“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Bisma Qazi, a young woman from Srinagar, Kashmir, is an inspiring example of determination and perseverance. Like many girls from ordinary urban backgrounds, she grew up with a strong focus on education. A school topper since childhood, she went on to become a gold medalist in Electronics Engineering. However, her journey took a remarkable turn in 2017 when she cleared the UPSC examination, marking her transition from an engineer to an IPS officer.
The Journey of Bisma Qazi
Born and raised in Srinagar, Bisma comes from a supportive and progressive family. Her father, Mohammad Shafi Qazi, runs a shop in Srinagar, while her mother is a homemaker. She has a younger sister pursuing engineering and a younger brother preparing for the UPSC examination. Unlike many traditional households, her parents never discriminated between their son and daughters, prioritizing education for all their children.
Bisma completed her B.E. in Electronics Engineering from Kashmir University in 2014, securing a gold medal. Despite the promising career prospects in the private sector, she was inspired by her mother’s advice to pursue a career in public service.
“One day, my mother said, ‘You can earn well in the private sector, but if you truly want to serve the public, consider UPSC.’ That thought changed my life,” recalls Bisma.
The Struggles and Challenges
The road to success was far from easy. Bisma first learned about the UPSC exams in 2015 and traveled alone to Delhi to explore preparation options. She attended an orientation course at Jamia Millia Islamia, which provided her with basic knowledge about the exam. However, she returned to Srinagar to prepare on her own, without any formal coaching.
Preparing for UPSC in Kashmir came with unique challenges. Frequent shutdowns, internet restrictions, and curfews made studying difficult.
“There were times when there was no internet, no access to study materials, and the roads were blocked. On the day of my exam, the city was under lockdown. My father somehow managed to drive me to the exam center,” she shares.
Despite these hardships, she remained focused and cleared the UPSC exam, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 115 in 2017.
Becoming an IPS Officer
After clearing the UPSC exam, Bisma underwent training at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad. She excelled in her training, winning awards for her outstanding performance.
Her first posting was as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) at Subhash Place in Delhi, making her the first female IPS officer from Kashmir in the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre. She later worked in various districts of Delhi, handling complex law enforcement duties.
In a particularly notable case, she played a key role in rescuing an abducted eight-year-old girl and reuniting her with her family.
“That was one of the most rewarding moments of my career so far. It reinforced my belief that I chose the right path,” she says.
Bisma’s success story has inspired many young women, especially in Kashmir and Delhi. Many aspiring civil servants approach her for guidance on how to prepare for UPSC without coaching. Currently, Bisma Qazi is serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP), City Srinagar, where she continues to contribute to law enforcement and public service.
Interview with Bisma Qazi
Q1: What motivated you to switch from engineering to the civil services?
Bisma: My mother’s words planted the idea of public service in my mind. Engineering was a great field, but I wanted to do something more impactful for society. The UPSC gave me that opportunity.
Q2: What were the biggest challenges during your UPSC preparation?
Bisma: Preparing in Kashmir was difficult due to frequent shutdowns, internet restrictions, and political unrest. I had no access to coaching, so I relied on self-study. But I never let these challenges weaken my determination.
Q3: How was your experience at the National Police Academy?
Bisma: It was tough but rewarding. The training was rigorous, both physically and mentally. I learned a lot, and it prepared me for the real-world challenges of policing. I was honored to receive awards for my performance during training.
Q4: What has been the most memorable moment of your IPS career so far?
Bisma: Rescuing an eight-year-old girl from a kidnapping case was a deeply fulfilling experience. Seeing her reunited with her family made me realize the true impact of my work.
Q5: What advice would you give to young women aspiring for the UPSC?
Bisma: Believe in yourself and be consistent. Coaching is helpful but not necessary. With the right study material, a disciplined routine, and a strong mindset, anyone can clear the exam. Also, don’t let obstacles define you, push through them.
Bisma Qazi’s journey from an engineering gold medalist to a distinguished IPS officer is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of self-belief. Her story continues to inspire countless young aspirants, proving that with determination, any dream is achievable
