Meet IPS officer who left high-paying job abroad after BTech and Mtech, worked as receptionist, cracked UPSC with AIR...

The Civil Services Examination (CSE), conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is known to be one of the toughest exams in India. It demands not just academic brilliance but also resilience, perseverance, and an ability to handle immense pressure. Pooja Yadav’s story of becoming an IPS officer is a remarkable example of hard work and determination.

Born on September 20, 1988, in a middle-income family in Sonipat, Haryana, Pooja completed her schooling in her hometown. She went on to pursue a B.Tech in Biotechnology, followed by an M.Tech in Food Technology and Management. After completing her studies, Pooja moved abroad to advance her career, working in Germany and Canada for some time. However, she felt a strong urge to contribute to her own country’s growth rather than that of another nation. This realization brought her back to India and sparked her decision to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Her journey was far from easy. To support herself financially during her preparation, Pooja worked as a part-time receptionist and also tutored children. Her first attempt at the UPSC exam did not yield the desired results, but she refused to give up. With unwavering focus and hard work, Pooja cleared the exam in 2018, securing an All-India Rank (AIR) of 174. She was allocated to the Gujarat cadre.

Pooja scored 854 marks in the written exam and 151 in the personality test, achieving a total of 1005 marks. Today, she serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic in Rajkot City, Gujarat, where her strict actions against traffic violators have earned her immense respect.

On the personal front, Pooja is married to IAS officer Vikalp Bhardwaj from the 2016 Kerala cadre. The two met during their training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie and tied the knot on February 18, 2021.

Pooja Yadav’s story is a testament to the fact that perseverance and determination can help overcome any obstacle.