Meet IPS Abhijeet Patil: Young Rajasthan Cadre Officer Who Cracked UPSC in 1st Attempt

In an era where success in India’s civil services is often associated with years of relentless struggle, coaching institutes, and substantial resources, the story of IPS Abhijeet Tulshiram Patil stands out as a powerful testament to self-reliance, focused determination, and the courage to chart one’s own path. At the remarkably young age of 22, Patil cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 in his very first attempt, securing All India Rank 470 and earning selection into the Indian Police Service. Allotted to the Rajasthan cadre, he has swiftly transitioned from a determined engineering student to a serving officer, currently posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Rajgarh Circle, Churu district, while also heading the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) operations in the area.

His journey resonates deeply with thousands of aspirants, particularly those from modest backgrounds or without access to premium coaching, proving that clarity of purpose and disciplined self-study can overcome conventional barriers.

Early Life and Family Background

Abhijeet Tulshiram Patil was born on 11 June 1999 in Thane, Maharashtra, in the Bhiwandi region. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in public service. His father, Tulshiram Patil, served as Chief Auditor with the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) before retirement. His mother worked in the Irrigation Department and has also retired. As the only son with two elder sisters, Patil was raised in an environment that valued education, discipline, and responsibility.

This grounded upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of duty and resilience—qualities that would later define his approach to one of the world’s most competitive examinations.

The Engineering Foundation and the Turning Point

Patil pursued a B.Tech in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Like many bright students, he initially focused on academics with an eye on a stable career in engineering. However, during his final year, a single YouTube video changed the trajectory of his life.

In a media interaction, Patil shared that watching a video featuring a UPSC topper on YouTube provided the spark of inspiration he needed. It prompted him to seriously consider the civil services as a meaningful way to serve the nation. Without joining any coaching institute and relying solely on self-study, books, and internet resources, he made the bold decision to prepare for the UPSC CSE while still completing his engineering degree.

Remarkably, he qualified the UPSC Preliminary Examination before even receiving his graduation results—a rare feat that underscored his exceptional time management and academic prowess.

Cracking UPSC CSE 2022: Discipline Over Resources

Patil’s preparation was characterised by intense focus and simplicity. He dedicated approximately eight months to rigorous self-study, putting in around eight hours daily. There were no expensive test series, classroom programmes, or peer networks from coaching hubs. Instead, he relied on standard reference books, online materials, and consistent revision.

The results spoke for themselves. In UPSC CSE 2022, he secured All India Rank 470 in the OBC category. His Mains score stood at 772 out of 1750, complemented by 180 out of 275 in the Personality Test (Interview). This performance not only earned him the IPS but also placed him among the youngest officers in the service at the time of selection.

Prior to Patil, some of the youngest IPS officers had achieved the feat at age 23. His success at 22 highlighted a new benchmark for focused, resource-efficient preparation.

Joining the IPS: Training and Commissioning

Following his selection, Patil was allotted the Rajasthan cadre and joined the Indian Police Service as part of the 2023 batch (IPS ID: 20231103). He formally joined service on 13 November 2023.

His foundational training took place at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad. The transition from trainee to full-fledged officer was marked by a meaningful pipping ceremony in September 2025, where he received the stars on his shoulders—an emotional milestone he has publicly described with gratitude for the journey and the support of his family.

Current Role: Serving Rajasthan with Distinction

As of 2026, IPS Abhijeet Patil serves as ASP, Rajgarh Circle, Churu district, Rajasthan. He assumed this field posting on 24 August 2025. In addition to his core responsibilities of maintaining law and order, supervising investigations, and community policing in the circle, he holds the additional charge of Chief/In-charge of the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Churu.

In this dual role, he contributes to targeted operations against organised crime and illegal activities in the region. His early tenure has already seen the AGTF team under his oversight involved in actions such as the exposure of fake ghee trade networks, demonstrating the practical application of his training in real-world policing challenges.

At an age when many are still navigating their first jobs, Patil shoulders significant responsibilities in one of India’s largest states by area—testament to the trust placed in young officers by the Rajasthan Police leadership.

A Modern Role Model: Social Media Presence and Inspiration

Beyond his official duties, Patil maintains an active and inspiring presence on social media, particularly Instagram under the handle @ips_abhijeet.patil (with a growing following of around 40,000). His posts often reflect on themes of resilience, the importance of family support—especially crediting the women who shaped him—and the belief that “underdogs are real beasts out there.”

He frequently shares glimpses of his training days, moments of gratitude following his pipping ceremony, and motivational messages aimed at aspirants. This transparent engagement has further amplified his story, positioning him as a relatable figure for Gen-Z civil services aspirants who value authenticity alongside achievement.

Conclusion: A Story of Purpose and Possibility

IPS Abhijeet Tulshiram Patil’s ascent from a final-year engineering student in Maharashtra to a serving IPS officer in Rajasthan within a remarkably short span is more than a personal success story. It is a compelling reminder that age is no barrier to impact, that self-study and discipline can rival institutional advantages, and that inspiration can come from the most unexpected sources—even a single YouTube video.

As he continues to grow in his career, handling critical law-and-order and anti-crime responsibilities in Churu, Patil embodies the ideals of the Indian Police Service: service before self, integrity, and dedication to public welfare. For the countless young aspirants preparing for UPSC, NDA, CDS, or state civil services examinations, his journey offers both motivation and a practical blueprint—focus relentlessly, believe in your preparation, and let results speak louder than circumstances.

His story is still unfolding. At this early stage in his service, IPS Abhijeet Patil has already etched his name among the inspiring young officers of his generation. The nation watches with anticipation as this underdog-turned-leader continues to serve with distinction in the years ahead.