Gen Z officer Jaya Sharma's journey from DSP to IPS through UPSC

Jaya Sharma had already secured a position in the police service when she continued working towards a bigger career goal. After becoming a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Haryana Police, she continued preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination while managing the demands of her job.

Her efforts eventually led to her selection for the Indian Police Service (IPS).An officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, Sharma is currently posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Adoni, in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. Her journey from state police service to the IPS reflects a career path shaped by academic preparation, professional experience and continued efforts towards a long-term goal.

From a mathematics degree to research at ISRO

Born on April 3, 1997, in Barwa village in Haryana, Sharma studied mathematics at the University of Delhi, where she completed her BSc. She later earned an MSc degree from IIT Delhi.Her professional journey included working on a research project at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and taking up a role at a private company. However, she eventually decided to focus on the Civil Services Examination, with the aim of joining the police service through the IPS.

Preparing for the UPSC examination meant taking on a demanding academic challenge after already gaining experience in research and employment. Her subsequent selection as a DSP through the Haryana Public Service Commission gave her an opportunity to enter policing while she continued to work towards her larger ambition.

She continued as a DSP

Clearing the HPSC examination and becoming a DSP was a significant step in Sharma’s career.

However, she continued to pursue the UPSC examination, which requires sustained preparation across a wide range of subjects and stages.Balancing preparation with police duties presented a different set of demands. Field responsibilities, law-and-order assignments and the daily requirements of policing left limited time for uninterrupted study.Sharma continued preparing alongside her professional responsibilities, using available time and maintaining a disciplined study routine.

Rather than treating her appointment as a DSP as the end of her efforts, she kept working towards selection for the IPS.Her eventual success brought a change in cadre and opened the way to a career in the national police service. The transition also meant moving from a state police position to the training and responsibilities associated with the IPS.

From Haryana Police to an ASP posting in Andhra Pradesh

After her selection for the IPS and subsequent training, Sharma was allotted the Andhra Pradesh cadre.

She is currently serving as ASP in Adoni, a town in Kurnool district.As an ASP, her responsibilities include assisting with policing operations, maintaining law and order and addressing crime-related concerns within her jurisdiction. The posting marks a new stage in her career, taking her from her earlier role in Haryana to field policing in Andhra Pradesh.Her progression also illustrates one route into the IPS: candidates who are already working in demanding jobs may continue to prepare for the Civil Services Examination while managing their existing responsibilities.

What her journey means for UPSC aspirants

Sharma’s career offers a perspective for aspirants who are preparing for competitive examinations while employed. Her experience shows that securing one position does not necessarily mean abandoning a larger professional ambition.At the same time, preparing alongside a full-time job requires realistic planning, consistency and the ability to manage competing responsibilities. Police work, in particular, can involve unpredictable schedules, making regular study difficult.For aspirants considering a similar path, her journey underlines the importance of defining a long-term goal and continuing to work towards it even after reaching an earlier milestone.Disclaimer: TOI Education has not independently verified all personal and career details mentioned in this article.