- New DGP of Rajasthan: IPS Rajeev Sharma, a 1990-batch officer of the Rajasthan cadre, was appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) for Rajasthan on June 30, 2025.
- Extensive Experience: Sharma has served in key roles, including Superintendent of Police in multiple districts, Inspector General in Bharatpur and Bikaner, Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and Joint Director in the Central Bureau of Investigation.
- Educational Background: He holds an MA and MPhil, reflecting his strong academic foundation.
- Awards: Sharma received the Police Medal in 2006 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2014.
- Vision for Rajasthan: His appointment is seen as a step to strengthen law and order, leveraging his expertise in crime control, anti-corruption, and police research.
Background
Rajeev Sharma, born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, has risen through the ranks of the Indian Police Service with a career spanning over three decades. His appointment as Rajasthan’s DGP, effective June 30, 2025, follows a rigorous selection process by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which shortlisted him based on his seniority, service record, and extensive experience .
Career Highlights
Sharma’s career is marked by diverse roles across Rajasthan and at the national level. He has served as Superintendent of Police in districts like Jhalawar, Dausa, and Jaipur, and as Inspector General in Bharatpur and Bikaner. His leadership in the Anti-Corruption Bureau and as Director General of Law and Order has been pivotal in addressing corruption and maintaining public safety. His central deputation roles, including Joint Director in the CBI and Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), highlight his national impact .
Achievements
Sharma’s contributions have earned him the Police Medal in 2006 and the President’s Police Medal in 2014, recognizing his dedication and distinguished service. His work in training at the Rajasthan Police Academy and policy development at BPRD underscores his commitment to modernizing policing practices.
Future Outlook
With his tenure extended until July 2027, Sharma is expected to enhance Rajasthan’s police force through technology, community engagement, and robust law enforcement strategies. His leadership is anticipated to address contemporary challenges while fostering a citizen-friendly police force.
From Mathura to Rajasthan: The Inspiring Journey of IPS Rajeev Sharma, New DGP of Rajasthan
In the dynamic landscape of Indian policing, IPS Rajeev Sharma stands as a beacon of integrity, leadership, and innovation. Appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) for Rajasthan on June 30, 2025, this 1990-batch officer of the Rajasthan cadre brings a wealth of experience from over three decades of service. From his early days in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, to leading one of India’s largest state police forces, Sharma’s journey is a testament to dedication, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. This biography explores his life, career, achievements, and the vision he brings to his new role as Rajasthan’s top cop.
Early Life: Roots in Mathura
Rajeev Sharma was born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, a city renowned for its cultural and spiritual heritage. Growing up in a region steeped in history, Sharma was instilled with values of discipline, justice, and community service from a young age. His early environment fostered a sense of responsibility, which would later define his approach to policing. While specific details about his family and childhood remain private, his academic achievements suggest a strong foundation in education and critical thinking.
Sharma pursued higher education with rigor, earning a Master’s degree (MA) and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil). These qualifications equipped him with analytical skills and a deep understanding of societal dynamics, which proved invaluable in his career. His academic background, combined with his innate curiosity, set the stage for a distinguished journey in the Indian Police Service .
Entry into the Indian Police Service
In 1990, Rajeev Sharma joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) as part of the Rajasthan cadre, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. His early postings as Superintendent of Police (SP) in districts such as Jhalawar, Dausa, Rajsamand, Jaipur Traffic, Bharatpur, and Jaipur provided him with a broad perspective on policing challenges. In these roles, Sharma tackled issues ranging from crime prevention to traffic management in one of India’s busiest cities, Jaipur.
His tenure as SP in Jaipur Traffic was particularly challenging, requiring innovative solutions to manage congestion and ensure road safety. Sharma’s ability to implement effective traffic management strategies while maintaining public cooperation earned him early recognition as a capable and pragmatic officer. His work in districts like Bharatpur and Dausa involved handling complex law and order situations, including communal tensions and public protests, where his calm and decisive leadership shone through .
Rising Through the Ranks: Leadership in Rajasthan
Sharma’s exemplary performance led to his promotion to Inspector General (IG), where he served in Bharatpur and Bikaner. These roles expanded his responsibilities, requiring him to oversee larger jurisdictions and coordinate with multiple police units. His ability to manage diverse teams and maintain law and order in these regions solidified his reputation as a leader who could handle high-pressure situations with finesse.
One of Sharma’s most significant contributions came during his tenure as Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). In this role, he led high-stakes investigations into corruption cases, targeting officials who abused their power. His relentless pursuit of justice resulted in several high-profile convictions, restoring public trust in the system. His work at the ACB was characterized by meticulous planning and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, earning him widespread respect .
As Director General of Law and Order, Sharma was responsible for maintaining peace across Rajasthan during critical periods, such as festivals, elections, and large public gatherings. His strategic oversight ensured that the state remained stable, even in the face of potential unrest. His ability to coordinate with other government agencies and engage with communities underscored his holistic approach to policing.
Shaping Future Leaders: Rajasthan Police Academy
Beyond operational roles, Sharma made significant contributions to police training as the Director of the Rajasthan Police Academy (RPA). In this capacity, he oversaw the development of training programs that equipped recruits with the skills, ethics, and knowledge needed to serve effectively. His emphasis on modern policing techniques, including community engagement and technology-driven solutions, helped shape a new generation of officers prepared for contemporary challenges. His tenure at RPA was marked by initiatives to enhance training facilities and curricula, ensuring that Rajasthan’s police force remained at the forefront of professional excellence.
National Impact: Central Deputation
Sharma’s expertise extended beyond Rajasthan when he was deputed to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as Joint Director. In this role, he handled high-profile investigations that had national implications, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex and sensitive cases. His work at the CBI required a deep understanding of legal frameworks, investigative techniques, and inter-agency coordination, further enhancing his reputation as a versatile officer.
More recently, Sharma served as the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), a position he held until his appointment as Rajasthan’s DGP. At BPRD, he contributed to policy-making and research on policing practices, focusing on areas such as crime trends, investigative methodologies, and community policing. His work helped develop best practices that have been adopted across India, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field of policing.
Awards and Recognition
Rajeev Sharma’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards. In 2006, he received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, acknowledging his outstanding performance in various roles. In 2014, he was honored with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, one of the highest accolades for police officers in India. These awards reflect his dedication, leadership, and impact on both state and national levels .
| Award | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Police Medal | 2006 | Awarded for meritorious service in various policing roles across Rajasthan. |
| President’s Police Medal | 2014 | Recognized for distinguished service, particularly in anti-corruption and law enforcement. |
Appointment as DGP: A New Chapter
On June 30, 2025, Rajeev Sharma was appointed as the DGP of Rajasthan, succeeding Utkal Ranjan Sahu, who was appointed Chairman of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission. Sharma’s selection followed a rigorous process by the UPSC, which shortlisted him from a panel of seven senior IPS officers based on his seniority, service record, and extensive experience at both state and central levels. The other shortlisted candidates included Rajesh Nirvana and Sanjay Agarwal, but Sharma’s comprehensive background made him the preferred choice .
Originally set to retire in March 2026, Sharma’s appointment as DGP extends his service until July 2027, providing him with a two-year tenure to implement his vision for the Rajasthan Police. His appointment is seen as a strategic move by the Bhajan Lal government to strengthen law and order, leveraging Sharma’s expertise in crime control, anti-corruption, and police research .
Vision for Rajasthan Police
As DGP, Sharma is expected to bring transformative changes to the Rajasthan Police. His background in research and development suggests a focus on modernizing policing through technology, such as data-driven crime analysis and digital reporting systems. His experience in community policing will likely drive initiatives to enhance public trust and cooperation. Additionally, his anti-corruption efforts are anticipated to strengthen internal accountability within the force.
Sharma’s leadership is expected to address contemporary challenges, including cybercrime, organized crime, and public safety during large-scale events. His tenure at BPRD has equipped him with insights into global policing trends, which he may adapt to Rajasthan’s unique context. His commitment to training and development will likely continue, ensuring that officers are well-prepared to meet evolving demands.
Personal Philosophy and Leadership Style
Colleagues describe Sharma as a leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on engagement. His approach to policing emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and community engagement. “Policing is not just about enforcement; it’s about building trust and ensuring justice,” Sharma has been quoted as saying, reflecting his belief in a balanced approach to law enforcement.
His ability to navigate complex situations, from high-profile investigations to large-scale law and order challenges, has earned him respect across the board. His tenure at the CBI and BPRD demonstrates his capacity to think beyond immediate operational needs, focusing on long-term improvements in policing practices.
Challenges and Opportunities
As DGP, Sharma faces several challenges, including addressing rising cybercrime, ensuring public safety in a politically active state, and maintaining morale within the police force. However, his extensive experience provides a strong foundation to tackle these issues. Opportunities include leveraging technology to enhance policing efficiency, strengthening community outreach programs, and fostering inter-agency collaboration to address cross-border crime.
Conclusion
IPS Rajeev Sharma’s journey from Mathura to the pinnacle of Rajasthan’s police force is a story of dedication, resilience, and excellence. His academic background, diverse career, and national contributions have prepared him to lead Rajasthan’s police with vision and integrity. As he embarks on his tenure as DGP, the people of Rajasthan can expect a safer, more responsive police force under his stewardship. Sharma’s legacy is not only in the roles he has held but in the lasting impact he continues to make on Indian policing.