Success Story: IPS Ankita Sharma – The Fearless ‘Lady Singham’ of Naxal-Affected Regions

From a small-town girl to the first female IPS officer of Chhattisgarh, Ankita Sharma’s journey is a testament to determination, discipline, and unwavering commitment to serving the nation. Despite leaving her MBA mid-way, she pursued her dream of joining the civil services, faced failures in her first two UPSC attempts, and finally triumphed on her third try.

Early Life and Education
Ankita hails from a small town in Durg district, Chhattisgarh. She began her education in a government school and, despite limited resources, learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and discipline early on. Her consistent efforts earned her 92% in 10th grade and 90% in 12th grade.

Choosing Civil Services Over MBA
After completing her graduation, Ankita enrolled in an MBA program but decided to leave it midway to follow her passion for civil services. She initially prepared for the UPSC exams in Delhi and later continued her preparation from home, determined to bring meaningful change to society.

Overcoming UPSC Setbacks
Her journey was not easy. In her first attempt, she missed the mains exam cut-off by just 15 marks, while her second attempt ended at the prelims stage. Undeterred, she analyzed her weaknesses, devised a better strategy, and returned stronger for her third attempt.

Achieving Success and Making History
In 2018, Ankita’s hard work bore fruit when she secured Rank 203 in UPSC, earning her the distinction of being the first female IPS officer of Chhattisgarh.

Fighting Naxalism: The ‘Lady Singham’
Post her induction, IPS Ankita Sharma led several successful operations in Naxal-affected regions of Chhattisgarh. Her fearless leadership struck fear into Naxal ranks, earning her the title ‘Lady Singham’. Beyond her professional achievements, she continues to inspire countless young aspirants with her courage, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Ankita Sharma’s story is a powerful reminder that failures are stepping stones, and with perseverance and focus, one can achieve even the loftiest of dreams.