In the heart of Lucknow, where every street echoes with tales of resilience, one story stands out—the extraordinary journey of Nipun Agarwal. From dropping out of school due to family crises to donning the prestigious uniform of an IPS officer, his life is a testament to perseverance, grit, and an unbreakable spirit.
Today, Nipun Agarwal serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Lucknow, but the road to this success was far from easy.
Early Life: A Childhood Marked by Hardships
Born on November 6, 1985, in Aliganj, Lucknow, Nipun’s childhood was anything but ordinary. Just as he was preparing for his Class 12th exams, life threw him an unexpected challenge—his mother was diagnosed with cancer. The responsibility of caring for her fell on his young shoulders, forcing him to take a break from his studies.
As if that wasn’t enough, his father suffered a heart attack, leaving the family emotionally and financially strained. Multiple personal losses could have shattered anyone’s dreams, but Nipun’s parents, despite their struggles, pushed him to dream big. Inspired by his grandfather, an IRS officer, he held on to the hope that one day, he too would serve the nation.
From Engineering to the IPS Dream
Despite the setbacks, Nipun managed to complete his Class 12th exams and enrolled in JP College, Noida, where he pursued a BTech in Computer Science. During this period, tragedy struck again—his mother passed away in 2008, leaving a void in his life.
Determined to move forward, he completed his BTech in 2009 and secured a lucrative job offer from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). But deep inside, he knew his true calling lay elsewhere. He wanted to be an IPS officer—a protector of justice.
So, in a bold move, he rejected the corporate job and set his sights on the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a decision that would define his future.
The Grueling UPSC Battle
Cracking the UPSC exam is no easy feat. For Nipun, it was a test of both mental strength and endurance.
🔹 First Attempt – Unsuccessful. The vast syllabus caught him off guard.
🔹 Second, Third & Fourth Attempts – More failures. Each setback forced him to re-evaluate his strategies.
🔹 Fifth Attempt – Despite coming close, he missed the final selection.
🔹 Sixth Attempt (2016) – Finally, success! Nipun secured the 197th rank, proving that persistence pays off.
In 2017, he officially became an IPS officer, a moment that validated years of hard work, sacrifices, and unrelenting dedication.
The Making of an “Encounter Specialist”
After clearing UPSC, Nipun’s career quickly gained momentum. He served in critical roles across Uttar Pradesh, earning a reputation for being tough on crime.
🔸 As ASP in Ayodhya, he managed security during the historic Ram Mandir Bhumi Pujan (2020).
🔸 As SP City in Ghaziabad (2022), he eliminated notorious gangster Rakesh Dujana, who had a Rs 50,000 bounty on his head.
🔸 Played a key role in solving high-profile cases, including a woman’s murder and the arrest of mafia leader Lakhshya Tanwar.
🔸 Under his leadership, over Rs 100 crores worth of criminal assets were seized under the Gangster Act.
His fearless approach to crime-fighting earned him the title of “Encounter Specialist”, making him one of the most respected IPS officers in Uttar Pradesh.
Recognition & Awards
For his exemplary bravery and service, Nipun Agarwal was honored with the Gallantry Award, a recognition of his unwavering commitment to law and order.
A Story That Inspires Millions
Nipun Agarwal’s journey from a struggling school dropout to a decorated IPS officer is a reminder that no obstacle is too big if you refuse to give up.
🔹 Hard work beats all odds – No matter how many times you fail, persistence leads to success.
🔹 Family support matters – Even in tough times, his parents encouraged him to follow his dreams.
🔹 Challenges shape you – His personal losses only made him stronger and more determined.
Today, as DCP Lucknow, Nipun stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for every young aspirant who dares to dream big.