Kiran was recipient of numerous academic and sports scholarships. At school, she was awarded not only the title of best athlete but she also won honours in debates, declamations and dramatics.

 1955-64: Sacred Heart Convent School, Amritsar, Punjab.

 1964-68: Graduation English (Honours), Government College for Women (received award), Amritsar, Punjab

Best cadet - National Cadet Corps (NCC) in her college. Headed the Youth Leadership Camp. Awarded All Rounder Trophy

1968-70: Post Graduation, 1968-70, Masters in Political Science, Punjab University, Chandigarh.

1971: Represented the University in the III Commonwealth Expedition (COMEX III), New Delhi

1988: Bachelor of Law (LLB), Delhi University, New Delhi.

1993: Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) ; thesis: 'Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence' from Department of Social Sciences,IIT, New Delhi

1994-98: Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship. Encapsulated the reforms done at Tihar Jail, in her book "It's Always Possible"

2003: Honorary doctorate, Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar (Contribution in the field of police administration)

2005: Honorary doctorate, Cuny School of Law at Queens College, The City University of New York (Transforming policing)