Pooja Awana is a name synonymous with determination, resilience, and excellence in the Indian Police Service (IPS). A 2012-batch IPS officer, she has carved a niche for herself as an inspiring figure for millions of UPSC aspirants and young women across India. Born and raised in the small village of Atta in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Pooja’s journey to becoming a celebrated IPS officer at the tender age of 22 is nothing short of remarkable. Today, she serves as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Phalodi, Rajasthan, where her leadership and commitment to public service continue to make a significant impact.
Early Life and Background
Pooja Awana was born on June 6, 1987, in Atta village, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, into a modest family with strong values and aspirations. Her father, Vijay Awana, a man of vision, dreamed of seeing his daughter in the prestigious khaki uniform of the Indian Police Service. This dream became the cornerstone of Pooja’s ambition, shaping her life’s trajectory from an early age. Growing up in a close-knit community, Pooja was exposed to the realities of rural India, which instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility toward society.
From her childhood, Pooja displayed exceptional academic prowess. She was a consistent topper throughout her schooling, earning admiration from her teachers and peers alike. Her family, particularly her father, played a pivotal role in nurturing her ambitions. Vijay Awana’s unwavering belief in his daughter’s potential fueled her determination to succeed, even in the face of societal and economic challenges that often deter young women from pursuing such ambitious careers.
Education and Preparation for UPSC
Pooja Awana’s academic journey reflects her dedication and focus. After excelling in her primary and secondary education in Noida, she pursued a Master’s degree in Commerce (M.Com). Her choice of higher education was strategic, providing her with a strong foundation in analytical thinking and discipline—skills that would later prove invaluable during her UPSC preparation.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in the world. For Pooja, cracking this exam was not just a personal goal but a way to honor her father’s dream. She began her UPSC preparation after completing her M.Com, diving into the rigorous process with full commitment. In 2010, at the age of 22, she made her first attempt at the exam. Despite her hard work, she did not succeed on her debut attempt. However, this setback only strengthened her resolve.
Undeterred, Pooja approached her second attempt in 2011 with renewed vigor and a refined strategy. She focused on identifying her strengths and weaknesses, choosing subjects that aligned with her abilities, and maintaining a disciplined study schedule. Her perseverance paid off when she cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2011 with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 316. At just 22 years old, she became one of the youngest IPS officers in the country, joining the 2012 batch.
Joining the Indian Police Service
Pooja Awana officially joined the Indian Police Service on September 3, 2012, and was allotted the Uttar Pradesh cadre initially. However, her career soon took her to Rajasthan, where she has since served in various capacities. Her training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad equipped her with the skills and mindset required to tackle the challenges of law enforcement in India.
Her first posting was in Pushkar, Rajasthan, a culturally significant town known for its religious tourism. This initial assignment allowed Pooja to gain hands-on experience in maintaining law and order in a dynamic environment. From the outset, she displayed a no-nonsense approach to her duties, earning respect for her professionalism and dedication.
Career Milestones and Current Posting
Over the years, Pooja Awana has held several key positions in the Rajasthan Police, showcasing her versatility and leadership. Some of her notable postings include:
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Jaipur Traffic: As DCP of Jaipur Traffic, Pooja managed one of the busiest urban traffic systems in Rajasthan. Her innovative approaches to traffic management and public safety were widely appreciated.
- Superintendent of Police (SP), Dudu: In this role, she tackled rural policing challenges, focusing on crime prevention and community engagement.
- SP, GRP, Ajmer: As the Superintendent of Police for the Government Railway Police in Ajmer, she ensured the safety of railway passengers and infrastructure.
- SP, Phalodi (Current Posting): As of April 2025, Pooja serves as the SP of Phalodi, Rajasthan, a region known for its unique law enforcement challenges due to its proximity to the India-Pakistan border.
One of her most notable actions as SP Phalodi came in response to a tragic incident where a rape accused committed suicide inside a police station. Demonstrating decisive leadership, Pooja took strict action by suspending all 24 personnel of the Dechu police station and even the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) for negligence. This incident underscored her commitment to accountability and maintaining the integrity of the police force.
Personal Life
Pooja Awana is married to Robin Bhati, and the couple is blessed with two children—a son and a daughter. Despite her demanding career, Pooja balances her professional and personal responsibilities with grace. Her family has been a pillar of support throughout her journey, and she often credits them for keeping her grounded. While she maintains a relatively private personal life, her social media presence offers glimpses into her role as a mother and wife, alongside her professional achievements.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Pooja Awana’s leadership style is defined by discipline, empathy, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. She believes in leading by example and fostering a sense of accountability among her team. Her mantra for success, often shared in interviews and social media posts, resonates with aspiring civil servants: “Don’t get discouraged by failure, low marks, or not getting success in the first attempt. Stick to your goal and pursue your dreams with more hard work. If not this time, then next time, success will not stay away from you.”
Her emphasis on resilience and perseverance stems from her own experiences. Pooja’s ability to turn setbacks into stepping stones has made her a beacon of hope for those navigating the uncertainties of competitive exams like the UPSC.
Social Media Presence and Public Influence
Pooja Awana is not just a police officer but also a public figure who uses her platform to inspire others. With a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, she connects with thousands of followers, sharing insights into her work, motivational messages, and updates on her professional journey. Her Facebook page, with nearly 100,000 likes as of early 2025, reflects her popularity and influence.
Through her posts, Pooja encourages young people to pursue their dreams relentlessly while emphasizing the importance of education and hard work. Her stylish yet authoritative persona has also earned her admiration, making her a role model for women in uniform.
Challenges and Triumphs
Pooja Awana’s path to success was not without hurdles. Coming from a modest background, she faced financial and societal pressures that often discourage women from pursuing careers in male-dominated fields like the IPS. Her first UPSC attempt’s failure tested her resilience, but it also taught her valuable lessons about preparation and self-belief. Overcoming these challenges, she emerged stronger, proving that determination and hard work can triumph over adversity.
Her triumphs extend beyond her UPSC success. As an IPS officer, she has tackled complex cases, managed high-pressure situations, and earned accolades for her contributions to law enforcement. Her journey is a testament to the power of grit and perseverance.
Legacy and Inspiration
At 37 years old (as of April 2025), Pooja Awana has already left an indelible mark on the Indian Police Service and society at large. Her story inspires countless UPSC aspirants, particularly young women, to dream big and work tirelessly toward their goals. By fulfilling her father’s dream, she has not only honored her family but also set an example of how parental aspirations can align with personal success.
As she continues her tenure as SP Phalodi, Pooja remains committed to serving the nation with integrity and dedication. Her legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and public service—a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Conclusion
Pooja Awana’s biography is a compelling narrative of a young woman from Noida who defied the odds to become an IPS officer at 22. From her humble beginnings to her current role as SP Phalodi, her journey reflects the essence of hard work, family support, and an unwavering commitment to duty. As an IPS officer, motivational figure, and devoted mother, Pooja Awana continues to shine as a symbol of excellence and inspiration in India.
Top FAQs About Pooja Awana IPS
- Who is Pooja Awana?
Pooja Awana is a 2012-batch IPS officer currently serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Phalodi, Rajasthan. She cleared the UPSC exam at 22 with an AIR of 316. - What is Pooja Awana’s educational background?
She holds a Master’s degree in Commerce (M.Com) and was a topper throughout her schooling in Noida. - Where is Pooja Awana posted now?
As of April 2025, she is posted as the SP of Phalodi, Rajasthan. - Is Pooja Awana married?
Yes, she is married to Robin Bhati, and they have two children—a son and a daughter. - What is Pooja Awana’s success mantra?
She advises aspirants not to lose hope after failure and to pursue their goals with persistent hard work. - How old was Pooja Awana when she became an IPS officer?
She was 22 years old when she cleared the UPSC exam and joined the IPS in 2012. - What was Pooja Awana’s rank in the UPSC exam?
She secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 316 in the 2011 UPSC Civil Services Examination. - Why is Pooja Awana famous?
She is celebrated for clearing the UPSC exam at a young age, her inspiring journey, and her active social media presence motivating aspirants.
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