Meet Tenzing Yangki IPS: Achievements, Career Timeline, and Lessons for Aspirants

Year	Milestone	Details
2017	APPSC Success	Cleared Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission examination
2017-2022	State Civil Service	Posted as Circle Officer in Siang District
2017-2022	Academic Roles	Research Scholar at Centre for Policy Research Assistant Professor at Geku Government College
2022	UPSC Triumph	Cracked UPSC Civil Services Examination with AIR 545
July 2023	IPS Allocation	Allotted Indian Police Service (IPS)
2023-2025	IPS Training	Underwent rigorous training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad
October 17, 2025	Passing Out Parade	Completed Phase I training; participated in 77th batch POP at SVPNPA
October 2025	Historic Achievement	Officially became the first female IPS officer from Arunachal Pradesh

Examination Component	Details
Examination Year	2022
All India Rank	545
Service Allocated	Indian Police Service (IPS)
Cadre	AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories)
Co-Qualifiers from AP	Pebika Lego (AIR 290 – IAS), Austin Tayeng (AIR 747 – IRS-IT)
Previous Achievement	APPSC examination cleared in 2017

Year	Achievement	Description
2017	APPSC Success	Cleared state-level civil services examination
2022	UPSC CSE Success	Secured All India Rank 545 in one of India’s toughest examinations
2023	First Female IPS	Became the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to be allocated IPS
2023	Third Direct IPS Officer	Third direct IPS officer from Arunachal Pradesh after Robin Hibu (1993) and Jimmy Chiram (2013)
2025	Training Completion	Successfully completed Phase I training at SVPNPA with 77th batch
2025	National Recognition	Featured by Anand Mahindra as “Monday Motivation” on social media
2025	State Pride	Recognized by CM Pema Khandu as embodiment of “Nari Shakti”

Year	Award/Honor	Conferred By
2023	Congratulatory Messages	Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
2025	State Recognition	CM Pema Khandu’s congratulatory message
2025	Home Ministry Recognition	Home Minister Mama Natung’s appreciation
2025	National Inspiration	Featured by industrialist Anand Mahindra
2025	Social Media Impact	Viral inspiration story across India

Special Distinctions & Unique Contributions

Breaking Barriers

1. First Female IPS Officer from Arunachal Pradesh: Tenzing Yangki made history by becoming the state’s first female IPS officer after clearing the UPSC examination in 2022 with rank 545.
2. Third Generation Civil Servant: Continuing a family legacy spanning three generations of dedicated public service.
3. Record Female Representation: Part of the 77th IPS batch with a record 36% female representation, showcasing the changing face of Indian policing.
4. Academic-turned-Administrator: Unique journey from research scholar and assistant professor to IPS officer.
5. International Education: Among few from Arunachal Pradesh with international university experience (University of Warwick, UK).

Administrative Positions & Career Path

Current Status (2025)

Past Positions

Financial Information

Estimated Salary & Benefits

Net Worth

As a newly commissioned IPS officer from a civil service background:

• Estimated Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed
• Primary Income: Government salary and allowances
• Assets: Family property in Tawang (ancestral home)
• Philosophy: Focus on service over wealth accumulation

Financial Philosophy

Despite being the daughter of affluent IRS and IAS officers, Tenzing remained unmoved by material comforts and chose the path of diligence and public service. Her approach reflects:

• Commitment to public service over material gain
• Focus on creating social impact rather than accumulating wealth
• Continuing family tradition of serving the nation
• Living within government service means

Detailed Biography: From Tawang to National Service

Early Life: Growing Up in the Mountains

Tenzin Yangki was born and raised in the picturesque yet remote district of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang, located near the Indo-China border, is known for its ancient Tawang Monastery—one of the largest in India—and its strategic importance to the nation. The region’s rugged terrain, mist-clad mountains, and vibrant Monpa Buddhist culture shaped Yangki’s formative years.

Growing up in the ancestral home at Tsumbitse village, young Tenzing Yangki witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by people in remote regions: limited connectivity, educational barriers, and the need for strong governance. These experiences would later fuel her determination to serve the nation through civil services.

A Heritage of Service: Family Legacy

The Tenzing Yangki IPS story is incomplete without understanding her remarkable family heritage:

Grandfather – Nyerpa Khow: The late Nyerpa Khow was a pivotal figure in Indian history. As the first Political Assistant in Tawang, he played a crucial role in bringing the Tawang region under Indian administration. Working alongside Major Bob Khathing in the early years after independence, Khow’s diplomatic skills and local influence were instrumental in peacefully integrating this strategic border region into India. Major Khathing continued to visit the family’s ancestral home until 1985, a testament to the strong bonds formed during that historic period.

Father – Late Thupten Tempa: Following in his father’s footsteps, Thupten Tempa joined the civil services, serving with distinction in both the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as part of the 1989 batch. His career exemplified dedication to economic governance and administrative excellence. Later, he transitioned into politics, serving as a minister in the Arunachal Pradesh government, thereby expanding the family’s legacy of public service. His life and career provided Tenzing Yangki with a front-row view of both bureaucratic and political leadership.

Mother – Jigmi Choden: A 1992 batch APCS (Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service) officer, Jigmi Choden served as Secretary in the Government of Arunachal Pradesh before retirement. In a male-dominated administrative landscape, she carved out a distinguished career, providing Tenzing Yangki with a powerful role model of female administrative excellence. Her ability to balance professional responsibilities with family life demonstrated that women could succeed at the highest levels of government service.

Educational Struggles & Achievements

Despite coming from a privileged background, Tenzing Yangki IPS faced unique challenges:

Geographic Isolation: Growing up in Tawang meant limited access to quality educational resources compared to metropolitan areas. Many students from the region had to leave home at young ages for better schools.

Cultural Adjustment: Moving from the quiet mountains of Tawang to bustling cities like Guwahati and Delhi for higher education required significant adaptation.

Academic Pressure: Living up to a family legacy of civil service excellence created both motivation and pressure to perform.

International Experience: Her decision to pursue education at the University of Warwick in England demonstrated courage to step outside comfort zones and gain global perspectives.

Yet, Tenzing Yangki IPS turned these challenges into strengths:

• Developed resilience through adapting to different environments
• Gained diverse perspectives from education across continents
• Built a strong academic foundation across multiple disciplines
• Combined theoretical knowledge with practical understanding of governance

The UPSC Preparation Journey

The path to becoming Tenzing Yangki IPS was marked by strategic planning and unwavering dedication:

Phase 1: Building Foundation (2017)

• Cleared APPSC examination in 2017
• Served as Circle Officer in Siang District
• Gained practical administrative experience at grassroots level
• Understood ground realities of governance in Arunachal Pradesh

Phase 2: UPSC Preparation (2017-2022)

• Balanced preparation with state government duties
• Utilized academic background in political science and international relations
• Drew inspiration from parents’ civil service careers
• Maintained focus despite comfortable family circumstances

Phase 3: UPSC Success (2022)

• Secured All India Rank 545 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022
• Allocated to prestigious Indian Police Service
• Chose career path different from parents (IPS vs IAS/IRS)
• Became first woman from state to achieve this distinction

The Preparation Philosophy: Unlike many UPSC aspirants who relocate entirely to coaching hubs, Tenzing Yangki IPS demonstrated that success is possible while managing professional responsibilities. Her approach included:

• Leveraging state government experience for Public Administration optional
• Using international relations expertise for Mains examination
• Maintaining physical fitness for IPS requirements
• Drawing motivation from seeing public service impact firsthand

Key Career Milestones

Milestone 1: APPSC Success (2017) Clearing the state-level examination provided Tenzing Yangki with crucial administrative experience. As Circle Officer in Siang District, she dealt with:

• Local administration and dispute resolution
• Implementation of government schemes
• Direct interaction with citizens
• Understanding tribal community dynamics

Milestone 2: Academic Contributions Before becoming Tenzing Yangki IPS, she contributed to knowledge creation:

• Research scholar at Centre for Policy Research, engaging with policy analysis
• Assistant Professor at Geku Government College, mentoring young students
• Academic publications and presentations in her field

Milestone 3: UPSC Triumph (2022) The announcement of results in 2023 was historic: three candidates from Arunachal Pradesh cleared the examination, with Tenzing Yangki securing 545th rank for IPS, alongside Pebika Lego (AIR 290 – IAS) and Austin Tayeng (AIR 747 – IRS-IT).

Milestone 4: IPS Training (2023-2025)

• Joined Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad
• Underwent rigorous training in law enforcement, physical fitness, and police procedures
• Became part of 77th batch with record 36% female representation
• Completed Phase I training in October 2025

Milestone 5: National Recognition (2025)

• Featured by Anand Mahindra as Monday motivation, highlighting her journey as an academician, civil servant, and IPS officer
• Congratulated by CM Pema Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung
• Became inspiration for countless young women across India

The Tawang Connection: People’s Road of Service

While Tenzing Yangki IPS has not been associated with infrastructure projects like Armstrong Pame’s “People’s Road,” her contribution lies in a different domain: breaking institutional barriers. Just as Pame demonstrated that local officers could mobilize communities for development, Yangki has shown that women from remote regions can reach the highest echelons of national service.

Her “road” is one of inspiration—paving the way for future generations of women from Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast to dream beyond geographic and social constraints.

Recent Developments (2025)

Passing Out Parade (October 2025)

On October 17, 2025, Tenzing Yangki IPS participated in the Passing Out Parade at SVPNPA, Hyderabad, marking the completion of her Phase I training. This ceremony was a watershed moment:

• Official entry into active police service
• Recognition as Arunachal Pradesh’s pioneering female IPS officer
• Part of a batch representing increased female participation in policing

National Media Attention (October 2025)

The month of October 2025 saw unprecedented media coverage:

Anand Mahindra’s Tribute: The industrialist praised Yangki as someone who carries forward her parents’ legacy while carving her own path, noting that being first is never easy.

Chief Minister’s Message: CM Pema Khandu stated that Tenzin’s achievement reflects courage, determination, and duty, embodying the spirit of Nari Shakti.

Social Media Impact: Her story went viral across platforms, inspiring thousands of young women nationwide.

Awaiting Field Posting

As of late 2025, Tenzing Yangki IPS is awaiting her first field posting within the AGMUT cadre, which could include:

• Delhi Police
• Union Territories (Chandigarh, Andaman & Nicobar, etc.)
• Arunachal Pradesh police
• Other AGMUT cadre states

Lessons & Inspiration for Aspirants

For UPSC Aspirants

1. Background Doesn’t Define Destiny While Tenzing came from a civil service family, each generation must earn its place. Her success shows that legacy provides inspiration, not entitlement.

2. Multiple Attempts and Paths Starting with APPSC in 2017 and achieving UPSC success in 2022 demonstrate the value of persistence and parallel career building.

3. Academic Foundation Matters Her diverse educational background—from philosophy and economics to political science and international relations—provided a comprehensive understanding crucial for civil services.

4. Balance Service and Preparation Tenzing Yangki IPS proved that working in government while preparing for UPSC is not only possible but advantageous for the examination.

5. Physical Fitness is Non-Negotiable For IPS aspirants, maintaining fitness throughout preparation is crucial. Her successful transition to police training demonstrates this commitment.

For Women Aspirants

1. Geography is Not Destiny From remote Tawang to national service, Tenzing Yangki IPS shows that your starting point doesn’t determine your destination.

2. Break Barriers, Don’t Wait for Permission As the first female IPS officer from her state, she didn’t wait for someone else to show the way—she became the pioneer.

3. Family Support Amplifies Success Having strong role models in her mother and father provided crucial encouragement and guidance.

4. Represent Your Community Her success brings pride to Arunachal Pradesh and inspires other marginalized communities to pursue national service.

5. Service Over Comfort Despite family affluence, she chose the challenging path of public service, showing that true fulfillment comes from purpose, not privilege.

For IPS Aspirants Specifically

1. Understand the Role’s Demands IPS requires physical stamina, mental toughness, and emotional balance—prepare holistically.

2. Prepare for Gender Dynamics As women increasingly join police services, they must navigate existing structures while advocating for progressive change.

3. Leverage Unique Perspectives Tenzing’s background in international relations and political science brings fresh perspectives to policing.

4. Community Policing Matters Her understanding of tribal communities and border areas positions her well for sensitive postings.

5. Leadership Through Example The 36% female representation in her batch shows the changing face of Indian policing—be part of this transformation.

Interesting & Rare Facts

Little-Known Information

1. Third Direct IPS Officer: Tenzing Yangki is the third direct IPS officer from Arunachal Pradesh after Robin Hibu (1993) and Jimmy Chiram (2013).
2. 23-Year Wait: It took 23 years after the state’s first IPS officer for a woman to achieve this feat.
3. Major Khathing Connection: The legendary Major Bob Khathing, who integrated Tawang into India, continued visiting her grandfather’s home until 1985—a deep historical connection.
4. Multiple Degrees: Holds degrees from three countries’ educational systems (India, UK) spanning diverse fields.
5. Research Scholar Background: Unlike most IPS officers who come directly from graduation, she has research and teaching experience.
6. AGMUT Cadre Significance: Part of a special cadre that serves Union Territories and specific states, offering diverse posting opportunities.
7. Monpa Community Pride: First person from the Monpa Buddhist community of Tawang to join IPS at this level.
8. Multilingual Capability: Fluent in multiple languages including English, Hindi, local dialects, crucial for border area policing.
9. Educational Milestone: Her international degree from University of Warwick is rare among IPS officers from Northeast India.
10. Circle Officer Experience: Unlike many UPSC qualifiers who join services directly, she brings practical administrative experience from state government.

Educational Impact & Mentorship

Inspiring the Next Generation

Tenzing Yangki IPS has become an icon for:

1. Educational Institutions in Northeast

• Regular invitations for motivational talks
• Role model for students in Arunachal Pradesh schools and colleges
• Encourages students to dream beyond regional limitations

2. Women’s Empowerment Initiatives

• Demonstrates women can excel in uniformed services
• Challenges stereotypes about women in police roles
• Inspires girls from remote areas to pursue national services

3. UPSC Coaching Centers

• Success story featured in coaching materials
• Example of balancing work and UPSC preparation
• Demonstrates value of state civil service experience

4. Academic Institutions

• Alumni pride at University of Warwick, JNU, Delhi University
• Invited speaker for international relations and political science events
• Bridge between academia and administrative services

Mentorship Approach

Though early in her IPS career, Tenzing Yangki represents mentorship through:

• Living Example: Her journey itself mentors thousands
• Accessibility: Despite new fame, it remains rooted in community values
• Authenticity: Openly credits family support and struggles
• Encouragement: Actively engages with young aspirants when possible

Final Thoughts

The story of Tenzing Yangki IPS is not just about one woman’s success—it’s about what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity, when privilege is used for public service, and when barriers are seen as challenges to overcome rather than limits to accept.

From the serene mountains of Tawang to the corridors of law enforcement power, her journey embodies several truths:

• Geographic remoteness need not limit aspirations
• Gender should never be a barrier to service
• Legacy is honoured best by creating your own path
• True success lies in service to others

As she begins her field career, millions watch with hope and expectation. Tenzing Yangki IPS carries not just the khaki uniform and badge, but the dreams of every young woman from remote India who dares to believe that they too can serve the nation at the highest levels.

Her legacy is still being written, but its first chapter has already inspired a generation.