Anukriti Sharma IPS: Biography, Age, Education, Husband, Rank, and More

Anukriti Sharma’s story is not just about becoming an Indian Police Service officer,  it is a compelling narrative of courage, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making a difference. From her early days as a bright student in Rajasthan to her groundbreaking role as a young IPS officer, Anukriti embodies the spirit of modern India’s fearless and compassionate leaders.

Key Information

Early Years: Foundations of Excellence and Curiosity

Anukriti Sharma was born in Ajmer, Rajasthan, into a family that prized education and social responsibility. Her father worked in the government’s 20-Point Program Department, while her mother served as a schoolteacher. Growing up in this environment, Anukriti imbibed strong values of discipline, service, and learning.

She excelled academically, completing her schooling at Indo Bharat International School in Jaipur. Demonstrating a keen scientific mind, she pursued a Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) degree at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, one of India’s premier science institutes. Her fascination with research and exploration led her to earn a coveted PhD position at Rice University, Houston, where she specialized in volcano research.

A Bold Pivot: Choosing Service Over Science

While many would have considered her a shoo-in for a scientific career, especially with a job offer from NASA on the table, Anukriti made the courageous decision to return to India and prepare for the civil services exam. This decision was driven by a powerful desire to contribute directly to her country’s governance and welfare.

Her UPSC journey was marked by determination and resilience. Despite setbacks, failing the mains in her first attempt and prelims in the second, and falling short in subsequent attempts, she never gave up. Her dogged persistence finally bore fruit when she cleared the examination in her fifth attempt in 2020, securing the coveted rank of 138 and joining the IPS.

Breaking Barriers: A New Face of Policing

As a 2020-batch IPS officer, Anukriti was posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. Here, she quickly established herself as a reformer and a leader who brought fresh perspectives to policing.

Recognizing the importance of gender equality in law enforcement, she championed the cause of empowering women officers. Under her leadership, female police personnel were given frontline roles in raids, investigations, and law and order maintenance, breaking long-standing stereotypes and inspiring confidence.

Her leadership extended to community outreach initiatives such as Mission Shakti, which encouraged women to actively report crimes and participate in safety programs. Anukriti’s efforts fostered greater trust between the police and the public, particularly among women who felt empowered to seek justice.

Her compassionate approach was widely acknowledged when a video of her team providing electricity to an elderly woman’s home went viral, exemplifying how policing can extend beyond enforcement to genuine social service.

Championing Modern Policing and Transparency

Anukriti Sharma stands out for her emphasis on transparency, accountability, and technology-driven policing. She actively promotes digital tools and data analytics to improve crime reporting and investigation efficiency.

She also advocates for mental health support and welfare programs for police personnel, recognizing that well-supported officers are better equipped to serve the community effectively.

Personal Life: Partnership in Purpose

Anukriti’s personal life reflects her professional ethos. She is married to Vaibhav Mishra, a fellow IISER alumnus and PhD colleague from Rice University. Together, they embody a partnership of intellectual rigor and public service commitment. Vaibhav now dedicates his time to coaching civil services aspirants, supporting the next generation of leaders.

Inspiring a Generation: Legacy and Vision

Anukriti Sharma’s journey offers invaluable lessons in perseverance, courage, and the power of following one’s convictions. Her transition from a promising scientific career to a frontline police officer is a testament to her belief in service and societal impact.

She continues to inspire countless young Indians, especially women, to aspire for civil services and leadership roles. Her vision of an inclusive, compassionate, and modern police force is steadily shaping the future of law enforcement in India.

As she advances in her career, Anukriti remains committed to reforming policing through innovation, empathy, and community partnership, proving that true leadership is rooted in service to others.

Interesting Facts about Anukriti Sharma IPS

1. Turned Down NASA for Civil Services
   Despite being selected for a prestigious role at NASA during her PhD program, Anukriti Sharma chose to return to India to pursue her dream of joining the civil services, showing her deep-rooted commitment to public service.
2. Failed 4 Times Before Clearing UPSC
   She faced multiple failures in her UPSC journey, failing the mains once and prelims twice, and initially being selected for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) before finally cracking IPS in her fifth attempt with an All India Rank of 138 in 2020.
3. Empowered Women in Policing
   While posted in Bulandshahr, she redefined women’s roles in the police force by encouraging female constables to take active roles in raids and arrests, a rare and bold initiative in traditional police settings.
4. Science Meets Service
   Anukriti holds a deep academic background in science, having done volcano research at Rice University. Her ability to switch from volcanoes to villages showcases her multi-dimensional capabilities.
5. She and Her Husband Both Quit PhDs to Serve India
   Both Anukriti and her husband Vaibhav Mishra were pursuing PhDs in the U.S. but left behind promising academic careers to serve their country, an extraordinary joint decision.
6. Viral for Bringing Electricity to an Old Woman’s House
   Anukriti became a social media sensation after a video went viral showing her helping a 70-year-old woman get electricity in her home, proving that policing can go beyond crime control.
7. Strong Believer in Community Policing
   She is a vocal advocate of Mission Shakti, promoting awareness and safety for women, and believes that the police force must work closely with the community, not just for the community.
8. From Volcanoes to Villages
   Her unusual transition from researching volcanic activity to patrolling in Indian villages symbolizes how versatile and service-driven her personality is.
9. Her Story Inspires Thousands of UPSC Aspirants
   Anukriti is often cited as a motivational figure in civil services preparation groups and coaching institutes due to her resilience, dedication, and humble nature.
10. Minimal Social Media Presence
    Unlike many contemporary IPS officers, Anukriti maintains a low profile online, focusing instead on her work on the ground, which makes her even more respected.

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