{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "From Aiming to Be a Professor to Becoming an IPS Officer: How Shruti Srivastava Cracked UPSC with Rank 82 at 24",
  "summary": "Educated at Delhi University and JNU, Shruti Srivastava shifted from an academic track to secure rank 82 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination through self-study.",
  "content": "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.\n\nEarly Life and Academic Milestones\nShruti 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.\n\nDemonstrating 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.\n\nThe Decision to Transition Toward Civil Services\nDuring 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.\n\nTo 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.\n\nPolice Training and Administrative Responsibilities\nAllocated 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.\n\nAssigned 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.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis professional journey offers clear practical takeaways for competitive exam aspirants regarding independent study and career transitions.\n\n• For aspirants across India: It demonstrates that qualifying for high-level civil service positions is fully achievable through dedicated self-study without expensive coaching institutes. Candidates working full-time jobs can effectively structure their daily preparation routines to compete successfully.\n• For residents in Uttar Pradesh: The presence of young, highly qualified officers strengthens policing and public administration within the Prayagraj Commissionerate. It fosters accessible community engagement and responsive law enforcement for citizens in the region.\n\nWhy this happened\nThis significant career pivot occurred due to a transformative perspective shared by a senior and Shruti Srivastava's disciplined persistence. She chose to transition from a secure academic path to enter public administration.\n\n• Guidance from a senior student: During her college years, a senior highlighted that administrative service offers broader societal influence than an academic teaching career. This advice prompted her to reconsider her long-term professional objectives.\n• Preparation alongside employment: Working for approximately two years at the Lok Sabha Secretariat, she pursued self-study without attending coaching centers. Her consistent efforts resulted in securing the 82nd rank on her third attempt.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What rank did Shruti Srivastava secure in the UPSC examination?\nShe achieved an All India Rank of 82 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2019.\n\n2. At what age did Shruti Srivastava crack the UPSC exam?\nShe cracked the civil services examination at the age of 24 in her third attempt.\n\n3. What was her academic background prior to joining the police service?\nShe graduated from Hindu College and completed her MA in English from JNU, along with qualifying NET-JRF.\n\n4. What is IPS Shruti Srivastava's current posting?\nShe is currently posted as the Additional DCP in the Prayagraj Commissionerate in Uttar Pradesh.\n\n5. Where was she working while preparing for the UPSC examination?\nShe worked at the Lok Sabha Secretariat for about 2 years during her preparation.\n\nInspiration & Lessons\nShruti Srivastava's journey offers valuable insights for students and professionals pursuing ambitious career milestones.\n\n• Courage to pivot goals: Do not hesitate to reconsider your established plans when presented with opportunities for broader impact. Being receptive to guidance can redefine your professional trajectory.\n• Power of self-study: Success in competitive examinations does not depend solely on expensive coaching centers. Disciplined independent study and consistency can yield top national rankings.\n• Balancing work and ambitions: Full-time employment does not preclude preparing for difficult examinations. Managing a job at the Lok Sabha Secretariat while studying demonstrates that focused time management enables significant accomplishments.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/success-stories/professor-banne-ki-chahat-se-ips-tak-24-varsh-ki-umr-mein-shruti-srivastava-ne-bina-coaching-hasil-ki-82vi-rank-45560",
  "category": "Success Stories",
  "publishedAt": "2026-10-09",
  "tags": [
    "Shruti Srivastava",
    "IPS Officer",
    "UPSC Exam",
    "Civil Services",
    "Uttar Pradesh Police",
    "Prayagraj",
    "Success Story"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}