Preeti Yadav IPS: How She Cleared UPSC at 22 with AIR 466

Clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a dream for thousands of young Indians, but achieving it at just 22 is an extraordinary accomplishment. Preeti Yadav, a 2019-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has become an inspiring example of what determination and disciplined preparation can achieve.

She cleared the prestigious examination in her first attempt, securing All India Rank 466. Today, she is making headlines after taking charge as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Noida Zone-1.

Preeti's journey is worth highlighting not only because of her young age but also because of the hard work that brought her to this position. From performing exceptionally well in academics to preparing for one of India's toughest competitive examinations, she remained focused on her goal.

Her recent appointment has also brought her recognition as the first woman DCP to take charge of Noida Zone-1. Her story offers encouragement to students who aspire to join the civil services despite the challenges involved.

Preeti Yadav showed an interest in academics from an early age. She secured 96.2 per cent marks in her Class 12 examinations and later pursued graduation with Geography as her subject. During her university studies, she continued to perform exceptionally well, securing around 96 per cent marks and winning a gold medal. Her academic achievements reflected the consistency and dedication that would later become important in her UPSC preparation.

Rather than treating civil services as a distant dream, Preeti began working towards it with a clear plan. After completing her postgraduate studies, she concentrated on UPSC preparation. She appeared for the examination in 2018 and succeeded in her very first attempt, securing the 466th rank. Her achievement earned her a place in the 2019 batch of the IPS.

Her professional journey has since taken her through several important responsibilities in Uttar Pradesh. After completing her IPS training, she received her first posting in Saharanpur as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). During her tenure there, she was involved in initiatives related to public safety and community engagement.

One such effort was the revival of an old café into a police café, aimed at improving interaction between the public and the police. She also worked on initiatives connected with women's safety and empowerment.

Preeti's recent appointment as DCP of Noida Zone-1 under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate marks another important step in her career. With this responsibility, she has become the first woman to hold the DCP position in Noida Zone-1, according to the newspaper report.

Her family background has also played a role in shaping her understanding of police service. Her father began his career in the police department as a constable and later became an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). Growing up with this connection to the police force gave her an opportunity to understand the responsibilities and challenges associated with the profession.

Preeti Yadav's success sends a powerful message to young aspirants. Her journey shows that academic discipline, a clear goal and consistent preparation can open doors even in highly competitive examinations. At just 22, she achieved what many candidates spend years working towards, and her growing responsibilities in the Uttar Pradesh Police make her journey one worth following.