Many people might not realize the challenges of pursuing a career in policing, especially for women from remote regions. For Tenzin Yangki, a young woman from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, this challenge became an opportunity to make history. On October 17, 2025, she participated in the passing-out parade of the 77th batch of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, becoming the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to join the IPS. Her journey reflects perseverance, family legacy, and a commitment to public service that transcends personal ambition.

Breaking Barriers: A Historic Milestone

Tenzin Yangki’s achievement is historic not only for Arunachal Pradesh but also for women in uniform across India. Securing an impressive All India Rank of 545 in the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination, she earned her place in the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre. The 77th IPS batch, in which she was trained, also recorded a remarkable 36% female representation, showcasing a gradual but steady shift toward gender equality in Indian policing. Her accomplishment has been widely praised by leaders and citizens alike.

 Industrialist Anand Mahindra described her story as a “Monday motivation,” highlighting the courage required to be first, and Chief Minister Pema Khandu hailed it as a “proud and historic moment” for the state.

A Journey of Academic and Professional Excellence

Yangki’s path to the IPS was paved with academic rigor and professional dedication. She holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Warwick, UK, and an MA and MPhil in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Before joining the national service, she cleared the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) in 2017 and served as a Circle Officer in Siang district, gaining invaluable experience in local administration and governance. Her academic and professional journey reflects a combination of intellectual pursuit and a deep commitment to public service, qualities that have guided her path into the IPS.

Carrying Forward a Legacy of Service

Public service runs deep in Yangki’s family. Her late father, Thupten Tempa, served in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) before joining politics. Her mother, Jigmi Choden, is a retired officer of the Arunachal Pradesh Police Service. Growing up in a family devoted to serving the nation instilled in Yangki a sense of purpose and responsibility. Joining the IPS, she has not only honored her parents’ legacy but also carved her own path of excellence. 

As Anand Mahindra noted, she shows the roles of an academician, civil servant, and IPS officer, showing that one can continue a family legacy while creating personal achievements that inspire others.

From Tawang to Hyderabad: The Making of an IPS Officer

Yangki’s journey from the serene mountains of Tawang to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad reflects determination and adaptability. Training for the IPS is rigorous, combining physical, mental, and academic challenges. Yangki’s successful completion of this training not only demonstrates her dedication but also signals a broader shift: more women from remote regions are entering national-level uniformed services. Her story resonates particularly with young girls from Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast, proving that geography and gender are not barriers when ambition and discipline meet opportunity.

Inspiring a New Generation of Women Leaders

Tenzin Yangki’s achievement comes at a time when women’s representation in policing is steadily increasing. With over 700 women IPS officers nationwide, more women are taking on leadership roles in law enforcement, investigation, and public safety. Yangki’s story reinforces the message that women can excel in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Yangki’s story is more than an individual accomplishment; it is a symbol of resilience, vision, and the power of perseverance. From her academic pursuits in India and abroad to her service as a Circle Officer and now as a trained IPS officer, she demonstrates that dedication and purpose can break barriers. For Arunachal Pradesh, her achievement is a turning point. It encourages families and communities to support girls’ education and career ambitions, knowing that with support, women can reach the highest echelons of public service.

A Legacy in the Making

Tenzin Yangki has set an example that transcends her personal success. She embodies the values of courage, service, and leadership. By being the first woman IPS officer from Arunachal Pradesh, she has opened doors for others to follow. Her journey proves that history is not just made by being first, but by inspiring others to walk the path after you, creating a legacy that will last far beyond personal achievements. For the young girls of Arunachal Pradesh and India at large, Tenzin Yangki is proof that ambition, talent, and courage know no bounds.