Labourer’s Son Makes It to IPS, Shares Prelims and Mains Strategy That Worked

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Sharan Kambale was born on September 30, 1993, in Tadwale village, Solapur, Maharashtra. His audacious journey to becoming an IPS officer is a powerful example of resilience, ambition, and dedication. Despite financial struggles and poor infrastructure, his unwavering determination led him to the Indian Police Service (IPS).

What Is UPSC (CSE)? 

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive exams, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It recruits officers for top government positions like IAS, IPS, IFS, and others. The exam is held in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview, testing a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, and personality. Cracking UPSC CSE requires dedication, consistent preparation, and a smart strategy.

IPS Kambale’s Humble Beginnings with Big Dreams

Sharan Kambale’s early life was marked by struggle and sacrifice. Until Class 11, his home had no electricity, yet that didn’t stop him from pursuing his education with determination. His illiterate parents, who toiled as labourers and vegetable vendors, instilled in him a powerful belief that education alone was the only way to transform their circumstances. 

Sharan studied by the light of a kerosene lamp and often endured long, exhausting commutes, sometimes riding on the rooftops of buses just to reach school. These early challenges became the foundation of a journey fueled by grit, purpose, and unshakable dreams.

IPS Kambale’s Academic Brilliance

Sharan Kambale’s academic journey is a testament to his exceptional intellect and unwavering focus. He began by securing admission into Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, through the Maharashtra CET, where he completed his B.Tech with distinction. 

Not one to settle, he set his sights higher and was accepted into the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, where he pursued an M.Tech in Electronic Systems Engineering- a program known for its rigorous academic standards and cutting-edge research.

Choosing Civil Services Over Corporate Life

Despite being offered a highly coveted INR 20 lakh per annum job at Rambus, a renowned semiconductor multinational, Sharan chose a different path. He declined the lucrative corporate offer to dedicate himself fully to the UPSC Civil Services Examination, proving that true success lies in purpose, not just paychecks.

With a clear vision to serve the nation, Sharan Kambale boldly shifted from a promising corporate future to the challenging path of civil service. He moved to Delhi to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, fully committing himself to the journey. Recognizing his potential, the Maharashtra government awarded him a scholarship of INR 12,000 per month for 8 months, which helped ease his financial burden during the preparation phase.

Even when the COVID-19 lockdown forced him to return to his village, Sharan didn’t let the disruption derail his goal- he continued his preparation with the same discipline and determination, proving that true ambition thrives even in isolation.

Cracking Multiple Competitive Exams with Excellence

Sharan Kambale has consistently demonstrated his academic prowess by excelling in some of India’s toughest competitive exams. He secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 542 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020, earning a coveted position in the Indian Police Service (IPS), Rajasthan Cadre (2021 batch).

His determination and versatility further shone through as he achieved AIR 127 in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam and an outstanding AIR 8 in the CAPF Assistant Commandant exam (2019). These remarkable achievements underline his unwavering commitment and ability to perform across a wide spectrum of challenging examinations.

IPS Kambale’s Remarkable Achievements in Sports

IPS officer Sharan Kambale stands out not only for his stellar academic and professional accomplishments but also for his remarkable achievements in the world of sports. Showcasing exceptional physical endurance and discipline, he successfully completed the grueling Bergman Triathlon, which includes:

• 1.9 km swimming
  
• 90 km cycling
  
• 21.1 km running
  

He completed this intense 113 km challenge in just 7 hours and 59 minutes. This accomplishment highlights his exceptional physical endurance and commitment to personal fitness, reflecting the same determination that has characterized his professional journey.

IPS Sharan Kambale’s UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy

IPS Sharan Kambale’s UPSC journey reflects unwavering dedication and smart strategy. Let’s explore the key strategies that helped him crack multiple top-tier exams:

PRELIMS STRATEGY

1. Smart Attempt Strategy

• Initially, 70–73 questions were attempted in Prelims.
  
• Later, attempts were increased to 87–90 questions, focusing on maximizing accuracy and risk management.
  
• This shift helped him find the optimal balance between attempts and correct answers, a critical factor for clearing the cutoff.
  

2. Importance of Test Series

“Test series should not just be about solving questions but analyzing patterns and improving weak areas.”
-Sharan Kambale

• Took regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
  
• Focused deeply on post-test analysis, identifying patterns, weak areas, and silly mistakes.
  
• Developed strategies for elimination techniques and educated guessing.
  

3. Subject-Wise Booklist & Tips

Polity (Laxmikanth): Emphasized the first 11 chapters and constitutional amendments. Focused on articles, fundamental rights, and DPSPs.Geography (NCERT from Class 6-12): Prioritized maps, rivers, mountain ranges, and world boundaries.

Modern History (Spectrum Rajiv Ahir): Studied thoroughly, especially the appendix (freedom fighters, INC sessions, etc.).

Economics (Mrunal videos and notes): For both static and current concepts like inflation, monetary policy, etc.

Art & Culture: Relied on NCERT Fine Arts Book. Focused on dance forms, architecture, festivals, and cultural heritage.

MAINS STRATEGY

1. Note-Making

• Made crisp, personalized notes from multiple sources.
  
• Condensed bulky material into one-page summaries for last-minute revision.
  
• Used diagrams, flowcharts, and value-added points to enhance presentation.
  

2. Answer Writing Practice

• Practiced daily answer writing using previous year's questions and mock papers.
  
• Worked on structuring answers in intro-body-conclusion format.
  
• Focused on writing in clear, concise language with factual support and multi-dimensional analysis.
  

3. Revision Strategy

• Emphasized multiple revisions, especially before Mains.
• Used micro-schedules to revise static + dynamic content together.
• Prioritized high-yield topics based on past-year trends.
  

4. Current Affairs Integration

• Followed daily newspapers (The Hindu/Indian Express).
• Used monthly current affairs compilations (Vision IAS, ForumIAS).
• Discussed key issues with peers to develop a multi-perspective understanding.
• Integrated current data, examples, and schemes into the main answers.

5. Subject Prioritization

• Polity and Economy were treated as high-weightage subjects due to their recurring nature in both Prelims and Mains.
• Prioritized subjects based on previous years' trends and scoring potential.

Interview Preparation Tips from IPS Sharan Kambale

• Focused on DAF-based questions, current events, and scenario-based problem-solving.
  
• Practiced with mock interviews, peers, and even in front of a mirror.
  
• Adapted responses based on board members’ mood, kept a calm and confident demeanour.

Life Lessons from IPS Sharan Kambale’s Journey

• No excuse is big enough when the dream is strong.
  
• Financial hardship, poor infrastructure, and personal setbacks are not barriers if one has clarity of purpose.
  
• His story is a reminder that perseverance, smart strategy, and grit are the true differentiators in UPSC success.
• Inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship to stay physically fit and disciplined. 

Conclusion

IPS Sharan Kambale’s journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, grit, and purpose. Born to illiterate parents who toiled as laborers and vegetable vendors, he rose above adversity to pursue his dreams. Not only did he crack the UPSC CSE to become an IPS officer, but he also secured top ranks in IFS and CAPF exams, highlighting his academic brilliance.

Beyond the classroom, his completion of the 113 km Bergman Triathlon speaks volumes about his discipline and mental resilience. Sharan’s story is more than just a tale of success- it’s an inspiring reminder that no barrier is too great when the dream is strong enough.

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