Guwahati: Senior IAS officer Dr Varnali Deka has achieved a significant milestone by being empanelled for appointment as Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Dr Varnali Deka is the first woman IAS officer from Assam to be empanelled for the important Joint Secretary-level position, marking a notable achievement in the state’s administrative history.
New Responsibility at the Centre
Dr Varnali Deka previously served as Commissioner and Secretary of the General Administration Department of the Assam government.
She went on deputation to the Centre in August 2025. During her tenure at the Centre, she was empanelled for appointment as Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Served as Deputy Commissioner in Five Districts
During her administrative career in Assam, Dr Deka served as Deputy Commissioner in five districts.
She served as Deputy Commissioner of Barpeta, Golaghat, Goalpara, Kokrajhar and Nalbari.
During her tenure in these districts, she played an important role in implementing various administrative and development initiatives.
Held Several Key Administrative Positions
Dr Varnali Deka has also served as Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority.
She also held the position of Managing Director of the Assam Skill Development Mission and the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission.
She served as Executive Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan as well.
Impressive UPSC Journey
Before joining the civil services, Dr Deka worked with Tata Consultancy Services in its Global Consulting Practice and also with ANZ Bank.
She initially qualified for the UPSC examination with Rank 82 and was selected for the Indian Police Service.
She later appeared for the UPSC examination again and secured Rank 16, eventually joining the Indian Administrative Service.
Strong Academic Background
Dr Varnali Deka has an impressive academic background, holding degrees in Computer Science, Business Administration and Law.
She also holds a PhD in Commerce.
Recipient of Several National Honours
Dr Deka has received several recognitions for her contributions to public administration.
She has been honoured with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration and the National e-Governance Award.
Her administrative innovations and initiatives have also received recognition from institutions including NITI Aayog and the United Nations Development Programme.
Dr Varnali Deka’s empanelment for the Joint Secretary-level position marks a significant achievement in her distinguished administrative career and is being viewed as a proud moment for Assam.
