Meet Maharashtra IG Manoj Kumar Sharma: Worked As A Peon, Turned Auto Driver Yet Cracked UPSC To Become IPS

Hailing from a financially challenged family in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Manoj Kumar Sharma faced numerous hardships during his childhood due to limited resources. Academically, he was considered a below-average student. He barely passed Class 10, reportedly relying on unfair means in some subjects, and failed his Class 12 exams on his first attempt.

As Manoj Kumar Sharma entered adulthood, his family’s financial struggles worsened, pushing him to set aside his dreams of pursuing a formal education. To support his family and continue his studies, he took up various odd jobs—first working as an auto-rickshaw driver with his brother and later as a peon.

Manoj Kumar’s life took a major turn when local authorities demolished the tent his family had been using as a temporary shelter, claiming their documents were incomplete. This incident sparked a determination in him to pursue a career in civil services.

After the police took away his family’s tent, Manoj went to the local District Magistrate’s office and started asking questions about how to become a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). However, the journey turned out to be much harder than he expected. With barely any money for coaching or textbooks needed to prepare for the UPSC exams, Manoj faced severe hardships. At one point, he even had to sleep at a local temple alongside beggars, as he had no place to stay or money for accommodation.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Manoj Kumar Sharma remained determined to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination. His perseverance paid off in 2005 when he cleared the exam with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 121 and secured a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS).

After overcoming all odds, Manoj Kumar Sharma has continued to serve with integrity and commitment as an IPS officer. His consistent hard work and dedication have now earned him the prestigious position of Inspector General (IG) in the Maharashtra Police — a true reflection of his perseverance and sincerity.

Before his promotion, Manoj Kumar Sharma served as the Additional Commissioner in the Mumbai Police. Although he is now widely known across India, especially after his inspiring life story was portrayed in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film 12th Fail, there was a time when he faced severe financial hardships while striving to become a successful civil servant.

(All images: drmanoj_kumarsharma.ips)