- Ashish Gupta, born December 25, 1966, in Lucknow, is a 1989 batch IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh.
- He holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Kanpur (1987) and a PGDM from IIM Kolkata (1989).
- Gupta has served in various high-profile roles, including UN Peacekeeping in Kosovoin (2000-2002) and CEO of NATGRID.
- As of March 2025, he is DG for Rules & Manuals in UP Police, but it seems likely he is seeking voluntary retirement.
- He has received awards like the President’s Police Medal (2014) and UN Peacekeeping Medal.
Early Life and Education
Ashish Gupta was born and raised in Lucknow, completing his early education there before pursuing higher studies. He earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Kanpur in 1987, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from IIM Kolkata in 1989, equipping him with a strong foundation in technology and management.
Career Highlights
Gupta joined the IPS in 1990, starting with roles in UP Police. His career includes significant positions such as senior faculty at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, where he authored monographs and edited the Police Journal. He led the Indian contingent in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovoin from 2000 to 2002, and headed anti-terrorist operations in UP’s Terai region. He served as Director in the PMO from 2005 to 2010, advising on energy and internal security, and later as CEO of NATGRID from around 2014 to 2022, enhancing counter-terror intelligence. Recently, he was Additional DG in BSF before returning to UP as DG for Rules & Manuals in June 2023.
Awards and Personal Life
Gupta’s service has been recognized with the Police Medal in 2006, President’s Police Medal in 2014, and UN Peacekeeping Medal. He is married to Tilottama Verma, a 1990 batch IPS officer, and they have two children, residing in Lucknow.
A Comprehensive Biography of IPS Officer Ashish Gupta
Ashish Gupta stands as a distinguished figure in the Indian Police Service (IPS), with a career spanning over three decades marked by significant contributions to law enforcement, national security, and international peacekeeping. This detailed biography explores his early life, educational background, professional journey, notable achievements, and personal life, providing a holistic view of his impactful tenure.
Early Life and Education
Ashish Gupta was born on December 25, 1966, in Lucknow, the vibrant capital of Uttar Pradesh. Growing up in Lucknow, he completed his early education in the city before setting his sights on higher studies. In 1987, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, one of India’s premier engineering institutions. Following this, he pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kolkata, completing it in 1989. This dual expertise in technology and management laid a strong foundation for his future career in public service.
Career Beginnings and Initial Postings
Gupta joined the IPS in 1990 as part of the 1989 batch, allocated to his home state of Uttar Pradesh. His early career involved various postings within the UP Police, where he gained hands-on experience in law enforcement. These initial roles included positions in district police and headquarters, where he developed a reputation for efficiency and innovative approaches to policing.
Rise Through the Ranks: Key Positions and Achievements
Gupta’s career trajectory is marked by a series of high-profile and challenging roles, each contributing to his reputation as a versatile and dedicated officer.
Faculty Member at National Police Academy
Recognizing his expertise, Gupta was selected as a senior faculty member at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in training future police officers, authoring several monographs on police operations, and editing the Police Journal for three years. His contributions to police education and professional development were significant, enhancing the capabilities of the force nationwide.
United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovoin
In 2000, Gupta was chosen to lead the Indian contingent of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovoin, serving from 2000 to 2002. This international assignment showcased his leadership and diplomatic skills during a critical period of maintaining peace and stability in the region. His efforts were highly regarded by both the UN and the Indian government, earning him the UN Peacekeeping Medal.
Anti-Terrorist Operations in Terai Region
Upon returning to India, Gupta was entrusted with heading anti-terrorist operations in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, an area known for its security challenges. His strategic approach and effective coordination with various agencies helped curb terrorist activities, restoring peace and security in the region.
Director in Prime Minister’s Office
From 2005 to 2010, Gupta served as a Director in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), advising the Prime Minister on policy matters related to energy and internal security. His insights and recommendations were instrumental in shaping key government policies, reflecting his ability to influence national-level decision-making.
CEO of NATGRID
In 2014, Gupta was appointed as the CEO of NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid), an IT framework designed to enhance counter-terror intelligence sharing among various security agencies. Under his leadership, NATGRID made significant progress in integrating and streamlining intelligence operations, bolstering India’s national security capabilities. He held this position until around 2022, when he was called back to his parent cadre.
Additional DG, Border Security Force
Following his tenure at NATGRID, Gupta served as Additional Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), where he was responsible for overseeing anti-Naxal operations. His tenure saw innovative strategies and successful operations against Naxalite groups, contributing to reducing their influence in affected areas.
Current Position and Recent Developments
As of March 2025, Gupta holds the position of Director General (DG) for Rules & Manuals in the UP Police, based in Lucknow, with his current posting date being June 23, 2023. This role involves overseeing the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures within the police force, ensuring efficiency and adherence to best practices. However, recent reports suggest he is seeking voluntary retirement (VRS), possibly due to dissatisfaction with his current posting and a long waiting period after returning from central deputation in December 2022. He was kept on the waiting list for six and a half months before being posted as DG (Rules & Manuals) on June 24, 2023, with his retirement due in December 2026, having 22 months left as of February 2025.
Rank Progression and Promotions
Gupta’s rank progression within the IPS reflects his steady rise through the hierarchy:
| Rank | Date of Promotion |
|---|---|
| Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to SP | Before 1992 (confirmed 11/10/1992) |
| SP to Senior Scale | 01/07/1993 |
| Selection Grade | 22/01/2003 |
| Deputy Inspector General (DIG) | 17/06/2005 |
| Inspector General (IG) | 05/02/2010 |
| Additional Director General (ADG) | 06/08/2014 |
| Director General (DG) | Around 2023 (assumed) |
This progression highlights his consistent performance and leadership capabilities at each level.
Awards and Recognitions
Gupta’s distinguished service has been recognized with several prestigious awards:
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Police Medal (PM) | 26/01/2006 |
| President’s Police Medal (PPM) | 26/01/2014 |
| UN Peacekeeping Medal | Post 2002 (for Kosovoin service) |
These awards underscore his contributions to policing, national security, and international peacekeeping.
Personal Life
Ashish Gupta is married to Tilottama Verma, a 1990 batch IPS officer, who is currently posted as DG (Training) and is set to retire in November 2025. They have two children and currently reside in Lucknow, maintaining a balance between their professional commitments and family life.
Conclusion
Ashish Gupta’s career is a testament to his dedication, professionalism, and versatility in handling various challenging roles within the Indian Police Service. From his early days as a faculty member to leading international peacekeeping missions and holding key positions in national security, he has consistently demonstrated excellence and commitment to public service. As he navigates the final stages of his career, his legacy in law enforcement and public administration remains significant.