For numerous UPSC candidates, achieving a position in the Indian Police Service represents the peak of years of intense preparation. However, for Jagmohan Meena, this was merely one milestone in a journey characterized by unique choices. The 2013-batch IPS officer from the Odisha cadre, who is currently the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Bhubaneswar, has chosen to resign from his position at the age of 37, attributing the decision to personal reasons and long-term career planning.
His announcement has garnered significant attention, not just for its timing but also for the distinctive path he has taken. A graduate of IIT Kanpur, Meena achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 849 in the UPSC exams and is a recipient of the Police Medal for Gallantry, crafting a career many aspire to emulate. He is now set to embark on a completely new professional venture.
Born in 1989 in Sikar district of Rajasthan, Jagmohan Meena completed his schooling before gaining admission to the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur through the highly competitive IIT-JEE exam. Rather than following the traditional engineering career path post-graduation, he opted to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a decision that proved fruitful when he secured AIR 849 in the 2012 exams.
His performance was commendable across various stages of the examination, with scores as follows:
- Written Examination: 724 marks
- Personality Test (Interview): 181 marks
- Final Score: 905 marks
As a result of his ranking, he was assigned to the Odisha cadre of the IPS in the 2013 batch. Throughout his career in the IPS, Meena undertook several significant roles within Odisha’s police force. His contributions to anti-Maoist operations earned him the Police Medal for Gallantry in 2019, one of the nation’s highest honors for police personnel displaying exceptional bravery.
At the time of his resignation, he held the prominent role of DCP in Bhubaneswar, a position that often places officers at the forefront of public administration and law enforcement. His decision to resign came during public discourse following a recent law-and-order incident near Bhubaneswar, sparking speculation regarding the timing of his departure. However, Meena has firmly stated that his choice is unrelated to any departmental or political pressures. He emphasized that it is a well-considered personal decision made after thoughtful discussions with family and close friends.
While his resignation awaits formal approval, Meena has expressed his intention to pursue opportunities in the private sector post-IPS. Reports indicate he may join a corporate venture linked to a close relative in Rajasthan, although he has primarily framed this transition as part of a broader career strategy.
Meena’s journey—from passing the IIT-JEE, succeeding in one of India’s most challenging examinations, serving as an IPS officer, earning a Gallantry Medal, and now preparing for a career outside of government service—illustrates that professional success can take diverse paths. For UPSC aspirants and young professionals, Jagmohan Meena’s story serves as a powerful reminder that each career choice reflects individual aspirations and priorities. While many aim for a future in civil services, others may opt for new challenges even after achieving such milestones when they feel the time is ripe.
