From Studying Under a Kerosene Lantern to IPS: Sharan Kamble’s Inspiring UPSC Success Story

There was a time when Sharan Gopinath Kamble had to study under the faint light of a kerosene lantern because his home did not have electricity. Born into a family of daily-wage labourers in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, his journey began with limited resources but a powerful belief in the transformative power of education.

Years later, the young student from Tadwale village would go on to study at some of India's leading institutions, turn down a private-sector opportunity worth around Rs 20 lakh a year and pursue his dream of public service. His determination eventually led him to the Indian Police Service (IPS).

Kamble’s journey is more than a story of competitive-examination success. For students facing financial difficulties, academic setbacks or uncertainty about their future, it is a reminder that difficult beginnings do not necessarily determine the destination.

A Childhood Shaped by Hard Work and Education

Kamble grew up in a family where both his parents worked hard to support the household. His father, Gopinath Kamble, and his mother worked as daily-wage labourers and also sold vegetables. Although they had limited formal education themselves, they understood the importance of giving their son access to education.

Kamble studied at a government school in his village. During Classes 11 and 12, he travelled nearly 12 kilometres every day to attend school.

Electricity was another challenge. His family home did not have electricity until he reached Class 11. Until then, studying after sunset often meant relying on a kerosene lantern.

For many students, such circumstances could become a source of discouragement. For Kamble, education became a reason to keep moving forward.

From a Village School to IISc Bengaluru

His academic performance opened the door to new opportunities. After clearing the Maharashtra CET, Kamble secured admission to Walchand College of Engineering in Sangli, where he pursued a BTech.

He continued his academic journey at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, one of India's premier institutions, where he completed an MTech in Electronic Systems Engineering.

His qualifications eventually brought him a private-sector job offer with an annual package of around Rs 20 lakh. For someone who had grown up with limited financial resources, it was a significant opportunity.

But Kamble had a different goal.

Choosing Public Service Over a Lucrative Career

Instead of settling into the private sector, Kamble decided to prepare for the UPSC examinations. He moved to Delhi to dedicate himself to competitive-examination preparation.

His decision was not simply about choosing one job over another. It reflected a larger ambition to enter public service and contribute through the civil services.

During his preparation, he also received support through a Maharashtra government scholarship of Rs 12,000 per month for eight months.

For students preparing for competitive examinations, his experience highlights an important lesson: a clear goal can help provide direction when the preparation journey becomes demanding.

Multiple Examinations, Multiple Achievements

Kamble's UPSC journey produced success across more than one examination.

In 2019, he secured All India Rank 8 in the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) examination. He subsequently appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2020 and secured AIR 542, leading to his selection for the Indian Police Service.

He also secured Rank 127 in the Indian Forest Service examination. Despite succeeding in multiple competitive examinations, he chose to continue his career in the IPS.

His journey demonstrates that competitive examinations are not necessarily about one attempt or one result. They demand preparation, patience and the ability to keep working towards a larger objective.

From UPSC Aspirant to IPS Officer

Kamble became a 2021-batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre. He later served as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Sanchore, in Jalore district, a border area adjoining Gujarat.

During his service, his work against drug trafficking and narcotics abuse earned him the DGP Disc on Republic Day. His efforts included action against organised drug networks and awareness initiatives aimed at discouraging practices involving opium and poppy pods at weddings and local functions.

His transition from a student studying under a lantern to an officer serving in the police force reflects the distance that education and determination can help a student travel.

Lessons for Students: Your Beginning Does Not Define Your Future

Kamble's story offers several lessons for young students and UPSC aspirants.

Dream beyond your circumstances: Financial or social limitations can make the journey challenging, but they do not have to determine your ambitions.

Treat education as an opportunity: Kamble's journey shows how education can connect students from small towns and villages with institutions and opportunities across the country.

Stay consistent: Competitive examinations require sustained preparation. One result does not have to define an aspirant's entire journey.

Have clarity about your goal: Kamble chose public service despite having a lucrative private-sector opportunity. His decision demonstrates the importance of understanding what kind of career and contribution you want to pursue.

Value your family's support: Behind many successful students are parents and families who make sacrifices to help them continue their education.

From a village classroom and a home lit by a kerosene lantern to IISc Bengaluru and eventually the IPS, Sharan Kamble's journey is a powerful reminder for students that success is not always determined by where you start.

Sometimes, the most difficult circumstances can become the starting point for the biggest dreams.