In an era where policing is no longer confined to uniforms and lathis but extends into classrooms, counselling rooms, cyber cells, and counter-terror operations, 2016 batch IPS officer Sagarika Nath stands out as a symbol of modern, compassionate, and fearless leadership. Quietly firm yet deeply empathetic, she represents a new generation of officers who believe that law enforcement must protect not just borders and laws, but futures.
From the streets of Khordha battling drug abuse, to managing one of India’s worst railway disasters, and now stepping into the high-stakes world of national security with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Sagarika Nath’s journey is one of persistence, purpose, and people-first policing. Her rise has not been accidental – it is the result of resilience, repeated failure, and an unshakable commitment to public service.
Recently appointed as Superintendent of Police (SP) in the NIA on central deputation, the Odisha-cadre IPS officer now shoulders responsibilities linked directly to India’s internal security. But long before this national role, she built her reputation on the ground—working with youth, safeguarding women, modernizing traffic enforcement, and transforming the way police connect with citizens.
The Officer Behind the Uniform
Ms Sagarika widely regarded as one of the rising stars among women IPS officers in India. Known for her tough stance on crime and an equally strong empathetic approach to social challenges, she has consistently balanced enforcement with compassion.
Her academic strength and analytical background laid the foundation for her operations-driven policing style. A B.Tech graduate in Electrical Engineering from the College of Engineering and Technology (CET), Bhubaneswar, she combines technical thinking with human-centric solutions—whether it is dismantling narcotics networks or setting up integrated command and control systems.
Before her central deputation, she served as SP of Khordha district, where she became particularly well-known for tackling drug abuse among youth and implementing large-scale community policing initiatives such as Project Sampark. Earlier, as SP Balasore, she played a crucial role in managing the aftermath of the Bahanaga rail tragedy in June 2023, earning widespread praise for her coordination of rescue and relief operations. She has also served as DCP Traffic, Bhubaneswar, focusing on urban traffic management and road safety.
Her career reflects a rare combination of fearless leadership, crisis management, cybercrime expertise, and grassroots outreach—qualities that made her a natural choice for induction into the NIA.
Early Life and Education
Born in Dhenkanal, Odisha, Sagarika Nath comes from a family deeply rooted in public service. Her father served as a Senior Deputy General Manager at NALCO, while her uncle, Susanta Kumar Nath, is also a senior IPS officer. Growing up in this environment instilled in her a sense of discipline, responsibility, and service from an early age.
Academically bright and all-rounder by nature, she credits her parents for supporting not only her studies but also her extracurricular pursuits. “My parents always encouraged me—not just in academics, but also in dance, sports, and martial arts,” she has said, emphasizing how holistic development shaped her confidence and resilience.
UPSC Journey: Five Attempts, One Breakthrough
The path to the IPS was far from smooth.
She made five attempts at the UPSC Civil Services Examination—a fact that resonates deeply with countless aspirants across the country. In her first four attempts, she faced repeated setbacks. While she managed to clear the Prelims twice, she could not clear the Mains examination.
“I made five attempts—the fifth one,” she recalls matter-of-factly. “Yes, I got IPS in my fifth attempt.”
It was only in UPSC CSE 2015 that everything finally came together. Clearing the Mains for the first time, she went on to appear for the interview—also her first—and secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 199, earning her entry into the Indian Police Service.
Reflecting on changes in UPSC preparation over time, she observes, “The process has become more practical. The scope of General Studies is constantly expanding, so obviously the challenge is increasing day by day.”
Her journey stands as a testament to perseverance—proof that success in UPSC is not about how fast you clear it, but how long you are willing to stay committed.
Professional Career and Key Postings
National Investigation Agency (NIA)
In August 2025, Sagarika Nath was appointed as Superintendent of Police in the National Investigation Agency on central deputation. As of 2026, she is part of India’s premier counter-terror and anti-national crime investigation body, handling sensitive security-related responsibilities. Her experience in narcotics control, cybercrime, and crisis management is expected to significantly strengthen the agency’s investigative depth.
SP, Khordha (2024–2025)
As the police chief of Khordha district, she launched youth-centric initiatives focusing on drug abuse prevention, mental health, and trust-building between police and students.
SP, Balasore
During the Bahanaga rail accident in June 2023, she played a critical role in coordinating rescue, relief, and law-and-order management in one of Odisha’s most challenging crises.
DCP Traffic, Bhubaneswar
Earlier in her career, she worked extensively on urban traffic management, road safety, and technology-driven enforcement.
Project Sampark: Protecting Youth from Drug Abuse
Launched in 2024, Project Sampark is one of IPS Sagarika Nath’s most impactful initiatives. Designed as a two-pronged approach, the project tackles drug abuse through strict enforcement and compassionate care.
“We don’t just want to arrest people—we want to save lives,” she explains.
On the enforcement side, the initiative targets drug networks through a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force, working to dismantle supply chains. Simultaneously, it focuses on young users by providing anonymous reporting mechanisms, access to de-addiction services, and mental health support.
The project conducts regular awareness programs in colleges across Khordha district. Each of the 12 police station jurisdictions selects at least one college—engineering, pharmacy, or general degree—for monthly sessions, which include:
- Seminars on drug awareness and mental health
- Anonymous reporting channels
- Student–police interaction programs
- Mental health support and suicide prevention talks
So far, over 5,000 students across more than 10 colleges have been engaged. “We try to reach at least two colleges every month,” she says, highlighting the initiative’s consistency.
Additionally, under the COTPA Act, shops selling tobacco near educational institutions have been identified and evicted with the support of the district administration.
Going Beyond Urban: Rural Outreach Underway
Although Project Sampark began in urban Khordha, it is now expanding into rural areas. “We’re now connecting with colleges in rural police jurisdictions as well,” Nath says, ensuring that awareness and support reach even the most remote corners.
Project Durga: Empowering Adolescent Girls
Conceptualized during her tenure as SP Sundargarh, Project Durga focuses on adolescent girls’ safety through a three-step model.
First is self-defense training for girls from Classes VII to IX. Over 2,500 girl students have been trained through intensive three-day in-house programs.
Second is career counselling, exposing students to diverse career paths beyond conventional options like engineering or medicine. Sports personalities, social workers, and even the then Miss India were invited to interact with the girls. “They need to know what all is possible,” Nath explains.
The third step was the launch of the ‘Nari’ helpline, a dedicated helpline for women-related issues, especially for quick response to teasing and stalking incidents around schools and colleges.
Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS): A First for Odisha
Under her leadership, Odisha saw its first Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS), implemented in Sundargarh. The system uses facial recognition, automated challan generation, video analytics, and a live incident response mechanism.
“We created an integrated command and control room,” she explains. “If any incident happens under the cameras, the system automatically generates a red flag—there is no need for manual reporting.”
She recalls a hit-and-run case where the system immediately detected the incident and sent an alert directly to the local officer’s mobile phone. The system, she confirms, was fully functional the last time she checked.
Chota Cop Program
Through the Chota Cop Program, schoolchildren were encouraged to promote traffic discipline at home. Children reported violations, indirectly turning households into partners in road safety and civic responsibility.
Vision for the Future
IPS Sagarika Nath envisions a model of policing that is modern, compassionate, and community-centric—one that prioritizes prevention, trust-building, and youth empowerment.
Her journey – from repeated UPSC failures to national security responsibilities – mirrors the very philosophy she practices: never give up, adapt, and serve with integrity. As she steps into her role at the NIA, the nation watches a committed officer take her place on a larger stage, carrying with her the lessons of the ground and the hopes of the people she has served.
