Leaders

Education is the strongest catalyst that can alter the course of one’s life. Very few people personify this spirit as accurately as Vaishnavi S D, Managing Partner of Shankara IAS Academy, a 21 year old institution tutoring civil services aspirants. Her focus, vision and unique approach to education makes her an inspiration to both students and teachers.

Vaishnavi has had an outstanding academic record, having earned her BSc degree in Agriculture and MSc degree in Agricultural Economics with several gold and silver medals and a book prize to her name. She also cleared the ASRB NET examination. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Economics at IIT Madras.

In 2011, she joined Shankara IAS Academy, which she grew from a one-subject coaching center to include all subjects in prelims coaching, mains coaching, optionals coaching, CSAT coaching, and interview coaching including coaching in forestry services.

Her has combined high academic training with common aptitude training, incorporating current instructional techniques, group discussions, elaborate practice application forms, and one on one mentorship training which empowers thousands of aspirants to succeed in all phases of the UPSC test. We are honored to have Vaishnavi with us for an exclusive conversation.

How did your time at IIT Madras shape your vision and leadership mindset?

My time at IIT Madras played a pivotal role in shaping my vision and leadership mindset. The rigorous PhD training strengthened my critical thinking, research methodology, writing, and presentation skills, while international exposure through collaborations and conferences, inculcated in me confidence and a global perspective.

The institute’s structured academic processes, emphasis on excellence, and access to advanced resources influenced my disciplined, organized, and innovation driven approach to leadership and entrepreneurship.

What is the core idea behind Shankar IAS Academy? What key responsibilities do you shoulder as its Managing Director?

Shankar IAS Academy was established to make civil services preparation accessible to students who are unable to relocate to Delhi due to economic, social, or personal constraints.

The institution aims to provide a supportive, structured, and high-quality learning environment that not only prepares aspirants for civil services but also equips them with critical thinking and leadership skills applicable across careers.

As Managing Director, I oversee academic quality, institutional strategy, organizational governance, and the overall development and sustainability of the academy.

What student-centric innovations does your institute leverage to uphold academic excellence in civil services preparation?

Our institute follows a student-centric, multi-layered learning model. Experienced civil services practitioners form the core faculty, supported by mentors who provide personalized guidance and evaluators who offer detailed answer-writing feedback. This is complemented by technology-enabled learning through digital platforms, daily current affairs integration, structured test series, and real-time examination simulations, ensuring rigorous academic standards and holistic preparation for aspiring civil servants.

Which accomplishments or milestones do you consider most impactful throughout your journey?

One of our most impactful milestones is enabling over 2,700 students to enter civil services, including around 800 from Tamil Nadu, with significant representation of women and candidates from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

By decentralizing preparation from Delhi and making it accessible in Chennai and other regions, we have contributed consistently to national and state services, with 40–50 officers selected annually. Expanding across multiple competitive examinations and regions while promoting inclusivity and long-term capacity building remains a key institutional achievement.

What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders aiming to make their mark in any field?

My advice to aspiring women leaders is to develop strong self-confidence and self-motivation, as these qualities are crucial for navigating challenges in any field. While support from family, teachers, or colleagues can help, the primary drive must come from within.

Women should believe in their abilities, stand by their decisions, and proactively work towards their goals without waiting for external validation. Being honest, persistent, and resilient allows them to overcome obstacles, build credibility, and excel. Personal determination is the foundation for leadership and lasting success.

Vaishnavi S D, Managing Director, Shankar IAS Academy

Vaishnavi is an academic leader and education entrepreneur committed to making civil services preparation accessible and inclusive. With a strong academic background and a PhD pursuit at IIT Madras, she has expanded the academy into a comprehensive training institution that has empowered thousands of aspirants to succeed in competitive examinations.

Educational Qualification: Completed my BSc in Agriculture, MSc in Agricultural Economics, cleared the ASRB NET, and earned a PhD in Health Economics from IIT Madras.

Awards & Recognitions Won: I have received individual academic awards, including gold, silver, and book prizes, and our academy has been recognized and partnered by multiple state governments and NGOs for civil services education.

A Business Leader Who Inspires You: My inspiration is Girija Vaidyanathan IAS, my PhD classmate and mentor, for her academic excellence, practical problem-solving, and guidance across multiple departments over the years.