Meet Tanu Jain: The famous dentist-turned-IAS officer every aspirant must have seen in mock interview videos, who later resigned...

Dr Tanu Jain

Tanu Jain's story is one of determination, service and the courage to follow one's true calling. A dentist by training, she became an IAS officer in 2015, only to resign seven years later to guide UPSC aspirants full-time. Her journey reflects not just professional success, but the wisdom to recognize where she could make the greatest impact.

Tanu grew up in Delhi and completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Subharti Medical College. Even as a dental student, she was drawn to public service. While her peers focused solely on medicine, she began preparing for the UPSC exams alongside her studies.

Her first attempt saw her clear the prelims in just two months, but she stumbled in the mains. Undeterred, she tried again and again. In 2014, on her third attempt, she secured All India Rank 648, realizing her dream of becoming an IAS officer.

For seven years, Tanu served in various administrative roles, working on healthcare and education initiatives. But over time, she felt a growing disconnect. She had once been in the shoes of struggling UPSC aspirants, and now, as an officer, she saw how much guidance they still lacked.

She started informally mentoring students, sharing her own struggles and strategies. The more she taught, the clearer it became: Her real passion was not just being in the system, but helping others enter it.

In 2022, Tanu made the bold choice to leave the IAS and dedicate herself fully to teaching. Many questioned her decision after all, the civil services offer prestige, job security and influence. But for Tanu, the satisfaction of shaping future officers outweighed the perks of the job.

She founded Tathastu ICS, a coaching institute where she provides personalized guidance, mock interviews and answer-writing practice. Her teaching style is practical and relatable, drawing from her own UPSC struggles and bureaucratic experience.

Tanu's story isn't just about leaving a prestigious career, it's about redefining success. Today, her impact is measured not in government files, but in the students she guides toward their own UPSC dreams.