Meet Adarsh Kant Shukla, youngest IPS officer who cracked UPSC at 21

Aspirations to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Police Service (IPS) drive countless young minds in India each year. However, the vast syllabus of the UPSC exam, known as one of the toughest in the nation, makes success a rarity. 

Amidst the challenges, Adarsh Kant Shukla emerged as a testament to determination, cracking the UPSC on his first attempt at the tender age of 21.

According to a DNA report, Adarsh belonged to a modest family from Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki. His father, Radha Kant Shukla, worked as an accountant in a private company, harbouring his own unfulfilled dream of serving in the administration. Financial constraints had thwarted his father's aspirations, but he was determined to see his son achieve what he couldn't.

Adarsh's academic excellence paved the way for his journey. Graduating with a B.Sc. from National PG College in Lucknow, he secured a gold medal in biology. The dream of becoming an IPS officer had always fuelled his aspirations, but his focused UPSC preparation began after his graduation.

Despite facing setbacks in his own ambitions, Adarsh's father, recognizing the importance of education, wholeheartedly supported his son's pursuit of the IPS dream. 

In 2020, Adarsh undertook the UPSC Civil Services Examination for the first time, overcoming the odds to secure the 149th rank nationwide. His achievement serves as a beacon of hope for aspirants, proving that success in the Civil Services Exam is possible with determination and strategic preparation.

Adarsh emphasizes treating the Civil Services Exam like any other, urging aspirants not to make it the sole focus of life. His journey stands as an inspiration for those navigating the challenging path toward IAS or IPS, showcasing that dreams, even against financial constraints, can indeed materialize with perseverance and family support.