- Ms. Yashika Mehta, a 2016-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), recommended by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- She secured All India Rank 136 in the 2015 UPSC Civil Services Examination, leading to her IFS selection.
- Her educational background includes a B.Tech in Electronics and Communications from Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, Faridabad, where she earned a gold medal, after schooling in Sirsa.
Background and Career
Ms. Yashika Mehta’s journey began with her academic excellence, completing her schooling at St Xavier’s School and DAV School in Sirsa, before pursuing and excelling in her B.Tech studies. Her success in the UPSC exam in 2015 marked her entry into the IFS, where she underwent training at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service. Before her recent appointment, she served as Deputy Secretary (South) in MEA, handling relations with Vietnam and Thailand, showcasing her diplomatic skills in international relations.
New Role and Impact
Her move to MoPNG as Deputy Secretary is expected to leverage her diplomatic experience for energy sector collaborations, enhancing India’s global energy strategy. This transition highlights her versatility and the government’s trust in her capabilities across different domains.
A Detailed Biography of Ms. Yashika Mehta, IFS Officer and Rising Public Servant
Ms. Yashika Mehta stands as a beacon of dedication and excellence within the Indian bureaucracy, recently appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) as of March 13, 2025, following a recommendation for central deputation by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This appointment marks a significant milestone in her career, transitioning from her role in diplomacy to a critical position in energy governance, reflecting her versatility and the government’s confidence in her abilities.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Sirsa, Haryana, Ms. Mehta’s academic journey began with her secondary education at St Xavier’s School, followed by her higher secondary education at DAV School, both in Sirsa. Her passion for technology and engineering led her to pursue a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Electronics and Communications at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, Faridabad, affiliated with MDU Rohtak. Her outstanding performance earned her a gold medal, underscoring her academic prowess and commitment to excellence.
Entry into Civil Services
Ms. Mehta’s entry into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) came through her remarkable success in the 2015 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, where she secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 136. This achievement, part of the 2016 batch, highlighted her ability to navigate one of India’s most competitive examinations, opening doors to a career in diplomacy. Her selection into the IFS, with its rigorous training at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi, equipped her with the skills necessary for international representation and policy formulation.
Career in the Ministry of External Affairs
Prior to her recent appointment, Ms. Mehta served within the MEA, most notably as Deputy Secretary (South), where she was responsible for managing bilateral relations with Vietnam and Thailand. This role involved overseeing diplomatic engagements, negotiating trade agreements, and fostering cultural exchanges, demonstrating her adeptness in handling complex international relations. Her work in the South Division, showcased her ability to strengthen India’s diplomatic ties in Southeast Asia, a region critical to India’s Look East Policy.
Transition to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
On March 13, 2025, an order from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) appointed Ms. Mehta as Deputy Secretary in MoPNG under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) for a period of three years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. This move, recommended by MEA, signifies a strategic deployment of her diplomatic expertise to the energy sector, where she is expected to contribute to energy security, oil and gas exploration, and international collaborations. Her appointment is poised to enhance MoPNG’s efforts in navigating the global energy landscape, leveraging her experience in international negotiations to foster partnerships that align with India’s energy goals.
Personal Insights and Achievements
Ms. Mehta’s career is marked by a blend of academic excellence and professional dedication. Her gold medal in B.Tech reflects her early commitment to excellence, while her UPSC rank of 136 underscores her intellectual rigor and determination. Although specific details about her family or early influences are less documented, her roots in Sirsa and her educational journey suggest a strong foundation supported by community and educational institutions. Her choice of IFS as her second preference, as noted in public forums, indicates a deliberate career path, balancing her aspirations with the opportunities presented by her rank.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
Ms. Mehta’s transition from MEA to MoPNG is not just a personal career move but also a reflection of the interconnectedness of diplomacy and energy policy in today’s globalized world. Her role in MoPNG is expected to bridge international relations with energy sector advancements, potentially influencing policies on renewable energy collaborations and fossil fuel diplomacy. As a 2016-batch IFS officer, her career trajectory is indicative of the evolving nature of civil services, where officers are increasingly deployed across ministries to meet national priorities.
Table: Educational and Professional Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Secondary Education (10th) | St Xavier’s School, Sirsa |
| Higher Secondary (12th) | DAV School, Sirsa |
| Undergraduate (B.Tech) | Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, Faridabad (Gold Medal) |
| UPSC CSE 2015 Rank | 136 |
| IFS Batch | 2016 |
| Previous Role (MEA) | Deputy Secretary (South) – Vietnam, Thailand |
| Current Appointment (MoPNG) | Deputy Secretary, as of March 13, 2025 |
Conclusion
Ms. Yashika Mehta’s biography is a narrative of academic excellence, diplomatic service, and now, a pivotal role in energy governance. Her journey from Sirsa to the corridors of power in New Delhi exemplifies the potential of civil services to shape national and international policy. As she embarks on her new role at MoPNG, her contributions are anticipated to be significant, blending her diplomatic acumen with the strategic needs of India’s energy sector.