Breaking the Myth: How a 12th Failed Student from Chambal Became Inspector General of Police
Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS is not just an officer; he is a symbol of perseverance and determination. Born on July 3, 1975, in the small village of Bilgaon in Morena district, Madhya Pradesh, Manoj Kumar Sharma’s life story reads like a script of triumph against all odds. The real Manoj Kumar Sharma hails from the Chambal region, an area historically known for dacoity and criminal activities, making his journey even more remarkable.
Quick Facts Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma |
| Profession | Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer |
| Current Position | Inspector General of Police, CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) at Mumbai CSMI Airport |
| IPS Batch | 2005 |
| Cadre | Maharashtra |
| UPSC Rank | All India Rank 121 (Fourth Attempt) |
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1975 |
| Age | 50 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Bilgaon Village, Morena District, Madhya Pradesh |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Wife | Shraddha Joshi Sharma (IRS Officer) |
| Children | Two (Daughter: Manushree, Son: Manas) |
| Famous For | Inspiration behind “12th Fail” book and movie |
Personal Details at a Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma |
| Nickname | Singham (due to his commanding personality) |
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1975 |
| Age (2025) | 50 years |
| Birth Place | Bilgaon, Morena, Madhya Pradesh |
| Hometown | Bilgaon Village, Chambal Region |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste/Community | Sharma (Brahmin) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Languages Known | Hindi (Native), English |
Manoj Kumar Sharma age is 50 years as of 2025, and despite reaching senior positions, he continues to inspire millions with his humble beginnings and extraordinary achievements.
Family & Personal Life: The Foundation of Success
| Phase / Period | Description | Key Insights / Lessons |
|---|---|---|
| Parents & Early Family Background | – Manoj Kumar Sharma’s mother was a homemaker who managed the household despite extreme financial hardship. – She often went hungry so her children could eat. |
– Deep sense of sacrifice and resilience learned from his mother. |
| Early Education: The Cheating Phase (1990–1993) | – Manoj was an average student who passed 9th and 10th grades through cheating, common in his school. – Scored third division (barely passed). – Continued the same habits in 11th grade at Maharani Lakshmi Bai Government College, Gwalior. |
– Lack of academic seriousness. – Focused on passing rather than learning. |
| The 12th Fail: The Turning Point (1993) | – A strict SDM in Morena enforced anti-cheating rules during the 12th board exams. – For the first time, Manoj appeared without cheating — and failed. – The failure made him realize he had been living dishonestly. |
– The failure became a life-changing event. – He decided to change his mindset — to learn genuinely rather than just pass exams. |
| Redemption and Self-Realization | – Reappeared for the 12th exam, studied honestly, and passed. – Despite success, his confidence was low; he doubted his ability to achieve anything significant. |
– Learned the value of honesty and hard work. – The foundation of his later transformation. |
| The Spark: Reading Biographies (1993–1995) | – While pursuing B.A. in Hindi and History, he began reading biographies of Abraham Lincoln and Maxim Gorky. – Inspired by their rise from poverty and hardship. – Also read about Mahatma Gandhi and India’s freedom struggle. |
– Developed an aspiration to serve the nation. – Reading became a turning point — instilled self-belief and purpose. |
The Dream Takes Shape (1995-1999)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Chapter Title | Chapter 2: The Dream Takes Shape (1995–1999) |
| Key Phase | Meeting DSP Dushyant Singh – The Mentor Appears |
| Event Description | During his college years, Manoj Kumar Sharma met DSP Dushyant Singh, a young and dynamic police officer. Seeing his confidence, uniform, and the respect he commanded inspired Manoj deeply. |
| Turning Point | Manoj approached DSP Singh, expressed his desire to become a police officer, and received encouragement instead of ridicule. DSP Singh said: “If you work hard, you can do it.” This became a life-changing moment for Manoj. |
| Goal Formation | Initially aimed for State Police Service (MPPSC) but later learned about the UPSC Civil Services Examination and the Indian Police Service (IPS). Despite challenges—poverty, weak academics, poor English—he dared to dream big. |
| Lesson Learned | From biographies, Manoj learned that “audacity is where greatness begins.” |
| Phase | Early Struggles – Odd Jobs (1999–2005) |
| Education | Graduated with a B.A. degree |
| Move to Delhi | Relocated to Delhi for UPSC preparation, despite financial hardships |
| Jobs Undertaken | • Peon (₹1,500–2,000/month) • Auto rickshaw driver with his brother • Dog walker for wealthy families • Tempo driver for goods transport • Library assistant (to access free books) |
| Living Conditions | Stayed in shared, cramped rooms in Mukherjee Nagar (Delhi’s coaching hub) |
| Study Habits | Studied in parks and under streetlights to save electricity costs |
| Physical & Mental State | Appeared tired and gaunt in old photos, yet his eyes reflected burning determination |
The UPSC Journey (2002-2005)
| Year | Attempt | Key Preparation Details | Challenges / Obstacles | Result | Key Learnings / Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1st Attempt – Reality Check | • Limited resources • Poor English • No proper guidance |
• Inadequate preparation • Weak GS foundation • Poor time management |
Failed to clear Prelims | • Realized need for structured preparation and current affairs coverage |
| 2003 | 2nd Attempt – Closer but Not Enough | • Joined coaching (paid via part-time jobs) • Improved reading habits • Group discussions with peers |
• Still lacked comprehensive preparation | Cleared Prelims, failed in Mains | • Showed progress; learned discipline and collaboration |
| 2004 | 3rd Attempt – The Interview Disaster | • Cleared Prelims & Mains • Reached Interview stage |
• Faced bias for poor English & rural background • Harsh interview experience |
Failed in Interview | • Emotional setback; learned resilience and mental toughness |
| 2003–2004 | Personal Milestone – Meeting Shraddha Joshi | • Met Shraddha at Mukherjee Nagar coaching center • Developed mutual respect and love |
• Balancing emotional life with exam pressure | Shraddha cleared Uttarakhand PCS (2003) | • Found emotional & motivational support in Shraddha |
| 2005 | 4th Attempt – The Breakthrough | • Four years of focused study • Improved English • Emotional support from Shraddha • Strong subject understanding |
• Repeated failures behind him but remained determined | Cleared UPSC with AIR 121 | • Selected for IPS (Maharashtra Cadre) • Interview panel recognized honesty and perseverance |
Major Achievements & Recognition
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) on Republic Day 2024 for exemplary service |
| Promotion | Promoted to rank of Inspector General (IG) in March 2024 – a major career milestone |
| Media Recognition | Life story inspired the popular film 12th Fail (2023), based on his journey from rural hardship to IPS |
| Public Recognition | Recognised as a symbol of determination and inspiration for youth and aspirants |
Administrative Positions Held
| Role | Cadre/Organization | Notes/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) | Maharashtra Police | Early posting |
| Deputy Inspector General (DIG) | Maharashtra Police | — |
| Inspector General (IG) | Maharashtra Police / CISF | Deputed to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) – Aviation Security Wing |
| Head/Officer In-charge | CISF / Airport Security Domain | Key postings in airport/security domain |
IPS Training & Marriage (2005-2007)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Period | 2005–2007 |
| Training Institutions | – LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration), Mussoorie – Foundation Course – SVPNPA (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy), Hyderabad – Professional Training |
| Commissioning | Date: August 22, 2005 Event: Commissioned as an IPS officer and received his badge Emotional Moment: His mother cried tears of joy—her son, who once slept on streets, now wore the uniform. |
| Marriage | Spouse: Shraddha Joshi (IRS Officer) Context: Both were civil servants — Manoj (IPS, Maharashtra Cadre) and Shraddha (IRS, Uttarakhand Posting) |
| Challenges | – Parental hesitation due to cadre difference – Inter-cadre marriages often face administrative complications |
| Convincing Parents | Manoj assured (not entirely truthfully) that marriage registration might help him secure a compassionate cadre transfer to Uttarakhand. |
| Outcome | – Marriage took place despite challenges – Cadre transfer didn’t occur – The couple managed a long-distance relationship successfully |
| Relationship Strength | – Strong emotional bond – Mutual support in respective careers – Shraddha balanced IRS duties while supporting Manoj’s IPS responsibilities |
Detailed Biography
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS was born on 3 July 1975 in Bilgaon village, Morena district, in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh. Growing up in a modest rural family, he faced economic constraints and limited infrastructure. His early schooling in a village environment meant that educational resources were far more limited than in urban centres. Yet, from this humble beginning emerged a strong ambition to serve and succeed.
Educational Struggles and Achievements
His school years were not smooth. He passed classes 9 and 10 in third division, managed to clear class 11, but failed class 12 in his first attempt — all subjects except Hindi he could not clear. This setback could have ended many dreams, but Manoj turned it into a springboard. He cleared class 12 in his second attempt, then enrolled for a B.A. in Hindi & History. While many would have been deterred, he used the experience as fuel.
During his undergraduate years, his ambition shifted towards civil services. He attempted the UPSC exam multiple times. On the 4th attempt, he finally cracked the UPSC with All India Rank 121 and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in the 2005 batch. This rise from “12th fail” to an IPS officer became a powerful story of resilience.
UPSC Preparation Journey
The journey to the Indian Police Service was full of trials: multiple attempts at UPSC, self-study in a rural mindset, juggling work and preparation, enduring failure and staying committed. His success on the 4th attempt showed the payoff of perseverance. The popular narrative around “12th fail to IPS” is not just media hype — it is rooted in his real journey. For many aspirants, Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS has become a symbol of “never give up”.
Key Career Milestones
-
2005: Joined IPS, Maharashtra Cadre.
-
Initial postings as ASP, carrying out ground-level policing work in Maharashtra.
-
Subsequent rise to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) via significant assignments and performance.
-
17 March 2024: Promoted to Inspector General (IG) – a major milestone heralding his senior leadership status.
-
26 January 2024: Received the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) in recognition of his dedication and service.
Throughout his career, Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS has handled both field-level policing and strategic leadership roles, maintaining link with his grassroots journey.
Landmark Projects & Notable Contributions
While specific project names are not publicly documented for Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS, his life-story contributions include:
-
Empathy and mentorship to younger officers and aspirants via example.
-
Advocacy of second-chance narratives (failing class 12, yet reaching senior rank).
-
Public recognition: being featured as an example in media for under-privileged youth aspiration.
Recent Developments (Latest Year)
In 2024–25, Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS has:
-
Served as IG in Maharashtra cadre, posted/deputed to Central Industrial Security Force in Aviation Security / Airport domain.
-
His promotion to IG was covered in major media (March 2024).
-
He continues to be an inspirational figure for motivational events and aspirants.
Lessons & Inspiration
-
Failure is not final: His failing class 12 exam did not define his future.
-
Persistence matters: Four attempts at UPSC and eventual success.
-
Humble roots are not a barrier: Coming from rural Chambal, he reached senior leadership.
-
Serve with purpose: His public service career emphasises duty and service above self.
For prospective officers and students, Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS’s story shows that background and early setbacks need not limit ambition.
Conclusion: Legacy and Future Vision
Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS has created a legacy not only of career achievement but of possibility. His future vision appears to revolve around continued senior leadership in policing, mentoring youth, and showing that adversity can be turned into strength. His journey from a small village to IPS ranks offers hope and inspiration for countless aspirants.
Read More : anshika verma ips , kanishak kataria , shakti dubey age
FAQ Section
1. What is Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS current posting?
Answer: As of October 2025, Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS current posting is Inspector General of Police, CISF at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, serving as Chief Airport Security Officer (CASO).
2. What is Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS rank in UPSC?
Answer: Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS rank was All India Rank 121 in the 2005 UPSC Civil Services Examination, which he cleared in his fourth attempt.
3. Is Manoj Kumar Sharma married? Who is his wife?
Answer: Yes, Manoj Kumar Sharma wife is Shraddha Joshi Sharma, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. They met during UPSC preparation at Mukherjee Nagar coaching center in Delhi.
4. How many times did Manoj Kumar Sharma attempt UPSC?
Answer: Manoj Kumar Sharma attempted the UPSC examination four times (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) before finally succeeding in 2005.
5. Did Manoj Kumar Sharma really fail in 12th class?
Answer: Yes, Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS 12th fail is true. He failed his 12th board examination when strict anti-cheating measures were implemented. He passed in the second attempt.
6. What is Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS age?
Answer: Manoj Kumar Sharma IPS age is 50 years as of 2025. He was born on July 3, 1975.
Read More: Govind Jaiswal IAS
Explore more fun blogs at: Varun Alagh Net Worth
Nishant Kumar is the founder and lead content creator at OfficersDetails.com, a platform dedicated to delivering accurate, verified information about officers in government, corporate, and legal sectors. With a strong background in public administration and data research, Nishant is passionate about transparency, governance, and simplifying access to essential leadership profiles.