Kozhikode has welcomed a new face in its district administration as Malavika G Nair officially assumed charge as the Assistant Collector of Kozhikode district on June 4, 2026. The 2025 batch IAS officer, a native of Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district, brings impressive credentials to her new role after previously serving as Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax.
Malavika G Nair’s journey to civil services excellence is nothing short of inspirational. She completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, Goa Campus. As a 2020 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, she worked as Income Tax Deputy Commissioner before transitioning to the IAS. Her UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 performance made her a state topper and national sensation. Malavika secured All India Rank 45, the highest rank among Kerala candidates in that year’s exam. What makes her achievement extraordinary is that she appeared for the Civil Services Mains examination just 17 days after giving birth to her son on September 3, 2024. This was her sixth and final attempt at the UPSC exam, demonstrating remarkable perseverance.
Malavika’s family support system played a crucial role in her success. Her husband, Dr. Nandagopan M, is a 2023 batch IPS officer currently serving as the in-charge of Manjeri Police Station in Malappuram district. Her mother, Dr. P.L. Geetalakshmi, a gynecologist at Thiruvalla Taluk Hospital, ensured Malavika’s safe delivery and took care of the newborn, allowing Malavika to focus on her exam preparation. The couple’s civil services journey is particularly notable as both secured ranks in the exam. While Malavika achieved AIR 45 in 2024, Nandagopan had secured 233rd rank in the 2022 exam. Malavika had previously cleared the examination in 2019 (118th rank) and 2022 (172nd rank) before her breakthrough performance.
Malavika’s transition from IRS to IAS represents her aspiration to serve in broader administrative roles. Her story underscores the challenges faced by women balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities, serving as inspiration for countless aspirants. As she takes up her role as Kozhikode Assistant Collector, her dedication to public service and remarkable determination promise to make a significant impact on the district’s administration.
Read more at: https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/kozhikode/2026/06/04/malavika-g-nair-kozhitkode-assistant-collector.html