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Bhabani Chayani, IAS: Biography, Profile, Age, Wife, Net Worth and Family


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Dr. Bhabani Shankar Chayani stands as a prominent figure in Odisha's administrative landscape, renowned for topping the OAS 1989 exam on his first attempt and serving as the longest-tenured Collector and District Magistrate of Cuttack. His journey from a meritorious student to a dynamic officer, educator, and Ph.D. holder exemplifies dedication to public service amid challenges like the COVID-19 crisis and legal scrutiny.​

Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
Full NameDr. Bhabani Shankar Chayani
Date of BirthMay 7, 1964
ProfessionIAS (promoted from OAS), Director Higher Education (retired May 2024), Founder & Chief Mentor, LISAS'IAS
SpouseDr. Linu Chayani (Founder Director, LISAS'IAS)
FamilyFather: Damodar Chayani (retired OAS); Wife & sister mentioned in personal contexts; one daughter (deceased at age 5)
Net WorthNot publicly disclosed; typical senior OAS/IAS salary ~₹2.5-3 lakh/month pre-retirement (estimates based on government pay scales)

Bhabani Shankar Chayani was born on May 7, 1964, in Cuttack, Odisha, into a family with strong administrative roots—his father, Damodar Chayani, served as a retired OAS officer, instilling values of discipline and public service from a young age. A consistent scholarship holder from Class III through his M.Phil., he secured sixth rank among Odisha's top ten in matriculation, showcasing early academic brilliance.​

Chayani pursued higher education at prestigious institutions, earning a BA (Hons) and MA in History from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, followed by an M.Phil. in History from Delhi University's Department of History. He later obtained an MBA from Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB), Bhubaneswar, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Utkal University, reflecting his commitment to blending humanities, management, and administrative expertise. These qualifications laid a robust foundation for his civil services career.​

Complete Family Details

Dr. Bhabani Shankar Chayani shares a professional and personal partnership with his wife, Dr. Linu Chayani, a first-class first in BA (Hons) and MA History from Sambalpur University, M.Phil. from Delhi University, and Ph.D. from Utkal University. Together, they founded LISAS'IAS in 1993, where she serves as Founder Director, authoring books for civil services aspirants and employing innovative teaching methods.​

His father, Damodar Chayani, a retired OAS officer, influenced his career path, though limited public details exist on his mother or siblings beyond a mention of a sister in personal family contexts. Tragedy struck the family with the loss of their five-year-old daughter, an event Chayani reflected on publicly, drawing life lessons in resilience and cherishing fleeting moments. No further details on additional children or extended family are widely documented, emphasizing their focus on public service over personal publicity.​

Career Trajectory

Chayani's career began triumphantly as the topper of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) 1989 batch, clearing it on his first attempt—a feat celebrated in recent interviews. His initial training included stints as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Hazaribagh and Jamalpur, Bihar, honing policing skills before returning to Odisha.​

Promoted to IAS under the Union Government's 33.3% state service quota, he earned distinction as Cuttack's longest-serving Collector and District Magistrate, implementing major developmental projects with ethical dynamism. Key roles encompassed Vice-Chairman positions with basic pay scales reflecting senior OAS status (e.g., ₹15,600+ increments), and later Director of Higher Education, Odisha. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik praised his courage; Chayani prioritized district duties, even missing his father's funeral amid 53.1% urban positivity rates in Cuttack.​

Post-superannuation on May 31, 2024, he transitioned to full-time mentorship at LISAS'IAS, Bhubaneswar—Odisha's pioneering civil services coaching institute since 1993—guiding aspirants with decades of exam-cracking insights alongside wife Dr. Linu. Recent activities include Ph.D. award ceremonies and viva sessions, solidifying his educator legacy.​

News and Controversies

Chayani garnered headlines for exemplary service, including COVID-19 management where urban Cuttack saw high positivity but robust response under his leadership. However, a significant controversy emerged in 2023 involving illegal sand mining on the Kathajodi riverbed.​

The Orissa High Court rebuked a "false affidavit" filed by Chayani as then-Collector, Cuttack, deeming it based on "flimsy statements" without ground verification, amid permissions for mechanized mining despite penalties. The Division Bench, noting risks of misappropriation, ordered criminal proceedings against responsible officers as a deterrent, highlighting state authorities' callous approach. As Higher Education Director by December 2023, Chayani faced this scrutiny neutrally; no conviction details post-2024 retirement are public.​

Other news includes research contributions as a Utkal University Ph.D. scholar and event participations, maintaining a balanced public image.​

Awards and Achievements

  • OAS 1989 Topper: First-attempt success, RR-1989 batch.​

  • Longest-Serving Cuttack DM: Record tenure with major developmental implementations.​

  • IAS Promotion: Under central quota for state officers.​

  • Ph.D. in Business Administration: Awarded by Utkal University.​

  • LISAS'IAS Founder: 32+ years mentoring civil services toppers.​

  • COVID-19 Recognition: Praised by CM Naveen Patnaik for leadership.​

  • Academic Excellence: Continuous scholarships; St. Stephen's & Delhi University alumni.​

These milestones underscore his multifaceted contributions to administration, education, and Odisha's growth.

FAQ

Who is Bhabani Shankar Chayani's wife?
Dr. Linu Chayani, co-founder of LISAS'IAS and a renowned educator.​

What is Bhabani Chayani's UPSC/OAS rank?
Topper of OAS 1989 batch, first attempt.youtube+1​

What is the sand mining controversy regarding Bhabani Chayani?
Orissa HC labeled his affidavit as Cuttack Collector "false" on Kathajodi illegal mining, ordering action.​

When did Bhabani Shankar Chayani retire?
May 31, 2024, from Higher Education Director post.​

What is LISAS'IAS and Bhabani Chayani's role?
Odisha's first civil services coaching institute (1993); he is Founder & Chief Mentor post-retirement.​

What is Bhabani Chayani's educational background?
BA/MA (History) St. Stephen's/Delhi University, M.Phil., MBA (XIMB), Ph.D. (Utkal).​

Who is Bhabani Chayani's father?
Damodar Chayani, retired OAS officer.​



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  13. https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2023/12/05/illegal-sand-mining-on-kathajodi-false-affidavit-by-collector-orissa-hc-warns-legal-action-legal-news/
  14. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/false-affidavit-on-sand-mining-orissa-hc-orders-action-against-chayani-101701588520344.html
  15. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/021223/former-cuttack-collector-faces-legal-action-as-high-court-labels-affid.html
  16. https://magazines.odisha.gov.in/Orissareview/2021/May/engpdf/May_OR_%202021.pdf
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  21. https://ashwanikumarias.com/about/
  22. https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3kv02b85b78fd88bebaed131d5c04631e/uploads/2024/08/20240819100-2.pdf
  23. https://gad.cg.gov.in/ias/view_preview.aspx?fn=CL%2F2024%2F03%2F0396
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  26. https://www.pw.live/upsc/exams/upsc-rank-wise-post
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  29. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhawani_Shankar_Chowdhry
  30. https://www.lcs2.in/achievements
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52ZStLkINz4
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeOrV4c7cH8
  33. https://www.facebook.com/LISAS.IAS.OAS/posts/message-from-drbhabani-shankar-chayani-phd-founder-chief-mentor-lisasiasdear-stu/1228773329296285/
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  35. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/orissa-high-court-stays-sand-mining-after-state-s-dec-21-order-101704897285071.html

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