Dr. Thiyagarajan SM is a 2011-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, currently serving as District Magistrate (DM) of Gaya since January 2022.
Originally from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, he holds an MBBS degree and transitioned from medicine to civil services.
He has served as DM in Nalanda and Darbhanga, earning the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for electrifying Nalanda.
His leadership during the Covid-19 crisis in Darbhanga, including managing oxygen supply and a record vaccination drive, earned him the title “Champion DM”
Information about his early life and personal details is limited, but he is married to Neha Seth and is known for voter education initiatives.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Thiyagarajan SM was born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where he pursued his medical education, earning an MBBS from Coimbatore Medical College in 2008. His background in medicine shaped his empathetic and analytical approach to public service.

Path to IAS

After completing his medical degree, Dr. Thiyagarajan appeared for the UPSC examination in 2009, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 197 in 2010, which qualified him for the Indian Police Service (IPS). Determined to serve in a broader administrative role, he reattempted the exam in 2011, successfully joining the IAS under the Bihar cadre.

Notable Administrative Roles

As DM of Nalanda, he led the electrification of over seven lakh households ahead of schedule, earning the Prime Minister’s Award. In Darbhanga, he managed the Covid-19 crisis, averting an oxygen shortage and spearheading a record vaccination drive of one lakh people in a single day. Currently, as DM of Gaya, he oversees key administrative functions in one of Bihar’s prominent districts.

Personal Life

Dr. Thiyagarajan is married to Neha Seth, and while he maintains a private personal life, his professional achievements reflect a commitment to public welfare and democratic participation.

Dr. Thiyagarajan SM: A Beacon of Excellence in Bihar’s IAS

Dr. Thiyagarajan SM, a 2011-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Bihar cadre, has distinguished himself as a dynamic and compassionate leader in public administration. As of April 2025, he serves as the District Magistrate (DM) of Gaya, a role that underscores his ability to navigate complex administrative challenges with finesse. From his roots in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, to his transformative contributions in Bihar, Dr. Thiyagarajan’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public welfare. His transition from a medical professional to a celebrated bureaucrat, coupled with accolades like the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, makes his story an inspiration for aspiring civil servants.

Early Life: A Foundation in Coimbatore

Born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Thiyagarajan SM grew up in a city renowned for its educational institutions and entrepreneurial spirit. While specific details about his family background remain private, it is evident that his upbringing fostered a strong academic inclination and a desire to serve others. His early education likely took place in local schools, where he displayed a keen interest in science and social issues, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

Pursuing his passion for healthcare, Dr. Thiyagarajan enrolled at Coimbatore Medical College, one of Tamil Nadu’s premier institutions, where he earned his MBBS degree in 2008. His medical training equipped him with a deep understanding of human needs and a disciplined approach to problem-solving qualities that would later define his administrative career. During his college years, he was known for his empathy and dedication, traits that endeared him to peers and professors alike.

The Call to Civil Services

Despite a promising career in medicine, Dr. Thiyagarajan felt a deeper calling to impact society on a larger scale. In 2009, he embarked on the rigorous journey of preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, one of India’s most competitive pathways to public service. His first attempt in 2010 was a remarkable success, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 197 and qualifying for the Indian Police Service (IPS). However, his ambition to serve in a broader administrative capacity led him to reattempt the UPSC exam in 2011.

His perseverance paid off when he secured a position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and was allotted the Bihar cadre. This marked the beginning of a transformative career that would see him tackle some of Bihar’s most pressing challenges, from rural electrification to public health crises. His decision to choose the IAS over a medical or IPS career reflected his vision to influence policy and governance at a systemic level.

A Stellar Career in Bihar

Dr. Thiyagarajan’s tenure as an IAS officer has been marked by a series of high-impact roles across Bihar, each showcasing his ability to blend technical expertise with compassionate leadership.

District Magistrate of Nalanda (2015-2019)

One of his earliest and most significant postings was as the District Magistrate of Nalanda, a district with historical significance and complex administrative needs. During his tenure, he spearheaded a central government initiative to electrify villages across India, a program that gained momentum under Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Dr. Thiyagarajan’s leadership ensured that Nalanda’s electrification was completed well ahead of schedule, bringing electricity to approximately seven lakh households—a monumental achievement in a region where power access was limited.

His innovative approach, which involved coordinating with local communities and leveraging technology for efficient implementation, set a benchmark for rural development. In recognition of this feat, he was conferred the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2015, an honor that highlighted his ability to deliver results under pressure. His work in Nalanda earned him the reputation of being a “smart and tech-savvy” bureaucrat, as noted by local media.

District Magistrate of Darbhanga (2019-2022)

In February 2019, Dr. Thiyagarajan was appointed DM of Darbhanga, a district known for its cultural heritage but also its vulnerability to floods and socio-economic challenges. His tenure coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, which tested his crisis management skills to the fullest. During the second wave of the pandemic in 2021, when oxygen shortages threatened lives across India, Dr. Thiyagarajan’s proactive measures ensured that Darbhanga’s medical facilities remained adequately supplied. His ability to coordinate with state authorities and local stakeholders averted a potential crisis, earning him widespread praise.

Perhaps his most celebrated achievement in Darbhanga was leading a record-breaking vaccination drive against Covid-19. On August 31, 2021, Darbhanga vaccinated one lakh people in a single day, contributing to Bihar’s historic milestone of administering 27 lakh vaccine doses in one day, despite the state grappling with annual floods. Dr. Thiyagarajan described this as a “big moment” for his team, expressing gratitude to the people of Darbhanga . His leadership during this period earned him the title of “Champion DM” from the Bihar government, recognizing his exceptional contribution to public health.

District Magistrate of Gaya (2022-Present)

Since January 6, 2022, Dr. Thiyagarajan has served as the DM of Gaya, one of Bihar’s most prominent districts, known for its religious significance and administrative complexities. As the 146th DM of Gaya, he oversees critical functions, including the implementation of government schemes, disaster management, and public welfare initiatives. His current role involves addressing local challenges such as urban development, tourism management, and ensuring the smooth conduct of religious events, given Gaya’s status as a pilgrimage hub.

Commitment to Democratic Participation

Beyond his administrative duties, Dr. Thiyagarajan is deeply committed to strengthening India’s democratic fabric. He has been actively involved in the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program, a flagship initiative of the Election Commission of India. His contributions include curating digital content to raise voter awareness, as evidenced by his activity on the SVEEP platform. By promoting electoral participation, he underscores the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry, aligning with his broader vision of inclusive governance.

Personal Life and Values

Dr. Thiyagarajan is married to Neha Seth, and together they embody a shared commitment to public service. While he maintains a private personal life, his professional demeanor reflects humility, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Colleagues describe him as approachable yet decisive, with a rare ability to balance technical expertise with human-centric leadership. His medical background continues to influence his work, particularly in public health initiatives, where his understanding of healthcare systems adds a unique dimension to his administrative decisions.

In his limited spare time, Dr. Thiyagarajan is known to engage with community initiatives and stay updated on technological advancements in governance. His X posts, such as a festive greeting during Diwali 2018, reveal a personable side, connecting with the public on cultural occasions.

Legacy and Future Impact

Dr. Thiyagarajan SM’s career is a testament to the transformative power of dedicated public service. From electrifying rural Nalanda to leading Darbhanga through a global health crisis, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. His awards, including the Prime Minister’s Award and the “Champion DM” title, are not merely accolades but reflections of his profound impact on millions of lives in Bihar.

As he continues his tenure in Gaya, Dr. Thiyagarajan is poised to address new challenges, from enhancing tourism infrastructure to improving public services in one of Bihar’s most significant districts. His journey from a medical graduate in Coimbatore to a leading IAS officer in Bihar is an inspiring narrative of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of the greater good.

Career Timeline

Role	Duration	Key Achievements
District Magistrate, Nalanda	2015-2019	Led electrification of 7 lakh households; received Prime Minister’s Award (2015).
District Magistrate, Darbhanga	2019-2022	Averted oxygen crisis; led record vaccination drive; awarded “Champion DM” title.
District Magistrate, Gaya	January 2022-Present	Overseeing administration, tourism, and public welfare in a key Bihar district.

Key Skills and Attributes

Skill/Attribute	Relevance to Role
Crisis Management	Effectively handled Covid-19 oxygen and vaccination challenges in Darbhanga.
Public Health Expertise	Leveraged MBBS background for healthcare initiatives.
Technological Proficiency	Streamlined administrative processes with tech-savvy approaches.
Community Engagement	Promoted voter education and maintained open communication with citizens.

Conclusion

Dr. Thiyagarajan SM’s ascent from a medical professional to a celebrated IAS officer is a story of vision, hard work, and impact. His contributions to Bihar’s development whether through rural electrification, crisis management, or voter education have left an indelible mark on the state’s administrative landscape. As he continues to serve in Gaya, his legacy as a compassionate and innovative leader grows, inspiring future generations of civil servants to pursue excellence in public service.