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Rakesh Balwal (IPS) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 14, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth2 October 1979

Age44 Years

BirthplaceUdhampur, Jammu and Kashmir

ProfessionIPS Officer

NationalityIndian

Rakesh Balwal (IPS) Biography

Rakesh Balwal is an Indian Police Service officer of the 2012 batch known for leading the NIA investigation into the 2019 Pulwama terror attack and for law

Early life and background

Rakesh Balwal was born on 2 October 1979 in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. He completed his engineering education with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Government College of Engineering & Technology in Jammu and Kashmir. As a youth he aspired to join the civil services and, following a period working with Indian Railways as a senior section engineer, he began preparing seriously for the UPSC exams in 2009.

Balwal has described a disciplined preparation routine from his days as a full-time railway employee: working a normal daytime shift and studying deep into the night. He attempted the civil services exam multiple times and secured a competitive rank in his third attempt in 2011. His success led to entry into the Indian Police Service in 2012.

Career

Rakesh Balwal was allotted the 2012 IPS batch and initially served in the Manipur cadre before a period in the AGMUT cadre and a subsequent return to Manipur. Over the years he held postings across the Northeast, including service as Senior Superintendent of Police in Churachandpur and assignments in Thobal and Imphal.

He gained national attention in 2019 when he led a National Investigation Agency team investigating the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel. Joining the probe at a stage when leads were limited, Balwal directed investigative steps that included forensic examination of a mobile phone recovered from the suicide attacker; material discovered during that process contributed to the case’s progress. His team worked with international partners, including the FBI, to examine links to the group Jaish-e-Mohammed. In August 2020 the NIA filed an extensive chargesheet in the matter.

In recognition of investigative work and service, Balwal received several honors in 2021, including the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation for his role in the Pulwama case, a Chief of Army Staff Commendation, and a presentation from the Director-General of the CRPF.

In December 2021 Balwal was transferred to serve as SSP Srinagar on a three-year tenure amid a tense security environment. During his time in Srinagar he focused on reducing targeted violence and improving protection for vulnerable populations. Authorities credited efforts under his leadership with a decline in targeted killings and with facilitating a calmer civic atmosphere that enabled public events to resume, including Muharram processions and broader public participation in Independence Day observances. International meetings, such as a G-20 working group event, were conducted during this period with local security arrangements in place.

In September 2023 the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered his early transfer back to the Manipur cadre, a move linked by officials to the security situation in that state.

Public profile

Balwal has spoken about his own academic background and preparation journey as a way to encourage young aspirants. He has described himself as an average student who worked steadily to reach his goals, and has mentioned motivational reading as part of his regimen while preparing for competitive exams. He has noted pride in being the first IPS officer from his home district.

He is reported to stand about 178 cm tall with black eyes and salt-and-pepper hair. Publicly available personal details list his hometown as Udhampur and his nationality as Indian. His marital status and spouse’s name are not publicly confirmed in the available record.

Latest updates

The most recent notable administrative development recorded is his transfer in September 2023 from the AGMUT cadre back to Manipur, ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs. His service career continues from his initial appointment on 24 December 2012.
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Recent Work

Led NIA probe into 2019 Pulwama terror attack

Headed the National Investigation Agency team that investigated the Pulwama attack, coordinated with international agencies, and oversaw the submission of a detailed chargesheet.

2019-2020
Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar

Served as SSP Srinagar from December 2021, focusing on reducing targeted violence, restoring public events, and supporting secure conduct of international and national gatherings.

2021-2023
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Career Highlights

  1. Indian Police Service officer, 2012 batch
  2. Led NIA investigation into the 2019 Pulwama terror attack
  3. Recipient of the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation (2021)
  4. Served as Senior Superintendent of Police in Churachandpur and as SSP Srinagar
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Rakesh Balwal (IPS) born?

2 October 1979

What is Rakesh Balwal (IPS) known for?

IPS Officer