Lucknow/Kanpur: The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has assigned a significant responsibility to a capable woman IPS officer as part of a recent reshuffle involving eight IPS transfers. 2017-batch IPS officer Shraddha Narendra Pandey has been appointed as the Superintendent of Police (SP), Kanpur Dehat, replacing her previous posting in Aligarh as Commandant of the 38th Battalion of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).
From MTech in Biotechnology to Indian Police Service
Hailing originally from Maharashtra, Shraddha Narendra Pandey was born on 1 June 1986. She holds an MTech degree in Biotechnology from Pune and started her professional journey in the insurance sector and Indian Corporate Law Service. However, driven by a passion for public service and making a difference on the ground, she transitioned to civil services preparation.
Her Road to UPSC Success
Shraddha’s journey to becoming an IPS officer was not an easy one—it was a story of perseverance:
- In 2010, she gave her first UPSC attempt, but could not clear.
- In 2011, she secured All India Rank 4 in the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam but was rejected in the medical round.
- In 2013, she missed UPSC success again—this time by just two to three marks.
Persistence paid off in 2016, when she finally cleared UPSC and joined the IPS in the 2017 batch.
Key Roles & Postings
IPS Shraddha Pandey has held several important postings throughout her career:
- SP, Headquarters at the DGP office, Lucknow
- Deputy Commissioner, Prayagraj Police Commissionerate
- Additional Police Commissioner, Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida)
- Additional Superintendent of Police, East Medinipur, West Bengal
Her experience spans across law enforcement in both Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, showcasing her adaptability and strong policing skills.
Awards & Recognition
In recognition of her dedication and service, Shraddha Pandey was awarded the DG Commendation Disc (Silver) on 15 August 2020.
Her cadre was transferred from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal in 2021 following her marriage, but she was later re-posted in Uttar Pradesh.
Humble Beginnings and Strong Spirit
In an earlier media interaction, Shraddha shared that she was once completely unaware of the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE). She described herself as a “naive girl” who gradually understood the exam process and dedicated herself fully to it. Her story continues to inspire aspirants across India.
