https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

He Rejected Rs 20 Lakh Job Offer to Become an IPS Officer 

“Test series should not only be about solving questions but also about understanding patterns and improving weak areas,” says IPS Sharan Kambale. To get more details of his preparation strategy, read the article.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Sharan Kambale’s childhood was marked by a scarcity of resources yet filled with an innate drive to rise above his circumstances. His parents, though illiterate, recognised the value of education and encouraged Kambale to pursue it, despite the challenges. In a village where basic infrastructure like electricity was nonexistent until Kambale reached class 11, studying at night was a struggle. But instead of letting this deter him, Kambale turned it into a strength. 

The lack of electricity and the poor infrastructure didn’t stop Kambale from excelling. He spent long hours studying, often with a kerosene lamp as his only light source, and found ways to make the most of the limited resources available to him. “To reach my school, I would often travel by hanging onto the rooftops of buses to save money, using the long commute to revise and prepare for my exams,” Mr. Kambale shared with Indian Masterminds.  

After completing his 12th grade, he secured admission to Walchand College of Engineering through the Maharashtra CET. His academic brilliance led him to the Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore, where he pursued an M.Tech in Electronic Systems Engineering. The opportunity for a lucrative career with Rambus, a semiconductor company, was a clear indication of his academic potential. “The job came with an attractive annual package of ₹20,00,000, but I had firmly decided to prepare for the UPSC CSE. Even when the company called back, offering to increase the salary, my focus remained on pursuing a different path,” he shared. 

Determined to follow his dream of becoming a civil servant, Mr. Kambae moved to Delhi, supported by a scholarship from the Maharashtra government, to prepare for the UPSC exams. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily took him back to his village, but he remained focused on his ambition and prepared from his home. 

In 2020, he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam with a rank of 542, earning a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). Additionally, he secured the 127th rank in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam and achieved All India Rank 8 in the CAPF Assistant Commandant exam. IPS officer Sharan Kambale (2021 batch, Rajasthan Cadre) is now posted as ASP, Ajmer. 

DECODING IPS SHARAN KAMBALE’S UPSC PREARATION 

Prelims Preparation Strategy

Sharan Kambale’s approach to the Prelims evolved over time. Initially, he attempted 70–73 questions but found this limited his score due to inaccuracies. Subsequently, he increased his attempts to 87–90 questions, which improved his overall performance.

Role of Test Series: He emphasised the importance of test series in identifying weak areas and improving accuracy. “Test series should not only be about solving questions but also about understanding patterns and improving weak areas,” he noted. 

Core subject strategy: 

Polity: Mr. Kambale relied on Laxmikant’s book, with a focus on the first 11 chapters covering Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), and constitutional provisions. He paid special attention to constitutional amendments and articles frequently asked in the exam.

Geography: He built his foundation using NCERT textbooks (6th–12th standard) and supplemented his learning with concise notes for quick revision. Map-based questions, particularly river systems and world political maps, were prioritised.

History: He prepared for Modern Indian History using Spectrum and focused heavily on the appendix section, covering key events, INC sessions, and prominent freedom fighters.

Economics: “Online resources like Mrunal were instrumental in understanding complex topics like inflation, fiscal policies, and the banking system. I balanced static concepts with current developments for a comprehensive understanding,” the officer shared. 

Art and Culture: NCERT Fine Arts textbooks were his primary resource. He focused on recurring topics like dance forms, temple architecture, and festivals, ensuring a connection between cultural heritage and current events.

Notes Preparation: The officer prepared personalised notes, consolidating essential points from multiple sources. These notes were revised multiple times, making them an invaluable resource during the final stages of preparation.

Current Affairs: Daily newspaper reading formed the backbone of Mr. Kambale’s current affairs preparation. He used monthly compilations to ensure comprehensive coverage. He discussed key issues with peers to enhance his understanding and retention.

Subject-Specific Analysis: Sharan Kambale analysed previous years’ question papers to identify high-yield topics. Based on this analysis, he prioritised subjects like Polity and economics, which have a consistent weightage in the Prelims.

The officer also prepared concise, personalised notes by consolidating essential points from multiple sources. These notes became invaluable during revisions.

Interview Preparation Strategy

IPS Sharan Kambale’s interview preparation was thorough, focusing on his Detailed Application Form (DAF), current affairs, and scenario-based questions. He linked personal experiences to broader socio-economic issues, offering insightful and practical answers.

“Regular mock interviews refine communication skills and build confidence. Practicing in front of a mirror or with peers can significantly improve presentation,” Mr. Kambale advised. During the actual interview, he adapted his responses based on the board members’ temperament, maintaining a calm and confident demeanour throughout. 

IPS officer Sharan Kambale’s story is not just about clearing one of the toughest exams in the country but also about the power of perseverance and staying true to one’s dreams. 


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Lamchonghoi Sweety (L S) Changsan
Sweety Changsan IAS Takes Charge of Revenue, Tribal Affairs & ASDMA in Assam
chandrachud1
SC Administration Asks Ex-CJI Chandrachud to Vacate Official Bungalow After Deadline Lapses
cji-br-gavai-supreme-court
CJI Changes 64-Year-Old Rule, OBCs to Get Reservation in Supreme Court Recruitment
Screenshot 2025-07-06 092240
Global Firefly Count Begins with India’s Lead: Conservation Policy in the Works - Details Inside
Raj DGP
Rajasthan: New DGP Rajeev Sharma Aims to Make Rajasthan a Model for Policing in India – Know His Future Plans for Policing in State
Leopard Threat on Kanwar Yatra
UP: Leopard Threat Looms Over Kanwar Yatra in Bijnor; Administration Steps Up Vigil with Drones and Patrolling
Ladli Behna Yojana Housing
Ladli Behna Yojana: 1.30 Crore Urban Beneficiaries to Receive Houses Alongside Financial Aid, Announces MP CM Mohan Yadav
Mohan Yadav
Rs 8,682 MSP for Moong: CM Dr Mohan Yadav Requests 40% Procurement Amid Surge in Cultivation
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-03 at 13.33
IRS Sanjay Bahadur: The Officer With a Pen That Bites | Video Interview
Inderjit Singh Air India
Is Air India Carrying The Burden of Split Before Privatisation?
Ex IRS C Rajendiran
Ex-IRS Officer C. Rajendiran Illuminates Thirukkural’s Timeless Wisdom in Exclusive Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS SHWETA BHARTI Bihar
From Wipro to Civil Services: How Bihar's IAS Shweta Bharti Juggled a BPSC Job While Preparing for UPSC
IAS Shweta Bharti, from rural Bihar, balanced a full-time job and UPSC prep with discipline, cracked...
IPS Deepak Meghani
Deepak Meghani, IPS: A Journey of Focus, Failure, and Quiet Discipline
A passionate writer, he has authored several books in Gujarati, ranging from exam strategy guides to...
Sanish Kumar Singh
“If you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way,” Sanish Kumar Singh AIR 8, UPSC IFS 2024 
The real interview, he says, was much more humane. “The board was conversational. The chairman opened...
Social Media
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu’s Visit to NADT Turns into a Wholesome Tribute to Legacy—and ‘Moolchandj
The Olympic champion shared nostalgic memories, met aspiring IRS officers, and sparked viral laughter...
Shailaja Chandra
“Nanis & Dadis Have a Brain”: Former IAS Officer Shailaja Chandra Weighs in on 1970s vs 2025 Life Debate - “This Generation Has It Better”
Responding to Viral Post on Middle-Class Struggles, Ex-Bureaucrat Offers Candid Reflection on Then and...
Tigress Arrowhead
The End of an Era: A Queen Falls - Ranthambore’s Iconic Tigress Arrowhead (T-84) Passes Away at 14, Hours After Daughter’s Relocation
Ranthambore mourns the loss of one of its fiercest and most beloved tigers, Arrowhead, the granddaughter...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-05 at 18.56
Where a Mine Once Lay, Minds Now Grow, Thanks to An IPS with A Vision
Lamchonghoi Sweety (L S) Changsan
Sweety Changsan IAS Takes Charge of Revenue, Tribal Affairs & ASDMA in Assam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-03 at 13.33
Inderjit Singh Air India
Ex IRS C Rajendiran
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT