Top 10 Women IPS officers In India In 2026
Updated: Feb 13, 2026, 01:37 IST
The history of the Indian Police Service (IPS) is a long history of service professionals who strive to maintain law and order within the country. Throughout the decades, numerous female officers have not only made it to the top, but it also shows that fear and leadership have no gender. Some of the best women IPS officers of 2026 will not only be remembered for their professional achievements but also for the obstacles they broke and the role they have continued to play in inspiring the youth to date.
1. Rashmi Shukla, the First Female Director General of Police, Maharashtra
On April 6th, 1988, Rashmi Shukla became the first woman director general of police (DGP) of Maharashtra, which is one of the largest police forces in India, belonging to the 1988 IPS batch. She was the DGP between January 2024 and January 2026 and has been the leader of Sashastra Seema Bal as well as senior police leadership.
2. Sonali Mishra - First Female DG of Railway Protection Force
In August 2025, Sonali Mishra, an officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadres of the 1993 batch, was appointed as the Director General of the Railway Protection Force. She was the first woman to head this 143-year-old central security system, and this was a milestone in the representation of women in the security service in India.
3. Kiran Bedi - Pioneer and Reformer
The first woman IPS officer in India was Kiran Bedi, who joined the service in 1972. Professional works Her notable achievements were in jail reforms, serving in international policing and enduring service as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Her example is still a source of inspiration.
4. Dr Meera Chadha Borwankar- Head of Veteran Crime Branch
Dr Meera Chadha Borwankar is a famous officer who led the Crime Branch of Mumbai and was the first woman to occupy the position. She has not only dealt with high-profile criminal cases but also worked in senior research and development posts in the policing field.
5. Sanjukta Parashar - Bravery in Counter-Insurgency Areas
Sanjukta Parashar is an IPS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadres and is known to have worked against insurgent groups and also ensured peace in the volatile areas of Northeast India. She has been a tenacious and tactical head of operations.
6. Merin Joseph -Young Dynamic Leader
Merin Joseph is a 2012 batch officer in Kerala who has made cases that are difficult to solve and advanced the cause of women's safety and crime-solving. She is a modern-day police officer who is community-oriented and efficient.
7. Dr Ruveda Salam is the first IPS officer in the Kashmir Valley
Dr Ruveda Salam is the first IPS officer of the Kashmir Valley. In addition to this innovative success, she has worked in the police leadership and continues to act as a role model to youth in conflict-prone areas.
8. Sangeeta Kalia Haryana Valiant Officer
Sangeeta Kalia is also a principled policeman and has been against power abuse. The ascending ladder of her promotion shows her perseverance and zeal for justice.
9. Soumya Sambasivan- The Fearless Field Officer
Soumya Sambasivan has been applauded due to her active policing in Himachal Pradesh, such as in dealing with the drug trade and also in solving intricate cases of crime. Her role model status in policing is her exemplary service to women.
10. Aparna Kumar – First Woman Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Lucknow
In early 2026, the first woman to become a Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) in Lucknow was Aparna Kumar, an officer of the 2002 batch. Her diverse career has seen her hold leadership positions in the field of human rights, and she also has a distinction, unlike other successful mountaineers.
These female IPS officers have not merely reached professional excellence but have also ensured more gender equality in law enforcement agencies of India. They inspire many young women to take up careers in the service of the people through their boldness, determination, and leadership and still shape the future of policing.