Hitika Vasal, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, is a name synonymous with determination, academic excellence, and a commitment to public service. Rising through the ranks of one of India’s most prestigious examinations, the UPSC Civil Services Examination, she has become an inspiration for aspirants across the country. Currently serving as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in Madhya Pradesh, Hitika’s journey from a small town in Punjab to a key figure in Indian law enforcement is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and passion for societal good.
Early Life and Family Background
Hitika Vasal was born into a well-established family in Dasuya, a small town in the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab, India. Her father is the owner of Vasal Builders, a prominent business entity known for constructing commercial buildings and managing a chain of schools in Jalandhar. Despite her family’s deep roots in business, Hitika carved a distinct path for herself, driven by a desire to serve society rather than join the family enterprise. Her mother and brother actively manage the family business, allowing Hitika to pursue her ambitions without the pressure of familial expectations.
Growing up, Hitika exhibited a keen interest in academics and social issues, traits that would later define her career. Her upbringing in a supportive environment fostered her independence and determination, qualities that became evident in her pursuit of a career in civil services.
Educational Journey: A Foundation in Sociology
Hitika’s academic journey is as impressive as her professional achievements. She completed her schooling as a boarder at Sacred Heart School in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, until Class X. This early exposure to a disciplined boarding school environment instilled in her a sense of responsibility and adaptability. She then pursued her higher secondary education (Class XI and XII) at DAV School in Sector 15, Chandigarh, further sharpening her academic skills.
For her undergraduate studies, Hitika chose Sociology as her subject, enrolling in a BA (Honours) program at Delhi University. Her choice of Sociology was not arbitrary—it reflected her deep interest in understanding societal structures and addressing systemic issues, a passion that would later guide her career choices. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she took her academic pursuits to an international level, earning a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, in 2014. This global exposure broadened her perspective and equipped her with a nuanced understanding of social dynamics, which she later applied to her preparation for the UPSC examination and her work as an IPS officer.
The UPSC Journey: From Dream to Reality
Hitika Vasal’s dream of joining the civil services dates back to her childhood. However, it was only after completing her postgraduate studies in 2014 that she seriously committed to this goal. Returning to India, she settled in Dasuya to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of the toughest competitive exams in the world.
Her initial foray into UPSC preparation was marked by uncertainty. Like many aspirants, she moved to Rajinder Nagar, Delhi—a hub for UPSC coaching—and enrolled in a coaching institute for General Studies. In her own words, she initially followed the herd, relying on popular recommendations such as Bipin Chandra’s history books and Spectrum publications without a clear strategy. However, Hitika soon realized the importance of a personalized approach. She streamlined her preparation, focusing on her strengths, particularly Sociology, which she chose as her optional subject.
In 2016, her dedication paid off when she cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank (AIR) of 121. Her scores were impressive: Essay (154), General Studies I (108), General Studies II (104), General Studies III (108), General Studies IV (111), Sociology Paper I (127), Sociology Paper II (157), and Interview (165). This achievement marked the beginning of her journey as an IPS officer, fulfilling a lifelong dream of serving the nation.
Training and Early Career
After clearing the UPSC examination, Hitika Vasal was allocated to the Rajasthan cadre of the Indian Police Service in 2017. She began her training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, where she honed her skills in law enforcement, leadership, and public administration. Her training phase also included stints in Mussoorie at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), equipping her with the tools to tackle real-world challenges.
During her probationary period in Rajasthan, Hitika served in various capacities, including as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the Vallabhnagar range, Udaipur. Her early assignments provided her with hands-on experience in maintaining law and order, managing public safety, and addressing local issues.
Inter-Cadre Transfer to Madhya Pradesh
In January 2020, Hitika Vasal’s career took a significant turn when she was granted an inter-cadre transfer from Rajasthan to Madhya Pradesh. This transfer was approved under Rule 5(2) of the Indian Police Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954, on the grounds of her marriage to Divyank Singh, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre (2017 batch). The move was facilitated with the concurrence of both the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments, reflecting the administrative flexibility provided to civil servants in such circumstances.
The inter-cadre transfer allowed Hitika to align her professional life with her personal commitments, ensuring she could serve effectively while maintaining a work-life balance. Since joining the Madhya Pradesh cadre, she has taken on increasingly responsible roles, showcasing her leadership and dedication.
Career Milestones in Madhya Pradesh
Hitika Vasal’s tenure in Madhya Pradesh has been marked by significant contributions to law enforcement. She served as Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Gwalior before being promoted to Superintendent of Police (SP). One of her notable postings was as SP of the Police Training Center in Indore, where she played a key role in shaping the next generation of police officers.
Currently, as of March 2025, Hitika serves as the Superintendent of Police (Rural) in Indore. Her tenure in this role gained national attention in September 2024 when she led the investigation into a high-profile assault case involving two Army officers and their female friends at an Army firing range in Indore. Under her leadership, 10 police teams were deployed, resulting in the identification of six accused, two of whom were arrested swiftly. Her decisive action and commitment to justice in this case underscored her capability as a senior police officer.
Personal Life: Balancing Duty and Family
Hitika Vasal is married to Divyank Singh, an IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Their union exemplifies a partnership of two dedicated civil servants working toward the betterment of society. Despite the demands of their respective careers, Hitika and Divyank have managed to support each other, with their inter-cadre transfer being a practical step to harmonize their personal and professional lives.
While Hitika maintains a low profile regarding her personal life, her focus on duty and service remains unwavering. Her ability to balance her responsibilities as an IPS officer with her family life is a source of inspiration for many.
Contributions and Legacy
Hitika Vasal’s career is a reflection of her commitment to public service, rooted in her academic background in Sociology. Her approach to policing is informed by an understanding of societal dynamics, enabling her to address issues such as crime, public safety, and community welfare with empathy and efficiency. Whether training future officers or leading high-stakes investigations, she has consistently demonstrated leadership and integrity.
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Hitika serves as a role model for aspiring female civil servants. Her journey from a small-town girl to a senior IPS officer highlights the power of education, perseverance, and a clear vision.
Conclusion
Hitika Vasal’s biography is a story of ambition, resilience, and service. From her early days in Punjab to her current role as SP in Indore, she has navigated challenges with grace and determination. Her success in the UPSC examination, her impactful career in the IPS, and her ability to balance personal and professional commitments make her a standout figure in India’s administrative landscape. As she continues to serve, Hitika Vasal remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals dreaming of a career in public service.
Top FAQs About Hitika Vasal, IPS
- Who is Hitika Vasal?
Hitika Vasal is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, known for securing AIR 121 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2016. - What is Hitika Vasal’s educational background?
She holds a BA (Honours) in Sociology from Delhi University and a Master’s in Sociology from the University of Manchester, UK. - Which cadre did Hitika Vasal originally belong to?
She was initially allocated to the Rajasthan cadre in 2017 but was later transferred to Madhya Pradesh in 2020. - Why was Hitika Vasal transferred to Madhya Pradesh?
Her inter-cadre transfer was approved due to her marriage to Divyank Singh, an IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. - What is Hitika Vasal’s current posting?
As of March 2025, she serves as the Superintendent of Police (Rural) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. - What was Hitika Vasal’s optional subject in UPSC?
She chose Sociology as her optional subject, scoring 127 in Paper I and 157 in Paper II. - What notable case did Hitika Vasal handle in 2024?
She led the investigation into the assault of two Army officers and their friends in Indore, resulting in the arrest of two accused. - Is Hitika Vasal married?
Yes, she is married to Divyank Singh, an IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre (2017 batch). - Where did Hitika Vasal train as an IPS officer?
She trained at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad and the LBSNAA in Mussoorie. - What inspires Hitika Vasal’s career choice?
Her interest in serving society, influenced by her Sociology background, drove her to pursue a career in the IPS.
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