Shri Aniket Shandilya, a 2024-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has begun his administrative journey with responsibilities in rural development, public welfare, and district governance. Born on April 2, 1995, in Uttar Pradesh, he joined the IAS on August 26, 2024, after securing All India Rank 12 in UPSC CSE 2023. Currently serving as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Baihar, Balaghat, he works toward strengthening essential public services and addressing the developmental needs of rural communities.
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Raised in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Shandilya completed his B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from JSS Academy of Technical Education, Noida, affiliated with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University. After exploring opportunities in engineering and securing a position in the Ministry of Home Affairs, he remained committed to civil services. Overcoming setbacks in successive examinations, he achieved AIR 12 in UPSC CSE 2023 on his fifth attempt. His journey reflects perseverance, thoughtful preparation, and a strong sense of professional purpose.
Professional Genesis and Ascendancy
Shri Shandilya began his administrative career as Assistant Collector in Satna in April 2025, gaining practical exposure to revenue administration, institutional monitoring, and public welfare programmes. His participation in district-level inspections strengthened his understanding of rural healthcare, education, and administrative accountability. In August 2026, he assumed charge as SDM, Baihar, Balaghat, expanding his responsibilities in local governance, community welfare, and developmental coordination.
Administrative Tenure: Strengthening Public Welfare and Grassroots Administration
Shri Shandilya’s early administrative work emphasizes field-level engagement, coordination among government institutions, and attention to the needs of remote communities. His involvement in public health, rural development, and essential services reflects the importance of accessible and responsible administration.
1. Public Health and Community Protection
In Baihar, Shri Shandilya inspected the Women and Child Development Department’s control room established to monitor illness-affected villages. By reviewing coordination arrangements and ongoing relief activities, he emphasized the importance of timely health surveillance, institutional preparedness, and effective assistance to vulnerable communities.
2. Rural Development and Community Outreach
Shri Shandilya led an administrative team visiting remote villages in the Baihar region as part of a broader district development initiative. Through field visits and interactions with local communities, the exercise sought to identify essential infrastructure needs and strengthen coordination for development in underserved rural areas.
3. Educational and Healthcare Infrastructure
During his Satna tenure, Shri Shandilya accompanied senior district officials on inspections of schools and rural healthcare institutions. These visits reviewed educational facilities, institutional functioning, and access to essential medical services, reinforcing the importance of regular field monitoring and accountability in public institutions.
4. Electoral Administration and Institutional Responsibility
As the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), Baihar, Shri Shandilya also undertakes responsibilities related to electoral-roll administration and voter registration procedures. This assignment reflects the importance of accuracy, transparency, and accessible administrative services in supporting the effective functioning of democratic institutions.
A Visionary Outlook
Shri Aniket Shandilya’s administrative outlook draws upon his engineering education, disciplined professional journey, and growing experience in district governance. His engagement with rural healthcare, infrastructure, community outreach, and institutional administration highlights the importance of understanding local challenges through direct field experience. These priorities provide a foundation for contributing to inclusive development and accountable governance in Madhya Pradesh.
Why is he one of the ‘Stars of MP’?
Shri Aniket Shandilya’s journey from an engineering graduate to achieving a distinguished national rank in the Civil Services Examination reflects resilience, determination, and dedication to public service. His involvement in strengthening public health monitoring, rural outreach, institutional oversight, and electoral administration demonstrates the breadth of his emerging responsibilities. With his commitment to learning, community engagement, and responsible administration, he represents a promising young civil servant contributing to the development of Madhya Pradesh.
About the Author
