Arvind Kejriwal is one of India’s most talked-about politicians. He went from a small town in Haryana to becoming the Chief Minister of Delhi. His journey is not just inspiring — it is truly remarkable.
What makes his story different? He did not come from a political family. He cracked IIT-JEE and UPSC both with outstanding ranks. Then he left a secure government job to fight for ordinary people. Not many leaders have done that.
Before entering politics, Kejriwal was an IRS officer. He studied Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. He cleared UPSC with rank 562 in 1995. His academic record alone sets him apart from most Indian politicians.
Arvind Kejriwal Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Arvind Kejriwal |
| Date of Birth | 16 August 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Siwani, Bhiwani, Haryana, India |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | Agrawal Baniya |
| Father’s Name | Gobind Ram Kejriwal |
| Mother’s Name | Gita Devi |
| Wife’s Name | Sunita Kejriwal |
| Children | Harshita Kejriwal (Daughter), Pulkit Kejriwal (Son) |
| School | Campus School, Hisar & Holy Child School, Sonipat |
| College / University | IIT Kharagpur |
| Degree | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering |
| IIT JEE Rank | 563 |
| UPSC Rank | 562 |
| UPSC Service | Indian Revenue Service (IRS) |
| Profession | Politician, Activist, Former Bureaucrat |
| Political Party | Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) |
| Position | National Convener, AAP |
| Chief Minister Tenure | 2013–2014 and 2015–2024 |
| Award | Ramon Magsaysay Award (2006) |
| Net Worth | Approx. ₹3–4 Crore (Declared) |
Arvind Kejriwal UPSC Rank List (Full Details)
Arvind Kejriwal is one of the rare leaders who excelled in both IIT-JEE and UPSC. His academic achievements are a big reason why people still search his name today. Here is a complete look at his exam performance.
| Exam | Year | Rank | Service Allotted |
| IIT-JEE | 1985 | 563 | Admitted to IIT Kharagpur |
| UPSC Civil Services | 1995 | 562 | Indian Revenue Service (IRS) |
| IRS Posting | 1995 | — | Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax |
| Resigned from IRS | 2006 | — | Joint Commissioner of Income Tax |
Clearing both IIT and UPSC with top ranks is no small achievement. Very few people in India have done this. Kejriwal’s success in these exams proves that hard work and focus can open any door.
Arvind Kejriwal Education Background
Arvind Kejriwal was a brilliant student from the very beginning. He completed his early schooling at Campus School in Hisar and Holy Child School in Sonipat. His strong academic foundation started right from his school days in Haryana.
In 1985, he cracked the highly competitive IIT-JEE exam with All India Rank 563. He then studied Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. This engineering degree shaped his analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities for life.
From IIT to UPSC: His Preparation Journey
After graduating from IIT Kharagpur, Kejriwal joined Tata Steel in 1989 in Jamshedpur. But a stable corporate job was never his final goal. He resigned in 1992 to fully prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
During his preparation, he did not just study books. He volunteered with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata and worked with the Ramakrishna Mission. This real-world experience made him a stronger and more purpose-driven civil services candidate.
Career After UPSC (IRS Officer to Resignation)
After clearing UPSC in 1995, Kejriwal joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax. He worked honestly and efficiently within the system. But he soon realized that the system itself needed a bigger change.
In February 2006, he resigned from his position as Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in New Delhi. He gave up a secure and respected government career to serve people directly. This bold decision changed the entire direction of his life.
Shift to Activism and Anna Hazare Movement
After resigning from the IRS, Kejriwal fully dedicated himself to public activism. He had already co-founded the Parivartan movement in 1999, which helped ordinary citizens fight corruption using the Right to Information (RTI) Act. His grassroots work earned him the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006.
In 2011, he joined hands with veteran activist Anna Hazare to launch the India Against Corruption movement. Together they demanded a strong Jan Lokpal Bill to hold corrupt politicians accountable. This nationwide movement made Kejriwal a recognized face across every Indian household.
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Political Career and Rise in Delhi
In November 2012, Kejriwal took a bold step and launched the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party represented the voice of the common man against corruption and bad governance. Within just one year, AAP shocked everyone by winning 28 seats in the 2013 Delhi Assembly Elections.
His real breakthrough came in 2015 when AAP won 67 out of 70 seats, one of the biggest landslide victories in Indian political history. Kejriwal was sworn in as Chief Minister of Delhi and focused entirely on education, healthcare, and public welfare. He repeated this success again in 2020 by winning 62 seats, proving his strong connection with Delhi’s people.
Achievements as Delhi Chief Minister
During his tenure, Kejriwal transformed Delhi’s government school system completely. New classrooms were built, teachers were trained, and results improved dramatically. Delhi’s public schools started competing with some of the best private schools in India.
He also launched the famous Mohalla Clinic scheme, bringing free healthcare to every neighborhood. Residents received free medicines, tests, and doctor consultations at their doorstep. Along with this, he introduced free electricity up to 200 units and free water supply for Delhi households, directly benefiting millions of ordinary families.
Personal Life and Family Details
Arvind Kejriwal married Sunita Kejriwal in 1995, who was herself a 1993-batch IRS officer. She later took voluntary retirement in 2016 as Commissioner of Income Tax. Their relationship is a strong example of two dedicated civil servants building a purposeful life together.
The couple has two children — a daughter named Harshita Kejriwal and a son named Pulkit Kejriwal. Harshita followed her father’s academic footsteps and studied engineering at IIT Delhi. The family is known for its simplicity and strong educational values.
In his personal habits, Kejriwal is a devoted vegetarian and has practiced Vipassanā meditation for many years. He follows Hinduism and considers himself an Ambedkarite in his political beliefs. Despite being a top leader, he has always maintained a simple and grounded lifestyle.
Why Arvind Kejriwal’s UPSC Rank Still Matters
Kejriwal’s UPSC rank 562 is not just a number — it represents years of discipline and hard work. He proved that a person from a small town in Haryana can compete with the best minds in India. His success continues to inspire thousands of UPSC aspirants across the country every year.
His story also matters because he did not stop at clearing UPSC. He used his government experience and education to understand the system from the inside. This deep knowledge later helped him design better policies and governance reforms for the people of Delhi.
Latest Updates and Public Image (2025–2026)
In 2024, Kejriwal faced one of the biggest challenges of his political career. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the Delhi liquor policy case and spent over five months in Tihar Jail. The Supreme Court granted him bail in September 2024 with certain conditions.
After his release, AAP suffered a crushing defeat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections. Kejriwal himself lost his own New Delhi seat to Parvesh Verma by over 4,000 votes. Despite this setback, he remains the National Convener of AAP and is actively working to rebuild the party’s trust among the people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arvind Kejriwal’s UPSC rank?
Arvind Kejriwal cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1995 with All India Rank 562 and was allotted the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).
What is Arvind Kejriwal’s IIT JEE rank?
He cracked the IIT-JEE exam in 1985 with All India Rank 563 and studied Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur.
Why did Arvind Kejriwal resign from IRS?
He resigned in February 2006 as Joint Commissioner of Income Tax to dedicate his life to public activism and fighting corruption for ordinary people.
Who is Arvind Kejriwal’s wife?
Kejriwal is married to Sunita Kejriwal, a 1993-batch IRS officer who took voluntary retirement in 2016 as Commissioner of Income Tax.
What did Arvind Kejriwal achieve as Delhi Chief Minister?
He transformed Delhi’s government schools, launched free Mohalla Clinics, introduced free electricity up to 200 units, and provided free water supply to Delhi households.
Why was Arvind Kejriwal arrested in 2024?
He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on 21 March 2024 in connection with the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case, becoming India’s first sitting Chief Minister to be arrested.
What is Arvind Kejriwal doing in 2026?
After losing his seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, Kejriwal continues to serve as the National Convener of AAP and is focused on rebuilding the party across India.
Last Words
Arvind Kejriwal’s journey from a small town in Haryana to the Chief Minister of Delhi is nothing short of extraordinary. He cracked IIT-JEE, cleared UPSC, served as an IRS officer, and then chose people over a comfortable government career. Very few leaders in India carry such a strong and diverse background.
His story is not just about politics — it is about purpose, sacrifice, and determination. Whether you agree with his decisions or not, his academic brilliance and commitment to public service cannot be ignored. Kejriwal remains one of the most influential and debated political figures in modern Indian history.
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