Daijiworld Media Network – Tamil Nadu (MS)

Tamil Nadu, May 15: The story of IPS officer N Ambika is an example of dedication and unwavering integrity. From the clutches of child marriage and bearing two children by the age of 18, she transformed herself into an IPS officer through sheer grit and determination.

Ambika was married to a police constable at the tender age of 14. By the age of 18, she was the mother of two daughters. She was inspired to become an IPS officer when she saw her police constable husband saluting his senior officers at the Republic Day parade. However, her journey was far from easy.

Ambika had not even studied up to the 10th grade before her marriage. She completed her 10th and 12th grades by taking examinations through a private institute. She also completed her graduation through correspondence. Then, she relocated to Chennai to realize her dream of becoming an IPS officer. Her husband was supportive and took care of their children after work, allowing Ambika to study hard for the UPSC examination.

Ambika failed three times in the UPSC examinations. Her husband lost hope and asked her to return to her hometown. However, Ambika sought permission from her husband for one last attempt. She cracked the IPS examination in 2008 and is currently posted as DCP in Mumbai.

Ambika says that reading newspapers, making notes, and augmenting information retention were key to her success. She also advises using one source rather than many for each section of the exam. Additionally, she emphasizes that UPSC aspirants should try to answer as many questions and take as many mock tests as possible to achieve a good rank in the examination.