From Constable to IPS: Reddy’s Incredible Journey

From a humble beginning to the highest academic excellence, M. Udaya Krishna Reddy’s growth is awe-inspiring, having achieved an All India Rank 350 in the UPSC examination and securing a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). Krishna Reddy hails from Ullapalem village in Prakasam district. He pursued academics in the government school in the small village. He lost both his parents at a very young age and was raised by his grandmother Ramanamma, a vegetable vendor.

His uncle Koti Reddy is another person on whom Krishna Reddy could rely for help. Having completed his basic education in the government school in Telugu medium, he joined the police department as a constable in 2013. He was posted at Gudluru and Ramayapatnam Marine police stations. Humiliated by his seniors at the workplace, Krishna Reddy dreamt of reaching a higher position in his profession.

Krishna Reddy set his eyes on IPS and resigned to his job in 2018. He joined civil services coaching full-time and failed for three times. Yet, he continued his attempt to crack the UPSC and in the fourth attempt, he secured 780th rank, joining the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). However, his dream to wear the IPS uniform did not allow him to sleep and reattempted during the training, and secured 350th rank.

Krishna acknowledged the unwavering support of his grandmother and uncle in his life and said that the youth in the country have immense potential which they need to realise. He advised civil services aspirants to study for at least 12 hours a day to cover the entire syllabus. Afterwards, the number of study hours could be reduced basing on personal abilities to 8-10 or 6-8 hours. He also stressed the need to rest enough and also practice yoga, meditation and spirituality for stress management.

He said he also faced a challenge in mastering English for which he took the help of English textbooks, NCERT English and Raymond Murphy’s Essential Grammar book. Guidance from senior police officers like Mahesh Bhagwat (additional DG), Rallapalli Jagat Sai (IAS officer, UP cadre) and others also helped him immensely.

He said that he was aspiring to establish a nationwide ‘109’ emergency helpline for animal rescue. Now, his younger brother Pranay Krishna Reddy is also following his footsteps, and preparing for the Civil Services.