From Newsroom to Uniform: How Resilience and a 17-Day Miracle Forged an Exemplary Police Officer
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” For Shri Akshat Kaushal, this adage holds a profound, lived reality. Rising above crushing setbacks that would cause most to falter, his journey from a disillusioned four-time failure to securing a magnificent All India Rank (AIR) 55 in just 17 days of final preparation is nothing short of legendary.
Shri Akshat Kaushal, IPS, a 2018-batch Indian Police Service officer of the AGMUT cadre, currently serves with distinction as a Superintendent of Police, commanding respect through his sharp administrative acumen, grassroots connection, and relentless pursuit of justice.
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Full Name: Shri Akshat Kaushal
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Current Designation / Posting: Superintendent of Police
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Batch Year: 2018 (Cleared UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2017)
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State Cadre: AGMUT Cadre (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories)
Early Life and the UPSC Journey:
Born and raised with strong middle-class values, Akshat completed his schooling at Apeejay School, Sector 15. He went on to pursue a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from CIITM, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in English Journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC).
Before entering civil services, Akshat worked as a special correspondent for Business Standard from 2010 to 2016. Day in and day out, he reported on socio-economic struggles, systemic governance gaps, and public grievances. This journalistic exposure became his turning point. Witnessing ground-level realities firsthand made him realize that true, impactful change requires moving from observing the system to stepping inside it.
However, the UPSC path was bruising. He faced continuous failure in his first four attempts. Exhausted by rejections, he decided to walk away. But a chance 10-minute encounter with close friends right before the prelims deadline changed his mind. Fuelled by an inner spark and unshakable family support, he filled out the form with only 17 days left for the preliminary exam. Treating those days as a do-or-die battle, he cleared the hurdles and went on to claim AIR 55 in the 2017 Civil Services Examination.
Stepping into the Field: Notable Stints:
As an officer belonging to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre, Shri Kaushal has navigated diverse and challenging terrains.
Whether managing sensitive public order landscapes in union territories or dealing with high-stakes administrative environments, his policing style blends strict legal enforcement with proactive community engagement. His tenure has been characterized by active restructuring of local law enforcement units, streamlining intelligence gathering, and ensuring that police stations remain accessible and responsive to the common citizen.
The Turning Point / Signature Initiative:
Shri Kaushal’s journalistic roots deeply influence his administrative ethos. His signature philosophy centers on bridging the trust deficit between the common public and the khaki uniform. By prioritizing transparent communication, leveraging technology for swift grievance redressed, and cracking down heavily on organized local crime syndicates, he has cultivated a public-first policing model. Public reception during his field postings has consistently praised his empathetic ear for the marginalized combined with zero tolerance for lawlessness.
Awards and Legacy:
Throughout his career, Shri Akshat Kaushal has been commended for exemplary devotion to duty, exceptional crisis management, and administrative leadership. His legacy in the regions he has served is defined by a fearless commitment to institutional integrity, inspiring a new generation of junior officers to lead with compassion and courage.
Conclusion & The Vision Ahead:
For Shri Akshat Kaushal, policing is not merely a job—it is an instrument of social justice and nation-building. His remarkable journey teaches us that failure is never final, and that true strength lies in getting back up when the odds are stacked heaviest against you.
“Do not fear failure; use it as feedback. True public service begins the moment you put the needs of the nation and its citizens above your own comfort.” — Shri Akshat Kaushal, IPS
Quick Reference Summary:
Full Name: Shri Akshat Kaushal
Current Posting: Superintendent of Police (AGMUT Cadre)
Previous Postings: Served across various sensitive administrative and field assignments within the AGMUT cadre, including Goa and Arunachal Pradesh.
Awards & Achievements: Recognized for exemplary field administration, anti-crime operations, and community-centric policing initiatives.
Education: B.Tech in Electronics & Communication; PG Diploma in English Journalism (IIMC)
Batch: 2018 (Cleared UPSC CSE 2017 with AIR 55)
Promotions: Steadily advanced through key operational command roles within the police hierarchy.
Key Issues Handled: Urban and regional law enforcement, public safety transformation, tech-enabled policing, and organized crime prevention.
Inspirations To Count: Overcoming four consecutive failures through sheer grit, transitioning from journalism to public administration, and transforming grassroots police-public relations.
Message From The Officer:
“To the youth and future aspirants of India: Never let a temporary setback dictate the boundary of your potential. The road to success is paved with rejections that test your resolve. Stay curious, stay honest to your roots, and remember that whenever you wear a uniform or serve the nation in any capacity, your ultimate benchmark is the smile and safety of the last person standing in the queue.” — Shri Akshat Kaushal, IPS
