Anu Kumari, born on November 18, 1986 (39 years old), in Sonipat, Haryana, is known all over India for her amazing success in the UPSC exam. She came second in the country in 2017, which made her a big inspiration, especially for young women and mothers.
Before becoming an IAS officer, Anu worked in the corporate world. But she wanted to do something more meaningful.
So, she left her job and studied hard, sometimes up to 12 hours a day. She passed one of the toughest exams in India, all while being a mother to a young child.
Today, she is an IAS officer in Kerala. She has worked as Sub-Collector of Thalassery and is now the District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram.
Keep reading to know more about Anu Kumari’s family, education, career, facts and more.
Anu Kumari Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Anu Kumari |
| Profession | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer |
| Age | 39 years old |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1986 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Scorpio |
| Birthplace | Sonipat, Haryana, India |
| Current Address | Kannur, Kerala, India |
Anu Kumari Husband & Children
Anu Kumari is married to Varun Dahiya, a businessman based in Delhi. The couple tied the knot on February 23, 2012.
Husband: Varun Dahiya
Varun Dahiya is a Delhi-based businessman. While detailed information about his professional background is yet to be updated.
He has been a supportive partner throughout Anu’s journey, especially during her rigorous preparation for the UPSC examination.
Children
Anu Kumari and Varun Dahiya have a son named Rihan Dahiya. He was born in 2013. During Anu’s UPSC preparation, Rihan stayed with his grandmother, allowing Anu to focus entirely on her studies.
This period was challenging for both mother and son, but their mutual sacrifices contributed significantly to Anu’s success.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Varun Dahiya |
| Children | Son: Rihan Dahiya |
Anu Kumari Family
Father
Anu Kumari’s father is Baljit Singh. He worked in the Human Resources (HR) department of a hospital. He has always supported Anu in her dreams and played an important role during her UPSC journey.
Mother
Her mother’s name is Santro Devi. She is a homemaker and took care of the family while also helping to raise Anu’s son during her UPSC preparation.
Siblings
- Elder Sister: Anu has one elder sister who has also been a source of support (name yet to be updated).
- Two Younger Brothers: She has two younger brothers. Their names and professions are yet to be updated.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Baljit Singh Mother: Santro Devi |
| Siblings | Yet to be updated |
Anu Kumari Education
Anu Kumari did her schooling at Shiva Shiksha Sadan, a well-known school in Sonipat, Haryana. She was a bright student from the beginning and always showed a strong interest in learning.
After finishing school, she moved to Delhi for higher studies. She got admission into Hindu College, one of the top colleges at the University of Delhi. There, she studied B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics.
Later, she decided to go for a management degree and joined the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) in Nagpur. She completed her MBA in Finance and Marketing, which led her to work in the corporate sector for several years before she switched to civil services.
| School | Shiva Shiksha Sadan, Sonipat |
| Alma Mater | Hindu College, University of Delhi; Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Nagpur |
| Highest Qualification | MBA in Finance and Marketing |
Anu Kumari Career
Before stepping into public service, Anu Kumari spent nearly nine years in the corporate world.
She worked in major financial firms such as ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and Aviva Life Insurance. Her role involved managing financial operations and client relationships.
The UPSC Dream
In 2016, Anu decided to leave her job and prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
With a young child and no coaching, she studied on her own, dedicating up to 10–12 hours a day.
Her first attempt in 2016 saw her miss the prelims cutoff by just one mark, but she didn’t give up.
In her second attempt in 2017, Anu secured All India Rank 2, becoming one of the top achievers in the country.
Her success brought national attention and made her an inspiration, especially for working mothers.
Entry into the IAS
After her selection, Anu joined the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) in the 2018 batch and was allotted the Kerala cadre.
Her training and initial postings allowed her to learn the ropes of administration and public service.
Key Administrative Roles
- She started her career in the field as the Assistant Collector of the Thiruvananthapuram district.
- Later, she served as the Sub-Collector of Thalassery, where she focused on rural development, health programs, and disaster management.
- In July 2024, she was promoted and appointed as the District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram. In this role, she leads many key government projects, including education improvement, women’s safety, and tourism growth.
| Year | Role | Location/Department |
| 2007–2016 | Corporate Roles | ICICI Prudential & Aviva Life |
| 2016 | Began UPSC Preparation | Quit her job to study full-time |
| 2017 | UPSC Topper (AIR 2) | National (UPSC CSE 2017) |
| 2018 | IAS Officer (Joined Service) | Kerala Cadre |
| 2019 | Assistant Collector | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 2021 | Sub-Collector | Thalassery, Kerala |
| July 2024–Now | District Collector | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
Awards and Achievements
Here is a table highlighting the known awards and recognitions received by Anu Kumari during her career:
| Year | Award Name |
| 2018 | President’s Gold Medal |
| 2018 | Brand Ambassador – Beti Bachao Beti Padhao |
Anu Kumari Net Worth, Salary
Details about Anu’s net worth and annual income is yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | Yet To be Updated |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet To be Updated |
Anu Kumari Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Anu Kumari has a calm and confident personality that reflects her strong inner focus. She stands at about 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs around 57 kg (125 lbs). Her eyes are dark brown, and she has black hair.
She usually dresses in a simple, elegant style, often in traditional Indian attire, which suits her role as a civil servant. Her appearance shows a balance of grace and professionalism.
| Height | In centimetres: 160 cm In meters: 1.60 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 3 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 57 kg In lbs: 125.7 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Anu Kumari Instagram, X
 @iasanukumari | |
| X |  @anubhokar |
Interesting Facts About Anu Kumari
- Anu Kumari cracked the UPSC exam without joining any coaching institute.
- She missed clearing her first UPSC prelims by just one mark.
- During her UPSC preparation, her young son stayed with her parents to let her focus.
- She studied 10–12 hours a day during preparation.
- Anu was appointed as the brand ambassador of the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign.
- Before joining the IAS, she had a successful 9-year career in finance.
- Anu topped UPSC while managing responsibilities as a mother.
FAQs
Who is Anu Kumari?
Anu Kumari is an IAS officer who secured All India Rank 2 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2017. She currently serves as District Collector in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
What is Anu Kumari’s educational background?
Anu Kumari completed a B.Sc. in Physics from Hindu College, University, and holds an MBA from IMT Nagpur.
Is Anu Kumari married?
Yes, Anu Kumari is married to Varun Dahiya, a businessman. They got married in 2012.
Does Anu Kumari have children?
Yes, Anu Kumari has a son named Rihan, born in 2013.
What was Anu Kumari’s job before UPSC?
Anu Kumari worked in finance for nearly 9 years, including roles at ICICI Prudential and Aviva Life Insurance.
What is her current role?
Anu Kumari is serving as the District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
