Mohita Sharma, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 2017 batch, is a name synonymous with resilience, determination, and excellence. From cracking the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination on her fifth attempt to winning ₹1 crore on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 12, Mohita Sharma’s journey is a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication. Assigned to the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, she has emerged as a role model for aspiring civil servants, especially women, across India.
Early Life and Family Background
Mohita Sharma was born on November 23, 1989, in Delhi, India, though her roots trace back to Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. As the only child of her parents, S.D. Sharma and Neelam Sharma, Mohita grew up in a modest household that faced its share of societal stereotypes. Her father, a retired employee of Maruti Udyog Limited in Manesar, worked tirelessly to provide for the family, while her mother, a homemaker, nurtured Mohita with care and support. Despite financial constraints, her parents prioritized her education, instilling in her the values of hard work and perseverance.
Growing up as an only child, Mohita often faced societal remarks about her family’s structure. These experiences fueled her determination to break stereotypes and achieve something extraordinary, not just for herself but to make her parents proud. Her early life in Delhi shaped her into a focused and ambitious individual, laying the foundation for her future success.
Education: A Strong Academic Foundation
Mohita Sharma’s academic journey reflects her brilliance and dedication. She completed her schooling at Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, one of the most reputed institutions in the capital. Excelling in her studies, she scored an impressive 92.20% in her Class 10 examinations and 90.70% in her Class 12 exams, showcasing her aptitude and discipline.
After excelling in school, Mohita pursued higher education in engineering. She enrolled at Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering, New Delhi, where she earned a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering, graduating in 2012. Her choice of a technical field highlighted her analytical skills and adaptability—qualities that would later prove invaluable in her civil services career.
Even while pursuing her engineering degree, Mohita harbored a deep desire to serve the nation. Post-graduation, she briefly joined the Election Commission of India (ECI) as an Assistant Section Officer in 2016, gaining firsthand experience in public administration. This stint further solidified her aspiration to become an IPS officer.
UPSC Journey: Triumph Over Adversity
Mohita Sharma’s path to becoming an IPS officer was far from easy. She began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination in 2012, shortly after completing her graduation. The UPSC exam, known for its rigorous selection process, tests candidates across three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. For Mohita, this journey was marked by persistence and resilience.
Her first attempt in 2012 did not yield success, nor did her subsequent three attempts through 2015. Facing repeated setbacks, Mohita refused to give up. She analyzed her shortcomings, refined her preparation strategy, and balanced her job at the ECI with her studies. Her family’s financial struggles added to the challenge, as she lacked access to expensive coaching or resources. Yet, Mohita relied on self-study, discipline, and a clear focus to keep pushing forward.
In her fifth attempt in 2016, Mohita’s hard work paid off. She cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All-India Rank (AIR) of 262, securing a total of 1014 marks out of 2025. Her success earned her a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS), and she underwent training at the prestigious Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. Assigned to the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, Mohita embarked on her career as an IPS officer in 2017.
Her UPSC journey is an inspiration to countless aspirants, proving that determination and consistency can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Career as an IPS Officer
Mohita Sharma’s tenure as an IPS officer has been marked by dedication and impactful service. Posted initially as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Bari Brahmana, Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, she quickly adapted to the challenges of policing in a sensitive region. Known for its complex security dynamics, Jammu and Kashmir demands officers who are both courageous and strategic—qualities Mohita embodies.
In June 2024, Mohita made headlines as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Reasi when her team arrested a key suspect, Hakimdeen, in connection with a terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district. The attack, which targeted devotees traveling from Uttar Pradesh, underscored the critical role Mohita plays in maintaining law and order in the region. Her leadership and swift action earned her widespread recognition.
Mohita takes immense pride in her uniform, often stating that it defines her identity. Her work in Jammu and Kashmir reflects her commitment to public safety and national security, making her a respected figure in the police force.
Mohita Sharma on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC)
Beyond her policing achievements, Mohita Sharma gained national fame in 2020 when she became the second crorepati of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 12, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. Her appearance on the iconic quiz show showcased her intellect and composure under pressure—traits honed through years of UPSC preparation and police service.
Encouraged by her husband, Rushal Garg, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, Mohita registered for KBC via the SonyLiv app. Her selection as a contestant was a turning point, and she reached the hot seat with confidence. Answering questions with remarkable ease, she conserved her lifelines until the higher levels. The ₹1 crore question—about the explosive RDX, patented in 1898 by Georg Friedrich Henning and used in World War II—tested her knowledge, and she answered correctly using the “Ask the Expert” lifeline.
Mohita went on to face the ₹7 crore question but chose to quit, securing her ₹1 crore prize rather than risking a drop to ₹3.2 lakh. Her historic win, aired on November 17, 2020, made her the second woman crorepati of the season, following Nazia Nasim. Mohita’s KBC victory not only added to her accolades but also inspired millions, highlighting her as a multifaceted achiever.
Personal Life: Marriage and Support System
Mohita Sharma married Rushal Garg, an IFS officer, in 2019. Rushal, originally from Mohali, Punjab, and posted as Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) in Jammu, has been a pillar of support in Mohita’s life. The couple’s shared commitment to public service strengthens their bond, making them a power duo in the civil services fraternity.
Rushal’s encouragement played a pivotal role in Mohita’s KBC participation, and their partnership reflects mutual respect and admiration. While the couple maintains a private personal life, Mohita’s social media presence—with over 115,000 followers—offers glimpses into her professional achievements and occasional personal milestones.
Legacy and Inspiration
Mohita Sharma’s story is one of grit, intellect, and service. From her humble beginnings in Kangra to her triumphs in UPSC and KBC, she has shattered stereotypes and set a benchmark for excellence. As an IPS officer, she continues to serve with distinction in Jammu and Kashmir, inspiring thousands of girls to pursue their dreams in civil services.
Her journey teaches valuable lessons: perseverance trumps failure, education is a great equalizer, and courage defines leadership. Whether it’s cracking one of India’s toughest exams or winning a crore on national television, Mohita Sharma exemplifies the power of determination.
Conclusion
Mohita Sharma, IPS, is more than just an officer or a quiz show winner—she is a symbol of resilience and ambition. Her biography, spanning her early struggles, academic brilliance, UPSC success, policing career, and KBC triumph, offers a blueprint for aspiring achievers. As of March 1, 2025, Mohita continues to serve with pride, leaving an indelible mark on India’s civil services landscape.
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