Shikha Goel, IPS, is a name synonymous with dedication, resilience, and transformative leadership in the Indian Police Service (IPS). As a decorated officer of the Telangana cadre, she has carved a niche for herself through her unwavering commitment to public safety, women’s empowerment, and combating cybercrime. Currently serving as the Director General of Police (DGP), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Telangana, Shikha Goel’s journey from an introverted student to one of India’s most respected IPS officers is nothing short of inspiring.
Early Life and Education
Shikha Goel was born on March 7, 1969, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, into a family that valued education and discipline. Her father, a Senior Scientist at the Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, provided a nurturing environment that emphasized academic rigor. Growing up in the bustling capital city of Delhi, Shikha completed her schooling there, though she admits to being an average student until the 9th grade. Her introverted nature and lack of interest in academics worried her parents and teachers, especially in contrast to her elder brother, who consistently excelled in his studies.
A turning point came during her preparation for the 10th-grade board exams. Motivated by the significance of this academic milestone, Shikha transformed her approach to studies, dedicating herself to her books. Her hard work paid off spectacularly—she not only cleared the exams with flying colors but also ranked among the top 10 students in the country that year. This achievement ignited a newfound confidence in her abilities and set the stage for her future accomplishments.
Shikha pursued higher education at Miranda House, one of Delhi University’s most prestigious colleges. She earned a B.Sc. (Honours) and an M.Sc. (Honours) in Botany, showcasing her analytical mindset and love for science. Not content with stopping there, she went on to complete an M.Phil. in Microbiology, further honing her research and problem-solving skills. Her academic journey equipped her with a strong foundation that would later prove invaluable in her policing career. Additionally, she completed an Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy at the Indian School of Business and became a certified civil and commercial mediator through ADR ODR International, England, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning.
Entry into the Indian Police Service
Shikha Goel’s transition into the Indian Police Service was not a straightforward one. Inspired by her elder brother’s success in the Civil Services and encouraged by friends preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, she decided to take on the challenge herself. Her first attempt at the UPSC resulted in her selection to the Indian Forest Service (IFS) in 1995. While undergoing training at the Forest Services Academy, she received the news that she had also cleared the IPS examination as part of the 1994 batch. Faced with a choice between IFS and IPS, Shikha chose the latter, driven by a desire to overcome her introversion and embrace a role that demanded assertiveness and public interaction.
Her decision to join the IPS marked the beginning of a remarkable career spanning over 27 years. After completing her training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad in October 1996, Shikha embarked on a journey that would see her tackle some of the toughest challenges in law enforcement.
Career Milestones and Key Postings
Early Postings and Bold Beginnings
Shikha Goel’s first posting as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) was in Jammu, then part of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. This assignment thrust her into a high-stakes environment marked by security challenges. She quickly proved her mettle by arresting an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police—a bold move that garnered national attention and established her reputation as a fearless officer unafraid to uphold justice, regardless of rank or influence.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Delhi Metro
Later, Shikha was deputed to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), where she served as Inspector General (IG) and took charge of security for the Delhi Metro. During her tenure, she introduced an innovative initiative by training women officers in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, a Filipino martial art that uses everyday objects as defensive tools. This empowerment-focused approach not only enhanced the capabilities of her team but also underscored her commitment to gender equality in policing.
Telangana Cadre: A Transformative Phase
Shikha Goel’s career took a significant turn when she joined the Telangana cadre. Over the years, she held several key positions that allowed her to leave an indelible mark on the state’s law enforcement landscape. As Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes and SIT) in Hyderabad between 2018 and 2021, she spearheaded initiatives like SHE Teams and Bharosa Centers, aimed at curbing crimes against women and providing support to victims. Her tenure as Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) saw her implement technology-driven strategies to combat corruption, earning her widespread acclaim.
In January 2023, Shikha took over as the head of the Women Safety Wing of Telangana State Police, further solidifying her legacy as a champion of women’s rights. Her promotion to Director General of Police in August 2024 marked a pinnacle in her career, with additional responsibilities as Director of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, Telangana Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL), and the Women Safety Wing.
Contributions to Society
Women’s Safety and Empowerment
Shikha Goel’s most notable contributions lie in her efforts to enhance women’s safety. The SHE Teams, a specialized task force she helped establish, have been instrumental in tackling harassment in public spaces across Telangana. These teams adopt a victim-centric approach, ensuring swift action against offenders while prioritizing the dignity of those affected. The Bharosa Centers, another brainchild of hers, provide comprehensive support to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes, offering legal aid, counseling, and rehabilitation services under one roof.
Her advocacy for self-defense training for women and children has empowered countless individuals to protect themselves, while her campaigns against gender-based violence have raised awareness and fostered a more responsive law enforcement system.
Cybercrime Prevention
As Director of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, Shikha has been at the forefront of combating the rising tide of cybercrime. Her leadership led to the development of the Crime Analysis Module, an advanced data analytics tool that identifies and predicts cyber threats, particularly those targeting women and children. This innovation earned her recognition from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in September 2024 under the Samannvaya Platform of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
Anti-Corruption Initiatives
During her stint at the ACB, Shikha introduced measures to enhance transparency and accountability in government services. By leveraging technology, she streamlined investigations and cracked down on corrupt practices, reinforcing public trust in the system.
Awards and Recognition
Shikha Goel’s exemplary service has earned her numerous accolades. She is a recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, honors that reflect her outstanding contributions to law enforcement. Her promotion to DGP rank in 2024 and the recent award from Amit Shah further underscore her impact on policing in India.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Despite her demanding career, Shikha values her personal interests, which include reading, listening to music, and watching movies. She has spoken candidly about the challenges of maintaining work-life balance in a male-dominated field, emphasizing the need to constantly prove her worth. Her philosophy centers on citizen-centric policing, where every individual can approach the police without fear, and justice is accessible to all.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Shikha Goel continues to lead with distinction, balancing multiple high-profile roles in Telangana. Her potential involvement in heading a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe betting apps, as reported in March 2025, highlights her ongoing relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. Her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s safety, cyber security, and anti-corruption efforts ensures that she will remain an inspiration for generations of officers and citizens alike.
Top FAQs About Shikha Goel, IPS
1. Who is Shikha Goel, IPS?
Shikha Goel is an Indian Police Service officer of the 1994 Telangana cadre, currently serving as Director General of Police (CID) and holding additional charges as Director of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, Forensic Science Laboratories, and Women Safety Wing.
2. What is Shikha Goel’s educational background?
She holds a B.Sc. (Honours) and M.Sc. (Honours) in Botany from Miranda House, Delhi University, and an M.Phil. in Microbiology. She also completed an Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy at ISB and is a certified mediator.
3. What are Shikha Goel’s major contributions?
Her key contributions include establishing SHE Teams and Bharosa Centers for women’s safety, developing the Crime Analysis Module for cybercrime prevention, and leading anti-corruption initiatives at the ACB.
4. What awards has Shikha Goel received?
She has been honored with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and an award from Amit Shah in 2024 for her cybercrime innovations.
5. When was Shikha Goel promoted to DGP?
She was promoted to the rank of Director General of Police in August 2024, a significant milestone in her career.
6. What is Shikha Goel’s current role as of April 2025?
As of April 1, 2025, she serves as DGP (CID) in Telangana, with additional responsibilities in cyber security, forensic science, and women’s safety.
7. How did Shikha Goel start her career?
She began as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Jammu after completing her IPS training in 1996, gaining attention for arresting a senior officer early in her career.
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