Devgan

IAS Apoorv Devgan is a tall, fit, and well-groomed officer with an appearance that reflects his disciplined background; he maintains a moderate build with an average height of around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and a weight of approximately 70 kg, has black hair, brown eyes, and carries himself with a simple yet confident personality that resonates with his role as a public servant.

While not much emphasis is placed on his physical appearance in the public domain, his professional demeanor, calm presence, and approachable nature are often highlighted by colleagues and citizens alike.

IAS Apoorv Devgan Age

Born on March 20, 1988, IAS Apoorv Devgan is 37 years old as of September 2025.

Favorites of IAS Apoorv Devgan

• Favorite Book Genre: Non-fiction, biographies, and public administration-related works (he is an avid reader, especially of books that shape leadership and governance).

• Favorite Habit: Spending time in libraries and encouraging reading culture among youth.

• Favorite Inspiration: His mother, an educator, and his father’s disciplined life in the Air Force.

• Favorite Place: The hills of Himachal Pradesh, where he has spent most of his service career and launched his Apna Pustakalay movement.

• Favorite Quote/Belief: Persistence pays off – drawn from his own UPSC journey, where he failed twice before securing AIR-61.

• Favorite Activity: Interacting with students and young aspirants, motivating them to read and prepare for exams with dedication.

• Favorite Food: Prefers simple and traditional Indian meals (as often noted about his humble lifestyle).

• Favorite Role Model: Civil servants and changemakers who combine innovation with people-oriented governance.

Facts & Trivia of IAS Apoorv Devgan

• Education-Focused IAS: He is widely admired for launching the innovative “Apna Pustakalay” initiative in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, which created community libraries to encourage reading habits.

• Background in Engineering & Management: Apoorv holds a B.Tech degree from IIT Delhi and later pursued MBA from IIM Calcutta, showcasing a strong academic foundation before cracking UPSC.

• UPSC Success: He cleared the Civil Services Examination (2011 batch) with All India Rank 165, joining the IAS cadre of Himachal Pradesh.

• Development-Oriented Work: He has been credited with people-friendly policies focusing on education, healthcare, and sustainable development in his administrative roles.

• Deputy Commissioner of Mandi: His tenure in Mandi is considered transformational, where he promoted grassroots literacy and rural empowerment.

• Progressive Officer: Known for being approachable and innovative, he has built strong public trust in every district he has served.

• Public Recognition: Frequently praised in media and governance forums for his efforts in inclusive growth and administrative transparency.

• Inspiration: His career path, from IIT–IIM to IAS, serves as a motivational story for UPSC aspirants who dream of blending academic excellence with public service.

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FAQs

1: Who is IAS Apoorv Devgan?

IAS Apoorv Devgan is a 2011-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, known for his innovative governance initiatives, especially in education.

2: When was Apoorv Devgan born?

He was born on March 20, 1988, and is 37 years old as of 2025.

3: What is his educational background?

Apoorv Devgan is an IIT Delhi alumnus (B.Tech) and also completed his MBA from IIM Calcutta before clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

4: What was his UPSC rank?

He secured All India Rank 165 in the UPSC CSE 2011.

5: Which states has he served in as an IAS officer?

Being from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, he has served in various districts of Himachal Pradesh in administrative roles.

6: Why is Apoorv Devgan famous?

He is best known for launching the “Apna Pustakalay” initiative as the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, which promoted community-driven libraries and reading culture.

7: What are his key achievements?

His achievements include improving rural education, healthcare access, sustainable development, and being recognized for transparent and people-friendly administration.

8: What is his marital status?

Details about his personal life and family remain private, as he prefers to maintain a low profile outside of work.

9: Does IAS Apoorv Devgan use social media?

He is not very active on public social media platforms, though his work is regularly highlighted in government portals and media.

10: What is his inspirational message to aspirants?

Apoorv Devgan’s journey from IIT–IIM to IAS proves that with dedication, discipline, and a service mindset, one can achieve success and contribute meaningfully to society.

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Conclusion

IAS Apoorv Devgan (born March 20, 1988 in Ludhiana, Punjab, India) stands as a remarkable example of how academic brilliance, hard work, and a passion for service can come together to create a transformative career in public administration.

From being an IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta graduate to securing AIR 165 in UPSC CSE 2011, his journey inspires countless aspirants.

His tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, especially the “Apna Pustakalay” initiative, highlights his vision of grassroots education and community empowerment.

Known for his integrity, innovative governance, and people-centric policies, Apoorv Devgan continues to leave a meaningful impact on the lives of citizens in Himachal Pradesh.

His story is not only one of personal achievement but also a beacon of hope for young Indians who wish to merge excellence with service to the nation.

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