UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni Biography

Manoj Soni’s life story is one of perseverance. Beginning his career selling incense sticks on Mumbai chawls as a means of supporting himself and funding his education, Manoj began his professional journey by selling incense sticks himself.

He taught international relations at Sardar Patel University of Vallabh Vidyanagar and served as Vice-Chancellor at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University and Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda.

Soni is a renowned scholar of political science

Soni is an esteemed scholar of political science with a doctorate degree. Specializing in international relations studies, Soni has taught at various universities such as Sardar Patel University (SPU), Vallabh Vidyanagar and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University in Gujarat – teaching his subject there too! In addition to this he served as vice-chancellor of two universities (MS University Vadodara and Maharaja Sayajirao University Baroda). Furthermore, he became involved with Swaminarayan sect’s Anoopam Mission Anand which later took “diksha” status before taking “diksha” status to become monk or nishkam karmayogi in 2020.

Soni has worked to expand access to civil service exams as part of his role at the UPSC, while also prioritizing technology integration and user-friendliness in its design and operation. Soni believes keeping pace with evolving societal needs is vital to success for any organization like his.

Soni joined the UPSC as a member in 2017 and eventually took on its chairmanship in 2023. A well-recognized educationist, Soni serves as chairman of All India Council for Educational Research as well as being vice-chancellor at various Indian universities at an age of 32 – having previously sold incense sticks at Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar footpath market to support his family when young. According to reports, Soni used to sell incense sticks as a child to generate extra funds.

He is associated with the Anoopam Mission of the Swaminarayan movement

Dr Soni boasts an illustrious academic career, serving as vice chancellor of two universities as well as authoring multiple books on international relations and political science. Now as chairman of UPSC he has brought new vigor and vision to one of India’s key institutions.

Losing his father at five, he sold incense sticks in Mumbai’s chawls to support his family and finance his education. Ever since, he had been associated with Anoopam Mission of Swaminarayan movement where he eventually accepted “diksha” or selfless work to support poor and disadvantaged populations in need of education, dispensaries, or social services.

Soni is an esteemed political science scholar with a doctoral degree. He taught at both Sardar Patel University of Vallabh Vidyanagar and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda; serving as vice chancellors during their early stages.

But Soni is currently under attack by some media outlets due to his affiliations with Anoopam Mission and links to RSS, with some portraying the government as ignorant of his qualifications; Better India notes that Times of India reported he worked as a typist at a newspaper in Baroda before switching his Class 12 exam choices from science to arts later on.

He is a monk or nishkam karmayogi

Manoj Soni has come under scrutiny from liberals due to his monkish lifestyle and associations with RSS. They question his ability to lead India’s top government bureaucracy – in particular the UPSC which recruits all Group ‘A’ officers into government jobs; its Chairman and Members are appointed by President. While Soni may be well educated monk he also boasts an expert understanding of both Indian politics and international relations.

On April 5th, Dr Soni was appointed as Chairman of the UPSC, replacing Pradip Kumar Joshi. Dr Soni has earned numerous national and international accolades in his career and served as vice-chancellor at two universities as well as being well known for his efforts in distance learning.

Soni is also a monk or “nishkam karmayogi” in the Anoopam Mission of the Swaminarayan sect in Gujarat, having received his diksha there in 2020. Monks or “nishkam karmayogis”, however, accept all aspects of life while emphasizing spirituality and selfless service as priorities in their efforts to serve humanity at large. Additionally, Soni is also an accomplished scholar and political scientist; having written several books on international relations while frequently speaking at public events as an event speaker; aside from his monk work as well as being involved with various government positions as well as many humanitarian initiatives besides his monkhood activities.

He has a doctorate in political science

Soni holds a doctorate in political science with an expertise in international relations studies, having taught at various universities such as Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Additionally, he serves on multiple academic and public administration boards; for his efforts in education he has received various accolades such as receiving the World Education Congress Global Award for Distance Learning Leadership by Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of London UK – among many more!

As Chairman of the UPSC, he is accountable for overseeing an objective recruitment process which upholds merit-based principles in civil service recruitment. Furthermore, as Chairman he must continuously improve examination processes by adopting new technology and streamlining processes; additionally he plays an essential role in recognizing talent throughout India as well as having significant sway over government policies and practices.

The Union Public Services Commission is an autonomous body responsible for administering the civil service examination in order to select candidates for positions within Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS). Appointed by President of India, its chairman and members take part in Civil Services Examination and National Defence Academy Exam which are both renowned for their difficulty as entrance tests for top government officer positions.