Avantika Singh Aulakh, a 2003-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Gujarat cadre, stands as a beacon of administrative excellence and transformative governance. Recently promoted to Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, Aulakh has been a pivotal figure in the state’s Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) since September 2021. With a career spanning over two decades, her journey from a technical engineer to a key architect of Gujarat’s development showcases a rare blend of technical expertise, policy acumen, and leadership. This detailed biography delves into her life, career milestones, and contributions, offering a compelling narrative of a woman shaping the future of one of India’s most dynamic states.
Early Life and Education: A Foundation in Excellence
Born in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Avantika Singh Aulakh grew up in an environment that valued education and discipline. Her early years were marked by a curiosity for problem-solving and a passion for making a difference, traits that would later define her illustrious career. Aulakh pursued her undergraduate studies in Instrumentation and Control Engineering at the Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology (NSIT) in Delhi, where she honed her technical skills and developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking.
Her quest for knowledge didn’t stop there. Aulakh’s commitment to public service led her to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, a transformative experience that equipped her with advanced insights into governance, fiscal policy, and public-private partnerships. This unique blend of technical expertise and policy acumen set her apart as she prepared for the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. Clearing the UPSC in 2002, she joined the IAS as part of the Gujarat cadre in 2003, embarking on a journey that would see her rise to the forefront of India’s administrative landscape.
Early Career: Building a Legacy in District Administration
Avantika Singh Aulakh’s early career as an IAS officer was defined by her impactful roles in district administration across Gujarat. She served as District Development Officer in Anand and Gandhinagar, where she gained firsthand experience in grassroots governance, tackling issues such as rural development, education, and infrastructure. Her ability to connect with communities and implement effective solutions earned her a reputation as a compassionate and results-driven officer.
Aulakh’s tenure as District Collector in multiple districts including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Anand further solidified her credentials. Her leadership in Vadodara (2015–16) and Bharuch (2012–13) was particularly notable, earning her the Best District Collector Award from the Gujarat government for both tenures. As Collector of Ahmedabad, she spearheaded initiatives that earned her the National Level Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Award in 2018, recognizing her outstanding efforts in promoting gender equality and education for girls. Her work in electoral management also stood out, with the Election Commission of India honoring her with the National Award for Best Electoral Practices in 2012 and 2017, reflecting her commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
Strategic Roles in Infrastructure and Governance
Beyond her district-level contributions, Aulakh’s career is distinguished by her leadership in high-impact administrative and infrastructure roles. She served as Deputy Secretary in the Energy and Petrochemicals Department and Director of Petroleum, where she developed expertise in energy policy and resource management. Her strategic insights were further honed through specialized training in fiscal policy, public-private partnerships (PPP), and project management, enabling her to navigate complex governance challenges.
Aulakh’s foray into infrastructure development was transformative. As Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Gujarat Maritime Board, she played a pivotal role in strengthening the state’s maritime infrastructure, overseeing port development and logistics initiatives. Her leadership extended to key board positions in state-run enterprises, including Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd., Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd. (2020–2022), and GSPC LNG Ltd. She also served as Managing Director of the Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. and Chief Executive Officer of the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB), roles that underscored her ability to manage large-scale projects critical to Gujarat’s economic growth.
In 2025, Aulakh was appointed Managing Director and Director of Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd., further expanding her influence in the industrial sector. Her board memberships in organizations such as Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation, Dholera International Airport Co. Ltd., and Gujarat Industries Power Co. Ltd. reflect her versatility in handling diverse portfolios, from transportation to energy to urban development.
Secretary to the Chief Minister: A Central Role in Governance
In September 2021, Aulakh was appointed Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, marking a significant milestone in her career. Based in the Sachivalaya in Gandhinagar, she became a central figure in the Chief Minister’s Office, responsible for coordinating high-level policy decisions, streamlining administrative processes, and ensuring the effective implementation of the state’s development agenda. Her role required close collaboration with senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary M.K. Das, and involved managing critical files from various government departments.
Aulakh’s tenure as Secretary was marked by her exceptional leadership and efficiency, earning her widespread recognition as one of Gujarat’s most influential officers. Her ability to integrate technical knowledge with policy execution made her a trusted aide to the Chief Minister, particularly during a period of significant administrative and economic reforms in the state.
Elevation to Additional Principal Secretary: A New Chapter
In May 2025, Aulakh’s contributions were recognized with a promotion to Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, a newly created position in the CMO. This elevation, announced by the Gujarat General Administration Department, reflects her pivotal role in accelerating decision-making and enhancing governance under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The promotion also coincided with the appointment of Dr. Vikrant Pandey as Secretary to the Chief Minister, ensuring a robust administrative team to support the state’s ambitious development goals.
As Additional Principal Secretary, Aulakh continues to play a strategic role in shaping Gujarat’s policy landscape. Her responsibilities include overseeing critical initiatives in infrastructure, education, and industrial development, while fostering coordination between the CMO and various government departments. Her promotion is seen as a step toward streamlining top-level governance, with expectations that her expertise will further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Chief Minister’s Office.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Avantika Singh Aulakh’s leadership is characterized by a holistic approach that combines technical precision with a deep commitment to public welfare. Her ability to manage complex projects while maintaining a citizen-centric focus has been a hallmark of her career. Aulakh’s training at Harvard and her extensive experience in diverse sectors have equipped her with a unique perspective, enabling her to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
Her emphasis on collaboration and innovation is evident in her work across infrastructure, education, and social initiatives. Colleagues and peers describe her as a visionary administrator who balances strategic foresight with operational excellence, making her a key architect of Gujarat’s continued development.
Personal Life and Legacy
While Aulakh’s professional life is defined by her relentless dedication to public service, she maintains a low-profile personal life. Based in Gandhinagar, she remains deeply connected to her roots in Punjab and is known for her humility and approachability. Her journey from Hoshiarpur to
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Conclusion: A Visionary Leader for a Dynamic State
Avantika Singh Aulakh’s career is a remarkable narrative of dedication, innovation, and impact. From her early days as a district administrator to her current role as Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results. As Gujarat continues its journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, Aulakh’s leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future, making her a true architect of progress.