In a world where academic setbacks often dictate one’s future, Manoj Kumar Sharma’s life story stands as a shining beacon of perseverance, resilience, and undying determination. Despite failing his 12th-grade exams and coming from a modest background, Manoj Kumar Sharma refused to let these challenges define his destiny. Driven by a passion for public service and a deep sense of responsibility, he embarked on the tumultuous journey of preparing for the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. His life took many unexpected turns, from working as a tempo driver to walking dogs for the wealthy, all while holding onto his dream of serving his country as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.
It wasn’t a smooth ride—far from it. Manoj faced numerous failures, but his refusal to quit, paired with an ironclad resolve, saw him finally succeed in his fourth attempt, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 121. Today, he stands as an example for anyone battling against the odds. His story, now immortalized through a biopic, serves as a testament to the power of resilience and hard work, proving that failure is never the end, but often a stepping stone to success.
Overview of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Life | Born: July 3, 1975, Bilgram village, Madhya Pradesh |
| Family Background | Father: Farmer; Mother: Housewife |
| Education | Initially failed 12th grade; later completed graduation and post-graduation |
| Career | Joined Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2005 |
| Nicknames | “Simba” and “Singham” |
| Achievements | Awarded Indian Police Medal for Gallantry |
| Biopic | Featured in the film “12th Fail” (2023) based on his life story |
| Current Position | Additional Commissioner of Police (West Region), Mumbai |
Early Life and Education
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s childhood was far from easy. Born into an environment with limited financial resources, his journey to becoming an IPS officer began with struggles that many would find insurmountable. After completing his primary schooling, Manoj initially had a troubled academic path, failing his 12th-grade exams and relying on dishonest methods to pass some of his earlier classes. Despite these setbacks, he refused to let academic failure overshadow his ambition. He enrolled at Maharani Lakshmi Bai Government School in Gwalior, where he made another attempt at his education. This time, however, circumstances didn’t allow any shortcuts.
The pressure was immense, and Manoj soon found himself at a crossroads. It wasn’t until a pivotal encounter with DSP Dushyant Singh, who advised him to abandon the temptation of cheating, that Manoj began to truly focus on his studies. Fueled by this newfound determination, he reattempted his 12th-grade exams, passing successfully and proceeding to complete a B.A. in Hindi and History. But this was just the beginning of his uphill battle.
Education History
| Education Level | Details |
|---|---|
| High School | Initially failed 12th grade, later passed in a second attempt |
| Undergraduate | B.A. in Hindi and History |
| Postgraduate | M.A. in History; PhD in Journalism |
| College | Maharani Laxmibai Government College of Excellence, Gwalior, MP |
Struggles and Determination
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s dream was clear: he wanted to serve the nation as a public officer. However, the journey to achieving this dream was fraught with hardship. The path to clearing the UPSC exams is never an easy one, and for Manoj, it came with extra hurdles. Financial instability meant that he had to juggle odd jobs to sustain himself during his preparation. From driving a tempo in Delhi to walking dogs for the affluent, Manoj’s resolve never wavered, even when he had to sleep on the streets at times.
Working as a library attendant proved to be a turning point, as it gave him access to resources that helped him focus on his studies. His resilience and adaptability were key as he battled failure time and again—failing the UPSC Civil Services Exam multiple times before finally passing on his fourth attempt. In 2005, Manoj achieved an All India Rank of 121, marking the culmination of his long and arduous journey.
Read More: Vikrant Massey Biography: Age, Early life, Careers, Wife, Family, Net Worth, Latest News and More
Career Progression
| Year | Position | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Joined IPS | Indian Police Service |
| 2005-2007 | Superintendent of Police (SP) | Various districts in Maharashtra |
| 2007-2010 | Deputy Inspector General (DIG) | Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) |
| 2010-Present | Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) | Mumbai Police |
Love and Support
While Manoj Kumar Sharma’s story is one of individual perseverance, it also showcases the importance of support systems. His relationship with IRS officer Shraddha Joshi played a crucial role in his success. The love and support the couple provided each other during their UPSC preparation formed a strong foundation for their personal and professional lives. Their unwavering commitment to each other helped Manoj stay focused and motivated through his difficult times.
Their journey together, documented in the film “12th Fail,” highlights not only Manoj’s academic struggles but also the emotional strength required to face life’s challenges. Shraddha’s presence in his life helped him stay grounded and driven, as they both aspired to clear one of India’s toughest exams.
Personal Life
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Shraddha Joshi Sharma (IRS Officer) |
| Children | Son: Manas Sharma, Daughter: Chia Sharma |
| Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
A Career of Service and Honor
Since joining the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2005, Manoj Kumar Sharma has proven himself to be a steadfast officer of the Maharashtra cadre. His fearless approach and commitment to justice earned him the nicknames ‘Singham’ and ‘Simba’ within the force. Throughout his career, he has taken on significant responsibilities, including combating Naxal threats and maintaining law and order in volatile situations.
Manoj’s dedication led him to serve in multiple capacities, from Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to his current position as the Additional Commissioner of Mumbai Police. His journey from a boy struggling to pass his 12th-grade exams to a highly respected officer in the Indian Police Service is nothing short of inspirational.
Achievements and Recognition
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| Indian Police Medal for Gallantry | [Year not specified] |
| Featured in the film “12th Fail” | 2023 |
| Achieved All India Rank (AIR) 121 | 2005 (UPSC) |
Summary
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s journey to becoming an IPS officer is nothing short of inspiring. Born into a humble background, he faced numerous challenges, including failing his 12th-grade exams. Undeterred, he was determined to succeed and prepared for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, even taking on odd jobs like driving a tempo and dog walking in Delhi to fund his education. His tenacity shone through as he worked tirelessly, often using his library job to study for the UPSC. Despite facing setbacks—failing the exam three times—he persisted and finally achieved an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 121 on his fourth attempt. His story has been immortalized in the biographical film “12th Fail,” produced and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, showcasing not only his struggles but also the love story with his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi. Today, he serves as an Additional Commissioner in Mumbai, respected for his contributions to law enforcement and his remarkable story of resilience and determination.
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the ability to rise above one’s circumstances. His journey, filled with personal struggles, failures, and eventually success, continues to inspire thousands of young people across India. With his story now immortalized through a biopic, his legacy will no doubt continue to motivate those who dare to dream big despite facing overwhelming odds.
FAQs on 12th Fail IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma Biography
1. Who is Manoj Kumar Sharma?
Manoj Kumar Sharma is an IPS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, known for his inspiring story of resilience after failing his 12th grade and overcoming numerous obstacles to achieve success in the UPSC exams.
2. What is the significance of the film “12th Fail”?
The film “12th Fail,” directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, dramatizes Sharma’s life story, highlighting his struggles and determination to succeed as an IPS officer despite facing multiple failures.
3. How many attempts did Sharma take to clear the UPSC exam?
Sharma took four attempts to clear the UPSC exam, achieving an All India Rank of 121 on his final attempt.
4. What were some of the odd jobs Manoj took to fund his studies?
To support his education and preparation, Manoj took various odd jobs, including driving a tempo and walking dogs for affluent families in Delhi.
5. How did Manoj’s early education affect his journey?
Sharma struggled with his early education, failing his 12th-grade exams initially, but he persevered, eventually passing and continuing his studies in higher education.
6. Who plays Manoj Kumar Sharma in the film “12th Fail”?
Vikrant Massey portrays Manoj Kumar Sharma in the biographical film “12th Fail.”
7. What were Sharma’s grades in his early schooling?
Sharma had a third division in his 10th-grade exams and initially failed his 12th-grade exams before later passing.
8. What role did love play in Sharma’s life?
His relationship with IRS officer Shraddha Joshi played a significant role in his journey, providing support and motivation as they both prepared for competitive exams.
9. What is Sharma’s current position in the police department?
As of now, Manoj Kumar Sharma serves as the Additional Commissioner of Police in Mumbai.
10. What themes does “12th Fail” explore?
The film explores themes of perseverance, love, and the struggle against societal expectations, showcasing how Sharma’s determination helped him overcome adversity to fulfill his dreams.
