Meet UPSC topper IAS officer Kanishak Kataria, an IITian who left high-paying job abroad for his love, know his story here
Kanishak Kataria, a well-known name in the UPSC community, secured All India Rank 1 in the 2018 UPSC Civil Services Examination. His remarkable achievement brought him instant fame. His outstanding achievement not only brought him national fame but also turned the spotlight on his personal life, especially his heartwarming love story with Sonal Chouhan. Kanishak openly credited his success to his family and his girlfriend, breaking stereotypes with his candid acknowledgment.
In an era where relationships are often trivialized, Kanishak and Sonal’s story stands out as a tale of mutual trust, sacrifice, and unwavering support. After completing his B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Bombay, Kanishak worked in a high-paying job in Japan. However, he made the challenging decision to return to India to prepare for the UPSC exams, with Sonal standing by his side throughout.
Academic excellence and career abroad
Kanishak Kataria is a 2019-batch IAS officer who completed his B.Tech in Computer Science from the prestigious IIT Bombay. Following his graduation, he secured a lucrative job in Japan, reportedly with a million-dollar package. His girlfriend, Sonal Chouhan, also an IIT Bombay graduate in Computer Science, worked alongside him at the same company.
Despite their flourishing careers abroad, Kanishak decided to return to India to prepare for the UPSC exam—a decision that required immense courage and dedication. His determination to serve the nation and the constant support from Sonal became the driving force behind his success.
The love story that inspired many
In an era where relationships are often superficial, the love story of Kanishak Kataria and Sonal Chouhan stands as a beacon of trust, sacrifice, and commitment. Kanishak has always been vocal about Sonal’s role in his journey. After his UPSC success, he openly credited his girlfriend alongside his family in media interviews, a gesture that resonated deeply with the public.
Sonal’s support was evident when she congratulated him on Facebook after the UPSC results, expressing her love and pride with a heartfelt “I Love You.” The couple’s transparency about their relationship captured hearts and inspired many.
Life after success
After completing his IAS training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Kanishak married Sonal in 2020. Their bond grew even stronger as they transitioned into married life. Sonal, who had also left her job abroad, ventured into entrepreneurship. She co-founded Kizoplay, a company that focuses on innovative solutions in the digital space.
The couple remains active on social media, sharing glimpses of their personal and professional lives. Their posts often receive an outpouring of love from followers, who admire their inspiring journey.
A legacy of public service
Kanishak Kataria’s inspiration for joining the civil services stemmed from his family’s rich legacy in public administration. His father, Sawar Mal Verma, is a retired IAS officer who served as the Director of Rajasthan’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. His uncle, KC Verma, is the Divisional Commissioner in Jaipur. Growing up in an environment steeped in public service, Kanishak developed a strong sense of duty toward the nation.
Kanishak Kataria’s journey from being a top-ranking IIT graduate to a UPSC topper is an inspiring tale of determination, sacrifices, and the impact of a strong support system. His love story with Sonal Chouhan adds a personal touch to his success, making him a relatable and admired figure. Together, they exemplify the power of love and partnership in achieving life’s biggest goals.