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From selling eggs on a cart to writing UPSC exams after a road accident, Safin Hasan’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and determination
IPS officer Safin Hasan was appointed as the Superintendent of Police of Mahisagar district. (Image: X/@SafinHasan_IPS)
On August 18, 2025, the Gujarat government announced a major reshuffle in its police force. Among the transfers was a familiar name — IPS officer Safin Hasan, who was appointed as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Mahisagar district. Until now, he had been serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in Ahmedabad’s East Zone.
The development marked another milestone in the remarkable journey of Hasan, who holds the distinction of being India’s youngest IPS officer. At just 22 years old, he had cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination in 2018 with an All-India Rank of 570. But behind this achievement lies a story of grit, sacrifice, and relentless determination.
Growing Up Amid Hardship
Safin Hasan was born on July 21, 1995, in Palanpur, Gujarat, into a family that struggled to make ends meet. His father, Mustafa Hasan, and mother, Naseem Banu, were both employed in the diamond industry until economic setbacks forced them out of work.
To support their son’s education and keep the household running, the family took up whatever jobs they could find. Naseem Banu worked as a cook in other people’s kitchens, while Mustafa Hasan laboured at construction sites. In the evenings, the family came together to run a small egg cart, selling boiled eggs to supplement their income.
It was an existence marked by sacrifice. Safin has often recalled how he carried the memory of his parents’ tired hands and endless toil as a source of motivation.
The Spark Of A Dream
Safin’s schooling took place in Kanodar village, Gujarat. His brilliance as a student was evident early on. When his family’s financial situation worsened, his school stepped in and waived his tuition fees for Classes 11 and 12.
It was during these school years that a decisive moment shaped his ambition. One day, a District Collector visited the school. The respect the officer commanded left a deep impression on young Safin. From that day, he decided that he wanted to become a civil servant.
Academic Excellence Against The Odds
Despite his humble background, Safin excelled academically. He scored 92 per cent marks in both his Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. Determined to pursue higher education, he enrolled in Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, for a BTech degree. Relatives pitched in to help cover his tuition fees.
Yet, the challenges did not end there. At college, Safin’s English-speaking skills became a point of mockery among some peers. Instead of letting it weigh him down, he worked hard to improve. By the time of his UPSC interview, he was confident enough to appear in English, a testament to his persistence.
The Accident That Nearly Changed Everything
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is regarded as one of the toughest in the world, and for Safin, the path to clearing it was almost derailed by fate.
In 2017, on the very day of one of his most crucial UPSC exams, Safin met with a serious road accident. He suffered injuries so severe that they required multiple surgeries and weeks of physiotherapy.
Most candidates would have been forced to withdraw. But Safin’s determination was stronger than the pain. He went straight to the exam hall, wrote his papers while in immense discomfort, and only afterwards was admitted to hospital.
Even during the interview phase, he faced health issues, including a urinary infection and tonsillitis, leading to repeated hospitalisations. Yet, he pressed on.
The Triumph Of Perseverance
When the results were announced in 2018, Safin’s perseverance bore fruit. He secured an All India Rank of 570 and, at 22 years old, became the youngest IPS officer in the country.
His success was not just his own but a victory for the sacrifices of his parents, who had endured hardship to give him the chance to dream. From the son of a cook and a labourer to a member of the Indian Police Service, his story captured national attention.
Early Postings And Career Growth
Safin Hasan’s career in the IPS began with his posting as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Jamnagar district, Gujarat, on December 23, 2019. His professional journey soon took him to Ahmedabad, where he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in the East Zone.
In parallel, his pursuit of civil service had also earlier seen him achieve a 34th Rank in the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) exam, through which he held the post of District Registrar. However, he persisted with UPSC preparation until he earned his IPS posting.
Now, as SP Mahisagar, Safin steps into another crucial leadership role within the Gujarat cadre.
A Life Beyond The Uniform
While his professional responsibilities are substantial, Safin Hasan has also been known for his commitment to social work. He has volunteered with NGOs and taken time to educate children in slum areas, staying connected to the struggles he once lived through himself.
His story is not only about clearing a tough exam or breaking records of age. It is about resilience, empathy, and the belief that one’s beginnings do not dictate one’s future.
An Enduring Inspiration
From selling eggs at a cart in Palanpur to wearing the uniform of an IPS officer, Safin Hasan’s journey is one of the most inspiring stories to emerge from the UPSC corridors. It is a reminder that grit and determination can overcome poverty, pain, and prejudice.
As he takes charge as Superintendent of Police, Mahisagar, Safin’s rise reflects more than personal success, it stands as a symbol of hope for aspirants across India who come from modest backgrounds but dream of serving the nation.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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