‘School life was fantastic here’

He is the Superintendent of Police in Duction DI Port, West Bengal, and has had a remarkable story of dedication and service. An alumnus of Apeejay Charkhi Dadri, Chinmay, he has successfully navigated the challenging journey of cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to earn his place in the Indian Police Service.

In this interview, he offers a glimpse into his daily responsibilities, shares valuable advice for aspiring police officers, and reflects on his educational background and personal experiences.

What’s a day like in the life of a police officer?

I have to oversee and supervise the overall situation in the district, including security, crime, and any other district matters. I manage a police force of around 5,000 personnel, including all ranks. My role involves deploying them as per the day’s requirements and looking after their welfare. Essentially, I work as both a police superintendent and a manager, akin to an HR role within the police department.

How much time do you spend in the field versus at your desk?

I work from the office. However, if there’s an emergency or special event, like the recent General Election, then I have to spend most of my time in the field. It depends on the situation.

For a student aspiring to become a police officer like you, what steps should they take?

Aspiring police officers need to clear the Civil Services exam conducted by the UPSC every year. The exam has three stages: Prelims, mains, and an interview. Once you clear it, you are allocated a service based on your rank. If you qualify for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Police Service (IPS), you will be allotted a cadre anywhere in India. I was allotted to West Bengal based on my rank in the IPS.

Could you share some insights from your preparation days for the civil services exam?

We used to study almost six to seven hours on average each day. On some days, it would extend to 12 to 15 hours. The main exam consists of seven papers: Five common papers and two subject-specific papers. My chosen subject was Math.

How was your school life at Apeejay?

 Fantastic. It was the best school in our area, with excellent teachers and a great atmosphere for studying and pursuing hobbies. I used to play table tennis and football. And yes I excelled in Math.

How tough was it for a Haryanvi man to learn Bangla?

I have been posted in West Bengal for five years and the Bengali language and culture is my new home. I can speak, read, and write Bengali fluently. After our selection and cadre allocation, we have to pass an exam in the local language. We received language training during our training days, but practical fieldwork and daily communication helped me become fluent in Bengali.