“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
There are some journeys that cannot be measured merely in years or attempts—they are measured in courage, discipline, resilience, and an unshakeable will.
Such is the journey of Bhuvnesh Chauhan, the young man from Gugalbada (Googlebara) village of Raisen, who turned every setback into strength and every attempt into a lesson, finally securing Rank 2 in MPPSC 2023, and becoming a Deputy Collector.
This is not just a story of cracking an exam.
This is the story of a man who rose from a small village, supported by a father who ran a tiny snack shop, worked multiple government jobs, and still kept his dream alive—to serve society from the highest administrative chair.
Journey So Far: From a Village Dreamer to Deputy Collector
Bhuvnesh’s journey began in Bari, Raisen, where he completed his primary education. Later, he moved to Bhopal and earned a B.Sc from Barkatullah University. With clear goals in mind, he stepped into the world of competitive exams.
His first MPPSC attempt was in 2020 – he reached the interview stage but missed the final list.
In 2021, destiny gave him a breakthrough. He secured third place and was selected as DSP, a prestigious achievement by itself.
But his ambition didn’t stop there. In 2022, he again reached the interview but did not make it to the final list.
Finally, in MPPSC 2023, in his seventh interview, he secured Rank 2, achieving his long-awaited dream of becoming a Deputy Collector.
From Patwari to Forest Ranger, from DSP to Deputy Collector – Bhuvnesh lived the evolution that many only dream of.
Their Background: A Family That Stood Like a Backbone
Behind every extraordinary achievement lies a story of extraordinary support.
His father Sher Singh Chauhan, a hardworking farmer and the owner of a small snack shop in the village. He has two siblings – sisters and one brother; the elder sister is married, while the younger siblings are studying. The entire family supported him emotionally and financially during years of preparation.
His father proudly says, “He has worked hard since the beginning. His dedication brought him to this position.”
Bhuvnesh deeply acknowledges this support: “My whole family stood with me. Because of them, I never felt any challenge or nervousness. This exam itself is the challenge.”
Early Career: The Patwari Who Kept the Dream Alive
Before achieving top ranks in MPPSC, Bhuvnesh’s first government selection was as Patwari, posted in Betul. But he was not satisfied.
In his village, many administrative officers were serving. Seeing them, he developed a desire to rise higher. He says, “I did not want to stay as Patwari. I kept studying. I wanted to become an administrative officer.”
So, while working as Patwari, he continued his preparation with consistency and focus.
His hard work paid off – he cracked the MPPSC 2021 exam and became DSP.
Turning Points in His Journey
Missing the Final List in 2020: His first big lesson came when he reached the interview but didn’t make the final selection. Instead of quitting, he studied harder.
Becoming DSP in 2021: This achievement boosted his confidence. It proved that he was capable of more.
Failure Again in 2022: He reached the interview once again, but luck didn’t favor him. Instead of discouragement, this attempt sharpened his strategy for 2023.
Seventh Interview in 2023: By this time he was already serving as DSP. He went without stress – just for experience. Yet, destiny had a surprise waiting: Rank 2.
Interview Experience: A Philosophical and Analytical Journey
Among his seven interviews, the MPPSC 2023 interview was unique.
He was asked questions about –
- Cultural nationalism
- Tribal culture of India
- District geography
- Law and order
- Religion and culture
- Police training and crime control
- Philosophical reflections on internal peace
One of the most remarkable questions asked by the panel was –
“Just as anti-social elements disrupt law and order in society, what elements inside a human disrupt their internal peace?”
This question wasn’t from any book—it tested depth, maturity, and clarity of thought.
Bhuvnesh answered it based on Indian philosophy, demonstrating his calm and analytical nature.
Though he had listed Urdu poetry and Harmonium as his hobbies, the panel surprisingly asked nothing about them.
He smiled and concluded:
“Interviews are unpredictable. You can’t assume anything.”
Preparation Strategy: The Discipline That Made the Difference
Despite having multiple jobs – Patwari, Forest Ranger, and later DSP – Bhuvnesh managed to study consistently.
Consistency Over Intensity: He strongly believes: “Regular and disciplined study is more important than intense but irregular study.”
Balanced Work-Life-Study Routine: Even while serving as DSP, he carved out time to study—proof that full-time jobs cannot stop determined aspirants.
Clear Goal and Unbreakable Focus: His ultimate aim was always the same: Deputy Collector. He appeared for the exam until he achieved exactly that.
Learning From Every Attempt: Since 2018, he gave multiple attempts. Each failure taught him something new.
Minimal Resources in the Digital Age: He says, “Today, preparation is easy. With digital resources, anyone can study with minimal books.”
Strong Foundation: Though he didn’t mention booklists, toppers like him usually rely on –
- NCERTs
- M. Laxmikanth for Polity
- Madhya Pradesh-specific standard study material
Biggest Struggle in the Journey
Bhuvnesh says something very profound – “I never felt struggle because my family supported me. This exam itself is the struggle.”
But behind this humble statement lies years of –
- Traveling between work and study
- Handling job duties while preparing
- Facing exam delays
- Surviving unpredictable results
- Going to his seventh interview
- Managing financial constraints with a father who ran a snack shop
Yet he never allowed frustration to dim his focus.
Message to Aspirants: Straight From a Deputy Collector
Stay disciplined – “Discipline and consistency are extremely important while studying.”
Complete your targets – “If you set a daily or weekly target, complete it before you stop.”
Avoid confusion from the coaching market – He warns aspirants – “MPPSC coaching is a big market. Don’t get confused. Seek proper guidance and a good mentor.”
Handle delayed results with patience – “PSC results often get delayed. Be prepared mentally and keep your family informed.”
- Believe in your hard work.
“Everyone who is serious for this exam works hard. Luck matters, but hard work matters more.”
A Journey That Inspires Lakhs
From a small village snack shop to the chair of Deputy Collector,
from Patwari to DSP to Rank 2,
from failures to triumphs—
Bhuvnesh Chauhan’s story is a reminder that extraordinary dreams need extraordinary consistency.
He stands today not just as a successful officer but as a symbol of perseverance for lakhs of aspirants across Madhya Pradesh.
His journey proves one timeless truth:
When you combine discipline, consistency, and courage—no dream is too big, no village too small, and no obstacle too strong.
