Not every doctor swaps the stethoscope for files of governance, but Dr. Artika Shukla did—and in doing so, she’s rewriting the story of public service in Rajasthan. The District Collector of Alwar, IAS officer Artika Shukla, has emerged as a dynamic leader driving sanitation reforms, land conservation, and citizen welfare in one of the state’s most vibrant districts.
Roots of Service
Born on September 5, 1990, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Artika grew up in a family deeply steeped in public service. Her father, Dr. Brijesh Shukla, a respected physician and Secretary of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and her homemaker mother, Leena Shukla, instilled discipline and compassion. With siblings already in public service—IAS officer Gaurav Shukla (2012 batch) and IRTS officer Utkarsh Shukla—her path to service seemed destined, though she first pursued medicine.
A Doctor’s Mind, A Civil Servant’s Heart
After completing her MBBS from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi (2013) and beginning an MD in Pediatrics at PGIMER, Chandigarh, Artika realized her calling was broader than medicine alone. Drawn by the prospect of shaping lives at scale, she turned to the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Without coaching, she cracked it in 2015 with All India Rank 4—an extraordinary feat in her very first attempt.
The Administrator Emerges
Joining the 2016 IAS batch (Rajasthan cadre), Artika proved her mettle early. Her stints as Collector and DM in Khairthal-Tijara and Dudu showcased her hallmark leadership style: quick, decisive, and empathetic. She also found a partner in service—fellow officer Jasmeet Singh Sandhu, whom she married in 2017 after training together at LBSNAA, Mussoorie.
Changing the Face of Alwar
Taking charge as Alwar’s District Collector in 2024, Artika wasted no time in driving reforms.
Sanitation Drive: Alwar’s performance in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 soared, ranking 4th in Rajasthan and 54th nationally, a major leap credited to her citizen-driven initiatives.
Land Conservation: During a survey near Sariska, 50,000 bighas of unsurveyed land were officially recorded as forest land under her supervision—securing vital ecological resources for the future.
Her governance style blends innovation with grassroots engagement, earning her both admiration from citizens and respect from colleagues.
Balancing Life and Duty
Despite her demanding role, Artika finds balance in her personal life with Jasmeet Singh Sandhu. Together, the duo represents a partnership built on shared values of service, growth, and dedication to the public good.
An Inspiration for Many
From being a medical student in Delhi to a civil servant transforming Alwar, Artika Shukla’s journey is proof that ambition paired with purpose can create ripples of change. Her story inspires aspirants across India to look beyond boundaries and work toward impact-driven leadership
