Kiran Bedi, born on June 9, 1949, in Amritsar, Punjab, holds the title of the First Woman IPS Officer in India in 1972. Throughout her career, she showcased her commitment to justice, discipline, and public service. Kiran Bedi, earned national and international appreciation for her transformative work as Inspector General of Prisons at Tihar Jail, where she introduced reforms focused on rehabilitation, education, and human rights.
Beyond her service as First Woman IPS Officer in India, she played an influential role on the global stage as an advisor to the United Nations on drug control and crime prevention. Later, she brought her administrative acumen to civil governance, serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
First Woman IPS Officer in India
Kiran Bedi is the First Woman IPS Officer in India, having entered the service in 1972. Her career was marked by significant contributions to law enforcement, traffic regulation, and systemic prison reforms. Her dedication, discipline, and forward-thinking approach not only improved institutional practices but also the way for women in policing and public service. Kiran Bedi’s journey continues to inspire generations of women to pursue careers in law enforcement and serve the nation with courage and integrity.
Early Life and Education
Kiran Bedi was born into a Punjabi family as the second of four daughters to Prakash and Prem Lata Peshawaria. From an early age, she displayed remarkable excellence in both academics and sports. A distinguished tennis player, she emerged as a national champion, securing multiple titles between 1965 and 1978, including the prestigious Asian Women’s Lawn Tennis Championship.
Her commitment to education was equally commendable. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Government College for Women in Amritsar, followed by a Master’s in Political Science from Panjab University, Chandigarh. She went on to pursue a Law degree from the University of Delhi and later completed a Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, focusing her research on drug abuse and domestic violence. This blend of academic pursuit and athletic achievement laid a strong foundation for her path-breaking career in public service.
Career Achievements
Kiran Bedi marked a transformative moment in the history of Indian policing and women’s empowerment. She began her journey as the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Delhi’s diplomatic enclave, Chanakyapuri, where her disciplined approach and innovative policing methods quickly gathered the recognition. Her service was formally acknowledged when she was awarded the President’s Police Medal in 1979.
Over her 35-year career, she held key roles in Delhi, Goa, Mizoram, and Chandigarh. As Deputy Commissioner of Police, she launched the anti-drug campaign that led to the Navjyoti India Foundation. Her transformative reforms at Tihar Jail earned her the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1994.
Beyond Policing
Kiran Bedi, First Woman IPS Officer in India, broke new ground in law enforcement with her bold leadership and reformative approach. She served in various capacities across India, earning the Ramon Magsaysay Award for her work in prison reform at Tihar Jail. In 2003, she became the first woman UN Civilian Police Adviser. After retiring in 2007, she focused on social work through her foundations. Joining BJP in 2015, she later served as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (2016–2021), continuing her commitment to public welfare and governance.
Legacy
Kiran Bedi stands as a symbol of resilience and determination, having broken societal barriers throughout her journey. From excelling as a national tennis champion to pioneering reforms in India’s prison system, her contributions have left a lasting mark on the nation. As the First Woman IPS Officer in India, she motivated countless women to pursue careers in public service. Her commitment to justice and social upliftment continues to inspire individuals across generations to strive for meaningful change against all odds.
Other Related Posts of UPSC 2025 | |
Last updated on June, 2025
→ UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
→ UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.
→ UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
→ UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
→ UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi
First Woman IPS Officer in India FAQs
Q1. Who was the first lady IPS officer of India?+
Q2. How many female IPS are there in India?+
Q3. Who is the first woman IAS officer in India?+
Q4. Who is the second IPS woman in India?+
Q5. Who is the 1st youngest IPS officer in India?+