IAS Tina Dabi: From Viral Marksheets to a ₹2 Crore National Award for Water Conservation

IAS officer Tina Dabi, one of the most well-known civil servants in India, is once again in the spotlight. From her school marksheets going viral to receiving a prestigious ₹2 crore national award from the President of India, her journey continues to inspire millions. Known for her administrative excellence and bold leadership style, she has transformed the water landscape of Rajasthan’s Barmer district through innovative, people-centric initiatives.

Early Academic Excellence: Marksheets Go Viral

Recently, Tina Dabi’s Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets resurfaced online and quickly went viral.
Her academic record reflected exceptional consistency, with standout scores such as:

• 100/100 in Political Science
• 100/100 in History
• Over 90% aggregate in Class 12

Her academic brilliance, even before UPSC, demonstrated the discipline and dedication that later helped her secure All India Rank 1 in the Civil Services Examination.

Barmer Collector Leading a Water Revolution

As the District Collector of Barmer, one of India’s most water-stressed regions, Tina Dabi launched impactful initiatives to address chronic water scarcity.

Her most successful effort is the “Catch the Rain” and tanka revival initiative, which focuses on:

• Restoring traditional water-harvesting systems
• Building rainwater storage structures at scale
• Mobilizing communities to participate in water-saving efforts
• Ensuring long-term sustainability in an arid zone

Under her leadership, Barmer witnessed the construction and revival of thousands of rainwater tanks, improving access to drinking water for rural households.

This model has now become a benchmark for desert districts across India.

National Honour: ₹2 Crore Award from the President

For her outstanding contribution to water conservation and community engagement, Tina Dabi received a national award worth ₹2 crore from the President of India.

The award recognizes:

• Her innovative approach to reviving traditional water systems
• Large-scale public participation in conservation efforts
• Sustainable impact in one of India’s most difficult terrains

This recognition places her among the nation’s leading district administrators driving climate-resilient development.

Ria Dabi Also Recognised: A Family of Achievers

Tina Dabi’s sister, Ria Dabi, also an IAS officer and former UPSC topper, recently received a ₹1 crore award for her initiatives in water conservation and local governance.

The Dabi sisters are now seen as a unique symbol of dedication, public service, and administrative excellence — both contributing to large-scale social change in Rajasthan.

Public Image, Challenges and Strong Leadership Style

Tina Dabi’s administrative style has often made headlines:

• She is known for being direct and uncompromising in enforcement drives.
• Her on-ground inspections often go viral on social media.
• She has been praised for her ability to connect with local communities, especially women and marginalized groups.

Although her strong approach has occasionally drawn criticism, supporters argue that such firmness is essential for grassroots governance in challenging districts.

Why Tina Dabi’s Story Matters

Tina Dabi represents a new generation of civil servants who blend innovation with empathy. Her work matters because:

1. She revived traditional knowledge to solve modern water problems.
2. She mobilized communities, not just machinery or funds.
3. She proved that young officers can lead breakthrough transformations.
4. She created a scalable model for drought-prone districts across India.
5. She turned Barmer into a national example of sustainable development.

Conclusion

From topping the UPSC exam to transforming an entire district’s water landscape, Tina Dabi’s journey is a remarkable example of leadership, discipline and public spirit. Her ₹2 crore national award, viral academic achievements, and continuous community-focused initiatives underline her role as one of India’s most influential young IAS officers.

Her story continues to motivate aspirants, young professionals, and citizens who believe in effective, honest and impactful governance.