The path of civil services preparation is demanding, yet its milestones often bring meaningful personal and professional partnerships. Beyond rigorous training and governance lessons, the time spent at the premier civil services training institute often builds lifelong connections. The journey of two 2018 batch Indian Administrative Service officers, Sahila Heer and Nitin Kumar Singh, illustrates this shared pursuit. Having first connected during their foundational training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, both officers are currently discharging crucial administrative duties across Bihar.
Early Education and Engineering Background of Sahila Heer
Sahila Heer was born on February 22, 1991, in Jalandhar, Punjab. She grew up in an academically inclined family. Her father, BL Heer, served as a Deputy Chief Engineer in the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited prior to his retirement, while her mother, Kuljeet Heer, worked as a school principal. She completed her early schooling at MGN School in Jalandhar.
Following her schooling, she pursued higher technical education at the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology in Patiala, earning a BTech degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Control. Expanding her academic profile further after completing engineering, she went on to complete a postgraduate diploma in event management.
Overcoming Three Initial Setbacks to Clear UPSC with Rank 572
Entering the competitive sphere of the Union Public Service Commission examination, Sahila Heer encountered significant initial challenges. The journey demanded persistence, as her first three attempts did not yield success. Remaining committed to her goal, she analyzed her preparation and appeared for the examination a fourth time.
Her perseverance bore fruit in her fourth attempt, where she secured All India Rank 572 and joined the 2018 batch of the IAS. Initially allotted the Tripura cadre, her cadre was subsequently transferred to Bihar following her marriage to Nitin Kumar Singh.
Administrative Postings and Field Leadership in Bihar
In Bihar, Sahila Heer has handled a series of field and state-level administrative assignments. She began by serving as the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Narkatiaganj. Later, she served as the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) in Saharsa and Purnia districts. Her administrative portfolio also included tenure as the Director of Primary Education at the state level. In December 2025, she was entrusted with the key district leadership post of District Magistrate of Buxar.
From IIT Kanpur to the Civil Services: Nitin Kumar Singh
Hailing from the historic city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Nitin Kumar Singh built a solid academic foundation at one of the country's premier engineering institutions. He graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur. Motivated to serve in public administration, he cleared the civil services examination to enter the IAS alongside Sahila Heer in the 2018 batch, receiving the Bihar cadre.
His administrative postings commenced in the state capital region as SDO Patna Sadar. Subsequently, he served as the DDC of Madhepura and took on urban governance responsibilities as the Municipal Commissioner of Bhagalpur.
Governing Neighboring Districts and Transition to State Roles
A notable phase in their administrative careers occurred in late 2025 when both officers were appointed to lead adjacent districts. In December 2025, when Sahila Heer took charge as District Magistrate of Buxar, Nitin Kumar Singh was appointed District Magistrate of the neighboring Kaimur district, placing both officers at the helm of adjacent district administrations.
Following an administrative reshuffle in August 2026, Nitin Kumar Singh transitioned from district leadership to a vital state-level portfolio, taking over as the Director of Secondary Education. Both officers continue to handle significant administrative responsibilities while navigating demanding public service careers.
