- Nancy Sahay is an IAS officer from the 2014 batch, Jharkhand Cadre, currently serving as the District Collector of Hazaribag.
- She secured All India Rank 36 in the 2013 UPSC Civil Services Examination on her first attempt.
- Born in Ranchi, Jharkhand, she graduated in Electronics and Communication from BIT-Mesra and is married to Varun Ranjan, another IAS officer.
- Her career includes roles like CEO of Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society and Director of Animal Husbandry, with notable initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- An unexpected detail: She has a deep connection to Indian culture and traditions, influencing her governance approach.
Early Life and Education
Nancy Sahay was born and raised in Ranchi, Jharkhand, in an academic family. Her father, Mr. Prakash Sahay, is a professor of political science at Yogada College, which likely inspired her interest in public service. She completed her primary education at Loreto Convent School in 2005 and secondary education at DAV Shyamali in 2007. She then pursued and graduated with a degree in Electronics and Communication from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (BIT-Mesra) in 2011.
Career and Achievements
After a brief stint working in Gurgaon, Nancy decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in New Delhi. Her dedication paid off when she cleared the exam in her first attempt, securing All India Rank 36 in 2013, and joined the 2014 batch of the IAS in the Jharkhand Cadre. Her career has seen her take on various significant roles, including:
- Probationer at Chaibasa
- Deputy Development Commissioner of Sahibganj
- Sub-divisional Officer of Palamu
- Director of Animal Husbandry, Jharkhand
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), where she directed efforts to expedite development works and welfare schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic
- District Collector (DC) of Deoghar, serving twice and managing district administration, including elections
- Currently, as of March 2025, she is the District Collector of Hazaribag, continuing her service to Jharkhand.
Personal Life
Nancy is married to Varun Ranjan, an IAS officer from the 2014 batch in the Uttar Pradesh Cadre, reflecting their shared commitment to public service. An interesting aspect of her personality is her deep connection to Indian culture and traditions, which seems to influence her approach to governance.
Initiatives and Impact
During her tenure as CEO of JSLPS, Nancy focused on initiatives like appointing Banking Correspondent Sakhis in every Gram Panchayat to facilitate banking services in remote villages and linking women and families with government insurance schemes. Her work during the COVID-19 pandemic aimed at providing immediate relief to rural communities, showcasing her commitment to welfare.
Comprehensive Biography of Nancy Sahay IAS
Nancy Sahay’s journey from a small town in Jharkhand to becoming a prominent IAS officer is a testament to her determination and dedication. This detailed exploration covers her early life, educational background, career progression, personal life, and notable initiatives, providing a holistic view of her contributions to public service.
Early Life and Family Background
Nancy Sahay was born and raised in Ranchi, Jharkhand, in a family with strong academic roots. Her father, Mr. Prakash Sahay, is a professor of political science at Yogada College, which likely played a significant role in shaping her interest in governance and public administration. Growing up in such an environment, she was exposed to discussions on societal issues, which may have influenced her career choice.
Educational Journey
Nancy’s educational path began with her primary schooling at Loreto Convent School, which she completed in 2005, followed by secondary education at DAV Shyamali in 2007. She then pursued a degree in Electronics and Communication at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (BIT-Mesra), graduating in 2011. This technical background, combined with her later focus on civil services, highlights her versatility and adaptability.
After graduation, Nancy briefly worked in Gurgaon, gaining professional experience before deciding to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. She moved to New Delhi for intensive preparation, demonstrating her commitment to a career in public service.
UPSC Success and IAS Career
Nancy’s hard work culminated in her clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt in 2013, securing All India Rank 36. This achievement earned her a place in the 2014 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the Jharkhand Cadre. Her success is particularly notable given the competitive nature of the exam, with thousands of aspirants vying for a limited number of positions.
Her career progression has been marked by a series of significant roles, each contributing to her experience and expertise in administration:
- Probationer at Chaibasa: This initial phase allowed her to understand the grassroots level of administration and the challenges faced by rural communities.
- Deputy Development Commissioner of Sahibganj: In this role, she likely oversaw development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the district.
- Sub-divisional Officer of Palamu: Here, she managed the administrative and developmental activities of the sub-division, gaining insights into local governance.
- Director of Animal Husbandry, Jharkhand: As director, she was responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to animal husbandry, an essential sector for rural economies.
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS): Appointed in 2021, she directed efforts to expedite development works and welfare schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic. One notable initiative was ensuring the appointment of a Banking Correspondent Sakhi in every Gram Panchayat to facilitate banking services in remote villages, enhancing financial inclusion. She also prioritized linking women and families of Sakhi Mandals with various government insurance schemes and speeding up credit linkage from banks to provide financial support during crises.
Her tenure as District Collector (DC) of Deoghar, which she served twice, included managing district administration, including critical tasks like overseeing elections. As of March 2025, she holds the position of District Collector of Hazaribag, continuing her service to the state.
Personal Life and Interests
Nancy Sahay is married to Varun Ranjan, an IAS officer from the 2014 batch in the Uttar Pradesh Cadre. This union of two civil servants underscores their shared dedication to public service and governance. An interesting aspect of her personality is her deep connection to Indian culture and traditions, as noted in various profiles. This connection likely influences her approach to administration, emphasizing community engagement and cultural sensitivity in her policies.
Notable Initiatives and Impact
During her tenure as CEO of JSLPS, Nancy focused on several key initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She directed all District Program Managers to expedite development works and welfare schemes to provide immediate relief to rural populations. Specific measures included:
- Banking Services Expansion: Expressing satisfaction over the appointment of a Banking Correspondent Sakhi in every Gram Panchayat, she pushed for the implementation of this initiative across all Panchayats in the state, aiming to enhance financial inclusion in remote areas.
- Insurance and Credit Linkage: She prioritized linking women and families of Sakhi Mandals with government insurance schemes and ensuring credit linkage from banks, providing financial support during crises.
Her work in Deoghar, particularly during her tenures as DC, included managing elections and other administrative tasks, though specific initiatives from this period are less documented in available sources. However, her involvement in election management, such as during the Madhupur Assembly by-election in 2021, highlights her role in ensuring fair and smooth electoral processes.
Challenges and Achievements
Nancy’s career has not been without challenges, given the demanding nature of IAS roles, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ability to manage these challenges, such as directing welfare schemes during a health crisis, showcases her leadership and resilience. Her achievements, including her UPSC success and various administrative roles, serve as an inspiration, particularly for women in bureaucracy and aspirants from Jharkhand.
Table: Summary of Key Positions and Dates
| Position | Approximate Date Range |
|---|---|
| Probationer at Chaibasa | Early 2014 |
| Deputy Development Commissioner, Sahibganj | Mid-2010s |
| Sub-divisional Officer, Palamu | Late 2010s |
| Director, Animal Husbandry, Jharkhand | Before 2021 |
| CEO, JSLPS | 2021 |
| District Collector, Deoghar (First Term) | 2020-2021 |
| District Collector, Deoghar (Second Term) | 2021 |
| District Collector, Hazaribag | 2022-Present (as of 2025) |
Conclusion
Nancy Sahay’s journey is a blend of academic excellence, professional dedication, and personal commitment to public service. Her roles have impacted rural development, financial inclusion, and crisis management in Jharkhand, making her a role model for aspiring civil servants, especially women. Her connection to Indian culture adds a unique dimension to her administrative approach, ensuring that governance is not just efficient but also culturally resonant.