Rohan Jagadeesh IPS Biography: SP Gadag, AIR 224 Journey, Books & Life Lessons for Aspirants

Early Life & Humble Beginnings

Born on 4 November 1991 in the vibrant city of Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka, Rohan Jagadeesh IPS grew up in the cultural heartland of South India. A proud Josephite — an alumnus of the legendary St. Joseph’s school ecosystem in Bangalore — Rohan was raised with values of discipline, service, and intellectual curiosity. His Christian faith and Josephite identity have remained anchors throughout his professional journey.

Bangalore gave Rohan a cosmopolitan worldview, but it was his own quiet ambition and drive that set him apart. From an early age, he displayed an interest in public affairs and justice — traits that would eventually lead him to pursue a career in law and later in public service.

Educational Journey: From Law to Police

After his schooling in Bengaluru, Rohan Jagadeesh pursued a prestigious integrated five-year law degree — BA LLB with Economics (Hons.) — from the University Law College (ULC), Bangalore University, graduating in 2015. This rigorous dual qualification in law and economics gave him a powerful analytical foundation that would later prove invaluable in decoding complex UPSC question papers and governance challenges.

Unlike many UPSC aspirants who start preparing during their undergraduate years, Rohan only decided to attempt the Civil Services after completing his law degree at age 24. This late start, while a source of early anxiety, taught him the value of focused, purposeful preparation over speed.

UPSC Preparation Journey — Three Attempts, One Triumph

Rohan’s UPSC journey began in 2015 after his graduation. His first attempt ended in heartbreak when he could not clear the Preliminary Examination. The second attempt, despite better preparation and the guidance of mentor Mr. Suhas Ram, also failed at the Prelims stage — a devastating blow that shook his confidence to the core.

Determined not to give up, Rohan enrolled in the InsightsIAS Online Guidance Program (OGP), which proved to be the turning point. On his third and final attempt in UPSC CSE 2018, he secured All India Rank 224 with Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as his optional subject. He was allotted the IPS and the Karnataka cadre — the very state he calls home.

Training at SVPNPA — Impressing the Nation’s Leaders

Rohan Jagadeesh officially joined the IPS as part of the 72nd Regular Recruit Batch (KN-2019) and underwent rigorous foundation and advanced training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad. He was officially inducted into service in August 2019.

In August 2021, during the SVPNPA passing-out parade — conducted via video conferencing — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were part of the ceremony. Rohan Jagadeesh IPS made a lasting impression during this landmark occasion, a remarkable feat for any young IPS probationer.

Field Service — Shimoga to Belagavi

Rohan Jagadeesh IPS‘s first major field posting was as Deputy Superintendent of Police for the Sagar sub-division of Shimoga (Shivamogga) District — a posting that gave him rich ground-level policing experience in the rural heartland of Karnataka. He is also recognized as an ace swimmer, combining physical excellence with his professional responsibilities.

Veteran IPS officer and Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K. Annamalai famously recalled his encounter with Rohan during his days as SP Chikkamagalur, saying: “I remember him as a young boy meeting me during my stint as SP Chikkamagalur a few years back. He was fiercely determined then!” — a powerful testament to Rohan’s drive even as a student.

In September 2023, Rohan Jagadeesh was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Belagavi City — a sensitive border district of Karnataka. Under his leadership, the official DCP Law & Order Belagavi Twitter handle was revitalized into a dynamic, citizen-responsive platform. He cracked down on organized crime, ensured smoother coordination during sensitive events, and built a reputation for balanced, community-centric policing.

Rise to Superintendent of Police — Gadag

In a major Karnataka government reshuffle in July 2025, Rohan Jagadeesh IPS was elevated to the prestigious post of Superintendent of Police, Gadag District — one of Karnataka’s key North Karnataka districts. The transition from DCP to SP marks a significant milestone in his rapidly ascending career.

As he took charge in Gadag, the people and officials of Belagavi bid a warm farewell to an officer who had redefined community policing for the city. Rohan Jagadeesh IPS’s reputation as a people-first, transparent, and digitally-empowered officer precedes him wherever he goes.

Beyond his administrative role, Rohan Jagadeesh IPS has established himself as a compassionate mentor to thousands of UPSC aspirants across Karnataka and India. Understanding the loneliness and anxiety of the UPSC preparation journey from his own experience, he authored the widely appreciated book:

The book covers a holistic preparation strategy for Prelims, Mains, and Interview — with all dos and don’ts, current affairs reading strategies, and psychological tips for handling pressure. Readers consistently praise it for its crystal-clear guidance and the warmth of its tone. As one reviewer put it: “You can feel that sir is sitting in front of you and explaining everything with patience.”

Rohan Jagadeesh IPS is also an active participant in InsightsIAS topper talk sessions, where he candidly shares his three-attempt journey and encourages aspirants never to give up. His Instagram account with over 67,000 followers serves as a platform for mentoring and motivating the next generation of civil servants.