Choosing to step away from an academic path toward a demanding role in public service, Shruti Srivastava has built an inspiring trajectory in law enforcement. Born and raised in Delhi, her initial aspirations were centered purely around higher education and teaching. She had envisioned a career as a college professor, guiding students in literature and academia. However, a timely conversation during her university years reoriented her perspective, encouraging her to direct her talents toward the Civil Services. Relying strictly on self-discipline and independent study, she cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination at the age of 24.
Early Life and Academic Milestones
Shruti Srivastava was born on November 1, 1995, in Delhi to Sanjay Srivastava. Her academic foundation developed across premier institutions in the capital. She pursued her undergraduate education at Hindu College, affiliated with the University of Delhi. Following her graduation, she gained admission to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where she completed her Master of Arts in English literature.
Demonstrating a strong grasp of her subject, she also qualified for the National Eligibility Test and Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF), solidifying her credentials for university-level research and teaching. On the official departmental portal uppolice.gov.in, her educational qualification is recorded as a BSc in English. With these accomplishments, an academic career appeared fully established, yet her professional focus soon took an unexpected turn.
The Decision to Transition Toward Civil Services
During her university tenure, teaching remained her primary ambition until an insightful interaction with a senior student reshaped her viewpoint. The senior highlighted that while academic roles provide intellectual engagement, civil administration offers a wider platform and immediate societal influence. Recognizing this broader scope of public work, she decided to attempt the civil services examination.
To support herself during the preparation period, she worked in the Lok Sabha Secretariat for approximately 2 years. Rather than enrolling in commercial coaching centers, she balanced her professional working hours with structured self-study routines. Her persistence yielded results in her third attempt, when she secured an All India Rank of 82 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2019.
Police Training and Administrative Responsibilities
Allocated to the Indian Police Service in the 2020 batch, she underwent rigorous foundational and professional training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, Telangana. Displaying remarkable discipline during her physical training modules, she was awarded the ‘Gandhi Gyan Mandir Yoga Kendra Trophy’ for her performance in yoga.
Assigned to the Uttar Pradesh cadre, she currently serves as the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Additional DCP) in the Prayagraj Commissionerate. Beyond her routine policing and administrative duties, she has drawn public attention for her dynamic public interactions. Notably, during the preparations and events leading up to Mahakumbh 2025, she conducted an interview with actor Raveena Tandon during the latter's visit to Kashi.
