"If your dreams are big enough, circumstances don’t matter, only determination does." This saying perfectly defines the journey of IPS Sharan Kambale. Born into poverty and faced with countless struggles, he refused to let hardships define his future. Despite all odds, his unwavering dedication and relentless hard work helped him rewrite his destiny. Read on to discover the inspiring story of this courageous officer who turned his dreams into reality.

Background

Sharan Kambale was born on September 30, 1993, in Tadwale village, Solapur district, Maharashtra. Coming from a humble background, his parents worked as labourers and sustained the family by selling vegetables. Despite financial hardships, they prioritized Sharan’s education, ensuring he never faced any setbacks in his studies.

He completed his schooling at the village’s government school, but pursuing higher education came with its own challenges. For class 11 and 12, he had to walk 12 kilometres every day to attend classes. The journey was tough, and obstacles were plenty, but Sharan’s determination and resilience were far stronger than any hardship life threw his way. For his higher education, Sharan Kambale pursued a BTech from Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, followed by post-graduation from IISc Bangalore. It was during his time at IISc that his life took a significant turn.

UPSC preparation

After completing his studies, Sharan secured a prestigious job with an annual package of Rs 20 lakh. However, despite this lucrative opportunity, his true aspiration lay elsewhere; he dreamed of serving the nation through civil services. Determined to follow his passion, he left his high-paying job and dedicated himself fully to cracking the UPSC exam.

Turning down a Rs 20 lakh per year job is not an easy decision for anyone, but for Sharan Kambale, his dreams meant more than financial security. His father, Gopinath Kambale, always wished to see his son as an officer, and Sharan was determined to fulfil that dream. With unwavering resolve, he moved to Delhi and began his UPSC preparation. Leaving behind a stable career, he dedicated himself entirely to the rigorous journey of cracking one of India's toughest exams, proving that true success comes to those who chase their dreams fearlessly.

Preparing for UPSC in Delhi was far from easy for Sharan Kambale. Financial struggles made even basic necessities like food and accommodation a challenge. However, fate had something in store for him. He cleared the Maharashtra government’s scholarship exam, which provided him with Rs 12,000 per month for eight months. This support became a lifeline, allowing him to focus entirely on his studies. With relentless determination and unwavering dedication, Sharan gave his all, setting out on his mission to achieve his dream of becoming an IPS officer.

Achieving dreams

The fruit of hard work is always sweet, and Sharan Kambale’s journey is a testament to that. His dedication and perseverance paid off when he appeared for the UPSC CAPF exam in 2019 and secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 8.

Not stopping there, he took the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2020 and achieved AIR 542, earning a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). Determined to improve his rank, he appeared again in 2021 and secured AIR 127, qualifying for the prestigious Indian Foreign Service (IFS). However, his heart was set on serving as an IPS officer, and he chose to remain in the Indian Police Service, staying true to his dream and his commitment to public service.

Born into poverty, faced with countless struggles, and now proudly serving the nation as an IPS officer, Sharan Kambale’s journey is an inspiration for all. His story is a powerful lesson for anyone who feels defeated by circumstances. His unwavering resolve and relentless hard work transformed his life, showing that if you truly believe in your dreams, no hardship can hold you back.