IPS officers Kuhu Garg and Jaya Sharma lead new wave of young professionals in civil services

Two young female police officers, former badminton champion Kuhu Garg and former space researcher Jaya Sharma, have highlighted the rising caliber of talent entering India's administrative and law enforcement services through the Union Public Service Commission examinations.

Garg, a 2024-batch Indian Police Service officer allocated to the Gujarat cadre, recently earned the prestigious Sword of Honour for Best Outdoor Probationer alongside the Best Drill award at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Jaya Sharma, an officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has taken charge as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Adoni, Kurnool district, following her transition from Haryana Police Deputy Superintendent of Police to the national service.

From elite athletics and ISRO to national service

Both officers bring exceptional academic and professional records to public administration, demonstrating the success of India's competitive civil service framework in drawing talent from diverse disciplines.

Garg, who represented India in international badminton between 2013 and 2020, reached a career-high world ranking of 34 in mixed doubles and earned 56 national and 19 international medals. Coached by Padma Bhushan awardee Pullela Gopichand and Dr D.K. Sen, she graduated in economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce in 2018. When a knee injury during the Covid-19 pandemic paused her sporting career, she shifted her focus to civil services, clearing the UPSC exam in 2023 on her first attempt with an All India Rank of 178.

Sharma, born in Barwa village in Haryana, completed her undergraduate studies in mathematics at Delhi University before earning a Master of Science degree from IIT Delhi. She subsequently participated in a research project at the Indian Space Research Organisation and worked in the private sector before clearing the Haryana Public Service Commission examination to become a DSP. She kept up a disciplined study schedule alongside active field duty to secure her selection into the IPS.

Career paths of Kuhu Garg and Jaya Sharma

Rigorous training and field performance

The achievements of both officers reflect the rigorous training standards established at national law enforcement institutions. At the national police academy in Hyderabad, Garg was evaluated across 15 to 20 physical and operational activities, including precision firing, horse riding, commando training, unarmed combat, tactics, and sports.

Their appointment to leadership roles in the IPS underscores how India's meritocratic recruitment systems continue to strengthen state administration and police forces with disciplined, highly qualified young professionals.