How a 12th Fail Student Became an IPS Officer: The Inspiring Story of Manoj Kumar Sharma

Many people dream of becoming civil servants and serving the nation, but only a few manage to crack the tough UPSC exam and make it to the prestigious posts of IAS, IPS, or IRS. Among them, there is one officer who stands out for his remarkable journey from failure to success. His name is Manoj Kumar Sharma, and he is an IPS officer who failed in his 12th grade exams but did not give up on his ambition.


Manoj Kumar Sharma was born in a poor family in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, a region infamous for its dacoits and cheating culture. He was not a bright student and barely passed his 9th and 10th grade exams with third division marks. He failed in all subjects except Hindi in his 12th grade exams and had to repeat the year. He felt ashamed and hopeless, but he also had a spark of determination in him.


He decided to leave his village and move to Delhi, where he joined a library as a peon. There, he got access to books and magazines that inspired him to pursue his studies. He also met Shraddha Joshi, a girl from Uttarakhand who was preparing for the UPSC exam. She encouraged him to join a coaching institute and study with her. They fell in love and became each other’s support system.

However, Manoj Kumar Sharma’s struggle was not over yet. He had to face many hardships and challenges in his quest for civil service. He had to work as a tempo driver, a dog walker, and a waiter to earn money for his expenses. He also had to deal with the pressure and competition of the UPSC exam, which he failed three times in a row. He was on the verge of giving up, but his love for Shraddha Joshi and his passion for serving the country kept him going.

Finally, in his fourth attempt, he cleared the UPSC exam with an All India Rank of 121 and became an IPS officer. He was overjoyed and proud of his achievement, but he also remained humble and grateful. He thanked his parents, his teachers, his friends, and his girlfriend for their support and guidance. He also thanked God for giving him the opportunity and the strength to overcome his failures.

Shraddha Joshi, who had cleared the UPSC exam in her first attempt, became an IRS officer. They got married and are now living happily in Mumbai. They are both respected and admired for their work and their love story. They also made a special appearance in the movie 12th Fail, which is based on their life story. The movie, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and starring Vikrant Massey, is a tribute to their courage and perseverance.

Manoj Kumar Sharma’s story is an example of how one can achieve anything with hard work, dedication, and faith. He proved that failure is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey. He showed that nothing is impossible if one has a clear vision and a strong will. He inspired millions of people who face difficulties and challenges in their lives. He is a true hero and a role model for the youth of India.