From constable to IPS, Udayakrishna's journey of grit

New Indian Express

27-04-2025

VIJAYAWADA: In an inspiring example of hope M Udaya Krishna Reddy of Ullapalem village in Prakasam district has achieved an All India Rank of 350 in the Civil Services Examination and earning a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). From a government school in a small village to the prestigious IPS, Udaya Krishna Reddy's journey is proof that no dream is too big when powered by passion and purpose.
Born into poverty and losing his parents at a young age, Udaya was raised by his grandmother Ramanamma, who sold vegetables to support him, and guided by his uncle Koti Reddy. After studying in a Telugu-medium government school, he joined the police force as a constable in 2013, serving at Gudluru and Ramayapatnam Marine police stations. Facing humiliation from a superior officer became a turning point, fueling his ambition to join the IPS.
He resigned in 2018 to pursue the Civil Services full-time. Despite failing three attempts, he refused to give up. In his fourth attempt, he secured a 780th rank and joined the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). However, determined to wear the IPS uniform, he reattempted during training and achieved the 350th rank.
Speaking to
TNIE
, Udaya said the unwavering support from his grandmother and uncle shaped his journey. 'We, the youth of India, have immense potential which is yet to be realised. Don't get distracted, stay focused. Never allow anyone to degrade your dignity and self-respect,' he added. He advised aspirants to dedicate at least 12 hours daily to studies with focus on covering the entire syllabus. Afterward, 8-10 hours are sufficient based on personal capability.
'Some may find 6-8 hours enough. What matters most is completing daily targets consistently. It typically takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete the syllabus, depending on one's intellectual ability,' he noted. He explained the importance of 8 hours of sleep, nutritious food, and managing stress through spirituality, yoga, and meditation.
Mastering English was another challenge for him as he studied in Telugu medium. He first completed all exercises from English textbooks of Classes 1-10, then NCERT English, and followed Raymond Murphy's Essential English Grammar up to the Intermediate level. Reading English newspapers daily and novels like those of Chetan Bhagat also improved his language skills.
Mentorship played a key role, too. Udaya Krishna acknowledged guidance from senior officers like Mahesh Bhagwat (Additional DG), KN Kumar (IAS officer, Meghalaya cadre), Tirupati Rao Ganta (IRS officer, Assistant Commissioner, Income Tax, Kakinada) and Rallapalli Jagat Sai (IAS officer, UP cadre). He particularly credited Mahesh Bhagwat for supporting him like a father figure.
Offering advice to aspirants, he said, 'Coaching contributes only 10% to success; 90% depends on personal hard work and discipline. I aspire to establish a nationwide '109' emergency helpline for animal rescue.
Animals need care too. I will work towards this goal with the same dedication,' he said. His younger brother Pranay Krishna Reddy is also following in his footsteps, currently preparing for the Civil Services. Speaking to
TNIE
, his grandmother Ramanamma expressed her happiness and said, 'Be good and do good, God bless my grandson Udaya.'