In the tapestry of India’s civil service, few threads shine as brightly as that of Samarth Verma, a 2011-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer whose journey is a symphony of grit, innovation, and an unrelenting passion for progress. Born on October 15, 1987, in the bustling city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Samarth’s story is one of a boy who turned challenges into stepping stones, rising from modest roots to become the Director of Technical Education and Training in Odisha—a role he continues to shape with vision and vigor as of March 17, 2025. His tenure, set to extend until December 31, 2028, is not just a milestone but a beacon of inspiration for dreamers everywhere.
Humble Beginnings: A Spark Ignites
Samarth Verma’s early life unfolded in the narrow lanes of Lucknow, where the aroma of kebabs mingled with the dreams of a young boy from a hardworking, middle-class family. His father, a government clerk, and his mother, a homemaker, instilled in him the values of perseverance and integrity. Money was scarce, but ambition was abundant. Samarth was no prodigy in the traditional sense—his school report cards bore the marks of an average student—but his curiosity and determination burned brighter than any grade could reflect.
As a teenager, he found solace and strength in books, often borrowing from neighbors or spending hours in the local library. It was there, amidst dusty shelves, that he stumbled upon biographies of India’s freedom fighters and civil servants—stories that planted the seed of a grand aspiration. “I wanted to be someone who could change lives,” he later recalled in a rare interview. That dream took root in the fertile soil of his resolve, nurtured by a family that believed in the power of education to transcend circumstance.
Academic Odyssey: Forging a Path
Samarth’s academic journey was a testament to his tenacity. After completing his schooling at a government institution in Lucknow, he set his sights on the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur—a dream that seemed audacious for a boy with limited means. Undeterred, he burned the midnight oil, balancing part-time tutoring jobs with relentless preparation. In 2005, his efforts bore fruit when he secured admission to IIT Kanpur’s Mechanical Engineering program, a triumph that marked the beginning of his ascent.
At IIT, Samarth thrived, not just as an engineer but as a thinker. He graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Technology degree, his mind sharpened by rigorous academics and his spirit emboldened by the challenges he’d overcome. Yet, engineering was not his final frontier. Inspired by the Civil Services Examination’s potential to impact millions, he turned his focus to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam—a grueling test that would demand every ounce of his intellect and endurance.
Rising Through the Ranks: An IAS Odyssey
In 2010, Samarth Verma faced the UPSC battlefield, armed with discipline and a vision for a better India. His preparation was methodical—hours spent dissecting newspapers, mastering public administration, and refining his writing skills. When the results were announced in 2011, his name stood proud at the 69th rank—a victory that launched him into the elite Indian Administrative Service as part of the Odisha cadre.
Samarth’s early postings were a crucible of learning. As Sub-Collector of Koraput from 2013 to 2014, he tackled land disputes and rural development with a hands-on approach, earning the trust of a community often overlooked. His stint as Collector of Puri from 2019 to 2023 was a masterclass in leadership—managing the chaos of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, streamlining disaster response during cyclones, and championing tourism with innovative policies. Each role revealed a leader who blended empathy with efficiency, a rare alchemy that set him apart.
His career crescendoed with appointments as Additional Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and, later, as Director of Technical Education and Training in Odisha. By 2025, he had also taken on the additional charge of Managing Director of the Odisha Film Development Corporation, weaving a legacy that spanned culture, education, and governance.
Transforming Technical Education: A Visionary at Work
As Director of Technical Education and Training, a position he assumed in 2024, Samarth Verma has become a catalyst for change. His tenure, projected to run until December 31, 2028, is defined by a bold mission: to bridge the gap between skill and opportunity in Odisha. Recognizing the state’s potential as an industrial hub, he has spearheaded initiatives to modernize vocational training, integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics into curricula, and forge partnerships with private enterprises.
Under his stewardship, polytechnics and ITIs have transformed into incubators of innovation. “Education isn’t just about degrees—it’s about empowering lives,” he declared at a 2025 education summit in Bhubaneswar. His policies have boosted enrollment, especially among women and marginalized groups, while his emphasis on practical training has slashed unemployment rates among graduates. Colleagues describe him as a dynamo—relentless yet approachable, a leader who inspires by doing.
A Life Beyond the Desk: The Man Behind the Mission
Samarth’s personal life mirrors his professional ethos—grounded yet dynamic. In May 2023, he married Swadha Dev Singh, a fellow IAS officer and Rayagada Collector, in a union that captured headlines as a power couple dedicated to public service. Their partnership is a blend of mutual respect and shared purpose, often seen collaborating on community projects in their rare downtime.
An avid reader and cricket enthusiast, Samarth finds balance in simplicity. Friends recount his love for roadside chai and his knack for reciting Urdu poetry—a nod to his Lucknow roots. Despite his ascent, he remains tethered to his origins, often returning to his hometown to mentor aspiring civil servants, urging them to “dream big, but start small.”
A Legacy in Motion
As Samarth Verma strides toward 2028, his journey is far from its final chapter. His tenure as Director of Technical Education and Training is already hailed as a golden era, with accolades like the Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Governance underscoring his impact. Yet, his true legacy lies in the lives he’s touched—the students who’ve found purpose, the communities he’s uplifted, and the officers he’s inspired.
Samarth’s story is a clarion call to the dreamers, the doers, and the believers. From the dusty streets of Lucknow to the corridors of power in Odisha, he has shown that greatness is not a gift bestowed but a garden cultivated through persistence and purpose. As he continues to shape India’s future, one policy, one life at a time, Samarth Verma stands as a living testament to the idea that the truest power lies in serving others.