Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, on Friday. As part of the National Unity Day celebrations, a parade led by women police officers took center stage — and leading them was a young and dynamic IPS officer from Gujarat cadre, Simran Bhardwaj.
Her poised leadership at the event not only drew the Prime Minister’s attention but also sparked widespread curiosity about her background and achievements.
A Military Legacy: Daughter of Colonel Manoj Bhardwaj
Hailing from Rewari, Haryana, Simran Bhardwaj comes from a proud military family. Her father, Colonel Manoj Bhardwaj, is currently posted at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
Inspired by her father’s service, Simran developed a passion for uniformed service early on. Her academic brilliance and disciplined upbringing eventually led her to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), where she cleared the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021 with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 172.
From CDS Topper to Civil Services Success
Before achieving success in the civil services, Simran had already made headlines by securing All India Rank 6 in the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Examination in 2021. She was selected for the post of Lieutenant in the Indian Army — a remarkable feat, particularly at a time when women were newly allowed to appear for the NDA exam.
However, Simran decided not to join the Army. Instead, she chose to continue her pursuit of civil services, determined to become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer — a dream she had nurtured since the age of 13.
“My intention has always been to serve the people of my country better,” Simran said in an interview. “I felt my ability to help people would be more direct and impactful through the civil services.”
Self-Study Success: No Coaching, Only Determination
Simran’s preparation journey is equally inspiring. After graduating from Delhi University’s Kamala Nehru College, she began her UPSC preparation from Mhow, where her father was posted during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Without formal coaching, she relied entirely on self-study — watching over 50 interviews of UPSC toppers to understand strategies and motivation. Her disciplined approach paid off when she cleared the UPSC CSE 2021 in her first serious attempt.
Educated Across India: Jammu, Delhi, and Mhow
Simran’s childhood was marked by frequent transfers due to her father’s Army postings. She completed her schooling at Army Public School, Jammu, and later moved to Delhi for her higher education.
At Kamala Nehru College, she was an active member of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which further strengthened her sense of leadership and public service. Her involvement in the NCC also helped shape her commitment to discipline, teamwork, and social responsibility.
Inspired by IPS Officer Ilma Afroz
Simran often credits IPS officer Ilma Afroz as one of her inspirations to join the police service. She believes the IPS provides a direct platform to work on issues like women’s safety, community engagement, and law enforcement reforms.
“Our forces are not just a representation of our society at large, but also the ideal for millions of people,” she once remarked, emphasizing her belief in equality and women’s empowerment.
Leading the Nation’s Parade
On Friday, when she led the National Unity Day Parade in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, Simran’s journey — from a military child in Rewari to a front-ranking IPS officer in Gujarat — came full circle.
Her confident demeanor and leadership at the event reflected the growing presence and strength of women officers in Indian policing and governance.
As social media users praised the young officer, her story emerged as an inspiration for thousands of aspiring civil servants across the country.
