The remarks came during the hearing of a petition filed by Urvashi Sengar, a 2023-batch Indian Police Service officer allotted to the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Sengar had approached the court after being barred from completing her training due to pregnancy under a Ministry of Home Affairs office memorandum issued in 1993.

While the apex court declined to direct her immediate inclusion in the ongoing training programme, it made it clear that the broader issue raised in the petition deserves consideration. A bench comprising Justice Manoj Misra and Justice S. Chandrasekhar noted that nearly three weeks of the current nine-week training schedule had already been completed, making it impractical for the officer to effectively participate at this stage.

At the same time, the court recorded the Centre’s assurance that Sengar’s seniority would not be adversely affected because of the delay in training. The bench also directed the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) to hear and decide the main petition on its merits.

The case has brought renewed attention to the 1993 rule governing IPS probationers. Under the existing provision, a woman officer who becomes pregnant during probation is required to discontinue training and can resume it only one year after childbirth. The period is treated as extraordinary leave.

During an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had sought an explanation from the Centre on the rationale behind such a blanket restriction. The bench asked why a woman officer who has been declared medically fit should be prevented from undergoing training merely because she is pregnant or has recently become a mother.

The judges observed that policies framed for the welfare of women should not result in the denial of opportunities. They also questioned whether a uniform rule could be applied to all women regardless of individual health conditions and medical assessments.

According to court proceedings, the bench remarked that medical situations vary from person to person. Some women may be fit to resume training within a shorter period, while others could require additional recovery time due to surgery or other complications. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach may not adequately address individual circumstances.

The Centre, however, argued that granting exceptions in individual cases could create similar demands from other officers in the future. Government representatives maintained that the existing rule was designed keeping in mind the welfare of both the officer and the child.

Sengar’s counsel countered that exceptions had been granted in the past and argued that modern medical science allows a more nuanced assessment of fitness than was possible when the rule was framed more than three decades ago.

The dispute stems from Sengar’s training journey at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. She began Phase-I training in November 2023. During Phase-II training in April 2025, she became pregnant and informed academy authorities. She was subsequently directed to discontinue training under the 1993 guidelines.

After giving birth in September 2025, Sengar sought permission to complete the remaining portion of her Phase-II training, citing her medical fitness. The academy rejected the request, prompting her to approach the CAT.

In May this year, the tribunal granted interim relief and allowed her to participate in the training subject to medical clearances. However, the police academy challenged the order before the Delhi High Court, which stayed the tribunal’s direction and observed that the policy was intended to safeguard the interests of both mother and child.

The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court, where broader concerns regarding gender equality, workplace rights and service rules came under scrutiny.

The petition also points out that similar restrictions for women IAS officers were modified by the Department of Personnel and Training in 2004, allowing training decisions to be based on medical fitness. The petitioner has argued that continuing to apply the older rule exclusively to IPS officers may be inconsistent with principles of equality.

The final outcome now rests with the Central Administrative Tribunal, whose decision could have significant implications for training policies affecting women officers across the country.

Despite scoring low marks during his school years and facing repeated challenges during engineering studies, Sameer Sharma went on to clear the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination and become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. His journey continues to inspire thousands of students preparing for competitive examinations across the country.

Struggles Began During School Years

Sameer Sharma’s academic record in school was far from exceptional. He reportedly scored 57 percent marks in Class 10 and faced an even tougher phase in Class 11, where his score dropped to just 34 percent.

The poor performance raised concerns about his academic future. Like many students who struggle with marks during higher secondary education, Sameer faced doubts about his ability to pursue ambitious career goals. However, he continued his studies and managed to improve his performance in Class 12, securing around 60 percent marks.

Although the improvement was encouraging, few could have predicted that he would later become a civil servant.

Engineering Studies Brought New Challenges

After completing school, Sameer enrolled in a B.Tech programme. His difficulties, however, did not end there.

During engineering, he accumulated as many as 24 backlogs, a situation that would have discouraged many students from continuing their studies. Multiple academic setbacks often lead students to abandon their goals or lose confidence in their abilities.

Instead of giving up, Sameer chose to confront the challenges directly. He worked through the backlog papers and continued moving forward despite repeated setbacks and criticism from those around him.

Turning Point: Decision to Prepare for UPSC

After completing his engineering studies, Sameer Sharma set his sights on one of the most competitive examinations in India—the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

The decision marked a major turning point in his life. Determined to prove that academic struggles do not define a person’s future, he dedicated himself fully to preparation.

According to available accounts of his journey, Sameer focused intensely on his studies and followed a disciplined preparation strategy. His commitment and consistency eventually began to yield results.

Cracked UPSC in Just 18 Months

One of the most remarkable aspects of Sameer Sharma’s journey is the relatively short duration of his UPSC preparation.

After approximately 18 months of focused study, he successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination and secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 182. The achievement transformed his life and silenced doubts about his capabilities.

Following his success, he was selected for the Indian Police Service and joined the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre in 2011.

A Message for Students

Sameer Sharma’s story highlights an important lesson for students who may be struggling academically. Low marks, failures, or backlogs do not necessarily determine future success. What often matters more is the ability to learn from setbacks, remain focused on long-term goals, and continue working despite difficulties.

His journey from scoring 34 percent in Class 11 and facing 24 engineering backlogs to becoming an IPS officer serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

For UPSC aspirants and students facing academic challenges, Sameer Sharma’s success story stands as proof that determination and consistent effort can open doors to extraordinary achievements.