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CV Narasimhan was born on May 21, 1915, in Madras Presidency, presently known as Tamil Nadu. He was known from an early age for his academic brilliance and principled outlook. He pursued his undergraduate education at Madras Christian College, one of the premier institutions of the time, and went on to earn a degree in mathematics and later in law.
In 1948, a year after India gained independence, the country held its first Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination to recruit officers for the newly constituted All India Services. Despite having his pick of top services, he chose the Indian Police Service (IPS) over the more prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), driven by a deep commitment to law enforcement and public service.
CV Narasimhan became one of the first IPS officers of independent India — a batch that laid the foundation for modern Indian policing. He was known for his integrity, administrative efficiency, and unwavering commitment to justice. He was often consulted on matters of police reform and public administration, and his reports and insights continue to be referenced in policy circles.
After his career in the IPS, CV Narasimhan took his experience to the international stage. He joined the United Nations and rose to the position of Under-Secretary-General, one of the highest ranks held by an Indian in the global body at the time. He played a significant role in peacekeeping operations and global diplomacy during a volatile period in world affairs.
C.V. Narasimhan set a gold standard for civil servants in India — demonstrating that public service is not just about power, but about purpose. Even years after his passing in 2003, his life continues to inspire generations of UPSC aspirants and public servants who look up to him as an icon of ethical leadership.
Notably, KP Rustamji or Khusro Faramurz Rustamji, is also often called India's first IPS officer. This is because Rustamji belonged to the first batch of the Indian Police Service in 1948, formed after the British-era Imperial Police was replaced by the IPS under the All India Services Act, 1948. He joined the Imperial Police (the predecessor to the Indian Police Service) in 1938, during British rule in India.
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