Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 17: Devesh Kumar, the All India Rank 1 (CSE 1997), is today a leading bureaucrat in the Himachal Pradesh cadre—standing as an inspiration to many civil service aspirants.

Born on July 1, 1974, in Uttar Pradesh, Devesh earned his B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur (1991-95). He later completed an Executive Master’s in Public Administration at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School in 2014–15.

Devesh topped the 1997 Civil Services Examination, choosing Chemistry and Geography as his optional subjects. He secured a stellar 1,462 marks in the mains and made history as the first Bihar-born candidate to top the exam in the 1990s.

Assigned to the Himachal Pradesh cadre, he has held key administrative posts, including divisional commissioner and secretary to the chief minister. In June 2021, he also took charge as Managing Director of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd.

Known for his integrity, policy acumen and administration skills, Devesh Kumar’s journey from IIT Kanpur to topping the UPSC and rising through ranks in state governance is a story of dedication and service. One young civil service aspirant says: “His success shows that strong academic foundations and continuous learning can open doors to leadership in public administration.”

With nearly 30 years of experience, Devesh Kumar remains an example of how bright academic credentials combined with public service can yield lasting impact. His story continues to inspire today’s generation of aspirants.