- Surendra Singh Yadav, born July 7, 1975, in Alwar, Rajasthan, is a 1997-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, recently appointed as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Border Security Force (BSF).
- He previously served as Chandigarh’s Director General of Police (DGP) since March 2024 and was head of Delhi’s Anti-Corruption Branch, known for combating corruption.
- His career highlights include enhancing policing standards in Chandigarh and emphasizing transparency, though his BSF appointment in April 2025 was seen as unusual, initially mistaken for an April Fool’s prank.
- Personal life includes being married to Alice Vaz, with limited public details on early life and education.
Early Life and Background
Surendra Singh Yadav’s roots trace back to Alwar, Rajasthan, where he was born on July 7, 1975. While specific details about his upbringing and education remain scarce in public records, his journey to the Indian Police Service (IPS) reflects a commitment to public service, likely shaped by the values of his community.
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Career Highlights
Yadav joined the IPS in 1997 under the AGMUT cadre, which covers regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories. Early in his career, he made waves as the Chief of Delhi’s Anti-Corruption Branch, where he played a pivotal role in tackling graft, earning a reputation for integrity. By March 2024, he was appointed the 6th DGP of Chandigarh, where he focused on improving policing standards. He initiated “Sampark Sabha” sessions to address police personnel grievances, emphasized ethical practices, and directed senior officers for night patrols to enhance public safety. His leadership was marked by a hands-on approach, building trust with both his team and citizens.
In a surprising turn, on April 1, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed him as DIG in the BSF on deputation, replacing his DGP role. This move was controversial, with some viewing it as a demotion, and it was initially dismissed as an April Fool’s prank due to its unprecedented nature. Now, at 49, Yadav stands at India’s borders, blending his anti-corruption zeal with national security demands.
Personal Life
Away from his professional duties, Yadav is married to Alice Vaz, a detail that offers a glimpse into his personal life. Beyond this, public information on his family and early years is limited, keeping the focus on his public service.
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Comprehensive Biography of IPS Surendra Singh Yadav
Surendra Singh Yadav’s story is one of resilience, integrity, and unexpected turns, marking him as a significant figure in India’s law enforcement landscape. Born on July 7, 1975, in Alwar, Rajasthan, his early life remains largely undocumented in public sources, but his rise through the ranks of the Indian Police Service (IPS) paints a picture of determination. As a 1997-batch officer of the AGMUT cadre—covering Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories—he embarked on a career that would see him tackle corruption, lead a city-state’s police force, and ultimately guard India’s borders.
Early Life and Education: A Foundation in Service
Yadav’s birthplace, Alwar, is a historic city in Rajasthan, known for its forts and cultural heritage. While specific details about his childhood and education are not widely available, his entry into the IPS suggests a strong academic background, likely involving rigorous preparation for one of India’s most competitive civil service exams. The IPS, a prestigious arm of the All India Services, demands not just intellect but a deep commitment to public welfare, a trait Yadav would embody throughout his career.
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Career Trajectory: From Anti-Corruption to Border Security
Yadav’s professional journey began with his 1997 batch induction into the IPS, placing him in the AGMUT cadre, which serves in challenging and diverse regions. Early in his career, he made his mark as the Chief of Delhi’s Anti-Corruption Branch, a role that thrust him into the forefront of India’s fight against graft. Here, he was known for his proactive stance, earning accolades for his efforts in combating corruption within the capital’s administration. His tenure was defined by a no-nonsense approach, with a philosophy encapsulated in his later statement, “The fight against corruption begins with a single ‘NO,’” highlighting his belief in individual integrity as a cornerstone of systemic change.
By March 2024, Yadav’s career reached a new height when he was appointed the 6th Director General of Police (DGP) for Chandigarh, replacing Praveer Ranjan . As DGP, he focused on enhancing policing standards and public trust, initiating measures like “Sampark Sabha” sessions to address police personnel grievances and promote ethical practices. He emphasized transparency and accountability, stating during a welcome parade, “As a team, we will deliver the best services to the citizens,” reflecting his hands-on leadership style . Night patrols became a priority, with Yadav directing senior officers to ensure safety, a move that resonated with Chandigarh’s residents.
However, his career took an unexpected turn on April 1, 2025, when the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) appointed him as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Border Security Force (BSF) on deputation. This move, effective immediately, replaced his DGP role and was met with surprise, with many in the IPS cadre initially dismissing it as an April Fool’s prank due to its unprecedented nature. Sources suggested it might have been influenced by his not being empanelled for a senior rank at the Centre, adding a layer of controversy to the decision . At 49, Yadav now faces the challenge of securing India’s borders, a role that blends his anti-corruption experience with the strategic demands of national security.
Achievements and Leadership Style
Yadav’s achievements are marked by his ability to adapt and lead. As head of Delhi’s Anti-Corruption Branch, he played a pivotal role in exposing and addressing corruption, a task that required both courage and strategic acumen. In Chandigarh, his initiatives like night patrols and grievance sessions improved policing standards, fostering a culture of trust and accountability. His emphasis on integrity, as seen in his March 22, 2025, session where he reiterated, “The fight against corruption begins with a single ‘NO,’” underscores his leadership philosophy . These efforts highlight a career dedicated to public service, even as his recent BSF appointment raises questions about bureaucratic reshuffles.
Personal Life: A Glimpse Beyond the Uniform
Beyond his professional life, Yadav is married to Alice Vaz, a detail that offers a personal anchor to his public service. Public information on his family and early years is limited, reflecting the private nature of many IPS officers. At 49, his life is a balance of duty and personal commitment, with his marriage likely providing support through the highs and lows of his career.
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Table: Key Milestones in Surendra Singh Yadav’s Career
| Year | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Joined IPS | 1997-batch, AGMUT cadre, began career in law enforcement. |
| Early Career | Chief, Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch | Pivotal role in combating corruption, known for integrity. |
| March 2024 | 6th DGP, Chandigarh | Replaced Praveer Ranjan, focused on policing standards and public trust. |
| April 1, 2025 | Deputy Inspector General, BSF | Appointed on deputation, seen as unusual, initially mistaken for a prank. |
Legacy and Impact
Surendra Singh Yadav’s story is one of service, from fighting corruption in Delhi to leading Chandigarh’s police and now guarding India’s borders. His career, marked by both achievements and controversy, reflects the complexities of public service in India. At a time when border security is paramount, his role in the BSF positions him as a key player in national defense, while his past work continues to inspire those in law enforcement to uphold integrity.