Nandini KR IAS, an inspiring UPSC topper from Karnataka, showed academic brilliance from school to engineering. Her strong educational background helped her secure AIR 1 in UPSC 2016. Check the details below.
Nandini KR, an inspiring Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has become a role model for UPSC aspirants across India. She secured the All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016, in her fourth attempt. This achievement made her the first woman from Karnataka to top the UPSC and proves that anyone can reach the top with dedication and hard work. Nandini’s story motivates students to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough the journey.
About Nandini KR
Nandini KR was born into a middle-class family in the Kolar district of Karnataka. Her father, Ramesh, was a schoolteacher, and her mother, Vimala, gave up her career to focus on supporting Nandini’s education. Growing up in a family that valued education, Nandini developed a strong desire to succeed academically.
She was also exposed to public service early in her life, as her father took her to literacy camps. Witnessing the significant role of the district administration in improving community living standards inspired her to dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Nandini KR (IAS) Date of Birth
Nandini KR was born on September 15, 1990. This means that she was 26 years old when she secured the top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016, which highlights the remarkable speed at which she achieved this prestigious feat.
Nandini KR Personal Life
Nandini KR comes from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. She is married to Dr. Rajith BS, a surgeon practicing in Bengaluru, and they have two daughters. Nandini is a well-rounded person with interests outside of work. She enjoys reading literature and playing volleyball, which helped her maintain a balanced lifestyle during her intense UPSC preparation.
Nandini made the unique choice to deliver both of her children in government hospitals, showing her trust in public healthcare, even though she could afford private care. This decision reflected her deep commitment to the values of public service she holds as an IAS officer.
Nandini KR Educational Background
Nandini KR’s educational journey is a testament to her commitment and determination. From a young age, she displayed exceptional academic abilities, which continued to shine throughout her schooling and higher education. Her consistent performance at various educational levels laid a strong foundation for her eventual success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The table below provides an overview of the Nandini KR Educational Background:
| Nandini KR Educational Background | ||
| Level of Education | School/College | Achievement/Score |
| Schooling | Thimmaiah Vidyalaya, Kolar | – |
| 10th Grade | Chinmaya Singh School, Kolar | 96.80% |
| Pre-University (P.U.) | Alva’s P.U. College, Kolar | 94.83% in Science Stream |
| Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Civil Engineering | MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru | CGPA: 9.82 (Gold Medalist) |
Nandini KR Professional Background
After completing her B.Tech, Nandini worked as an assistant engineer in the Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) for three years. During this time, she gained valuable experience and saw the challenges faced by the government in implementing policies. This motivated her to pursue a career in public administration, which led her to take the UPSC exam.
In 2014, Nandini cleared the UPSC exam and was selected for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), where she trained at the National Academy of Customs, Excise, and Narcotics. However, her ultimate goal was to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), so she decided to take the exam again.
In 2016, her hard work and persistence paid off when she secured AIR 1 in the UPSC CSE exam. Nandini is currently serving as the Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes in the Karnataka government, where she plays an important role in public administration.
Nandini KR- UPSC Rank & Preparation Strategy
Nandini KR achieved the top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016, which was her fourth attempt. She chose Kannada Literature as her optional subject because she had a genuine interest in it, which helped her enjoy the preparation process. Nandini followed a well-planned strategy for her preparation:
- Structured Timetable: Nandini made a clear study plan that included time for rest and physical activity. She ensured she got eight hours of sleep every night and dedicated one hour to playing volleyball, which helped her stay physically active and mentally refreshed.
- Practice and Mock Tests: Nandini regularly practiced answer writing and took mock tests to improve her writing speed and accuracy. This practice was key to performing well in the mains examination.
- Coaching and Guidance: In her final attempt, Nandini moved to Delhi to attend a coaching center, where she received guidance and focused support. This helped her improve her strategy and boost her confidence.
- Balanced Approach: Nandini focused not just on study, but on maintaining a balanced lifestyle to keep her mind and body healthy.
Her preparation strategy shows that hard work, discipline, and planning are essential to success in the UPSC exam.
Nandini KR’s UPSC Attempts
Nandini’s UPSC journey was not easy, but her perseverance helped her succeed. Nandini KR cleared the exam in her 4th attempt. Here’s a summary of each:
| Nandini KR’s UPSC Attempts | |||
| Attempt | Year | Result | Key Takeaway |
| 1st | 2013 | Did not clear prelims | Lack of guidance |
| 2nd | 2014 | Selected for IRS | Needed better writing practice |
| 3rd | 2015 | Missed mains | Had dengue – learned patience |
| 4th | 2016 | AIR 1 | Strategic planning and hard work paid off |
