“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
In the sprawling landscape of Indian competitive exams, where thousands toil in silence, only a few rise to the top – not just by talent, but through sheer persistence, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit. Ankit, a humble young man from a small village in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, has etched his name in the golden records of MPPSC by securing the 3rd rank in MPPSC 2024, becoming the Hindi medium topper with an impressive overall score of 942 marks, and achieving the prestigious post of Deputy Collector.
His journey is not just a story of success; it’s a saga of grit, growth, and a gradual transformation – from his early days in a lower-middle-class family to clearing multiple interviews over five relentless years. Currently serving as a Chief Municipal Officer (CMO), Ankit proves that success does not demand perfection – it demands consistency, clarity, and commitment.
Indian Masterminds interacted with Mr Ankit to learn more about his inspiring journey and how he achieved this while managing his in-service responsibilities. Let’s dive deep into the journey of this inspiring civil servant.
The Journey So Far: From ALO to Deputy Collector
Ankit’s MPPSC journey began in 2019, and it was far from a smooth sail. Over the years, he appeared for a total of six attempts, including MPPSC 2025. Remarkably, he cleared all prelims, five mains, and faced five interviews.
- 2019: First attempt, selected as Assistant Labour Officer (ALO).
- 2019–2024: Consistently cleared every prelims, mains, and appeared in all interviews.
- 2022: Selected as Chief Municipal Officer (CMO).
- 2024: Cracked MPPSC with flying colours, secured 3rd rank, and achieved the dream post of Deputy Collector.
Unlike many who describe their journey as a rollercoaster, Ankit calls his a “gradual climb of growth and learning.”
“Every attempt brought some value addition – more maturity, deeper understanding, and better performance. It was a learning curve.”
Background: Humble Beginnings, Big Dreams
Ankit hails from Navegaon Hans, a small village in Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh. Coming from a lower-middle-class family, he never had any extraordinary privileges. His father worked hard to provide basic education for the family.
“There’s nothing fancy about my background. I just had big dreams and a strong belief that I could change my reality.”
He completed his schooling from his hometown and pursued his B. Sc. from Holkar Science College, Indore, graduating in 2018. The very next year, he stepped into the competitive battlefield of MPPSC.
Preparation Strategy: Precision, Planning & Persistence
In his six-year-long preparation journey, the MPPSC syllabus changed three times. However, Ankit adapted to these changes with ease. He emphasizes that aspirants must begin by studying the syllabus diligently. Every single word of the syllabus should be read carefully, understood thoroughly, and used to build a focused preparation strategy.
Despite working full-time as a CMO, he continued his preparation with laser-sharp focus. His strategy evolved over time, but certain principles remained constant:
For Prelims:
- Core Focus: MPGK, Polity, Units 7–10 (from the MPPSC syllabus).
- Key Mantra: “Catch your content and revise it again and again.”
- Practice is Power: Solving maximum questions to improve accuracy and confidence.
For Mains:
- Complete Syllabus Before Deadline: Finish the entire syllabus one month before the exam.
- Final Month = Only Revision: “During the 6-day exam window, there’s no time to study – only to flip through pages.”
- Answer Writing: Regular and rigorous practice of test series and answer writing.
While Working Full-Time:
- Time Management: Studying during early mornings, late nights, and weekends.
- Smart Study: Focused reading over long hours, sticking to limited but quality resources.
He said, “MPPSC isn’t just about studying. It’s about deciding every day what not to do. Every day is a test of your priorities.”
The Interview Experience: Real, Relevant, and Reflective
Ankit’s 2024 interview revolved around both his job experience and current affairs. Since he had already worked in two government departments – Labour and Urban Development – the panel asked job-specific questions.
Key Questions –
- What is bonded labour?
- What are the challenges faced by migrant workers?
- What is urban development? How do engineering works in municipal bodies function?
- What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- Questions from current affairs and governance.
- An unexpected twist – questions about indices he wasn’t familiar with.
“Not every question has a right answer. But if you are honest, logical, and confident, your attitude speaks volumes,” he added.
Medium of Attempt: Championing Hindi Medium
Ankit chose to attempt the exam in Hindi medium – proving that language is never a barrier to success.
“Yes, I wrote everything in Hindi. And I became a topper in Hindi medium. It’s not the language; it’s the clarity that matters,” he said proudly.
Message to Aspirants: Give It Your All – No Plan B
Ankit’s advice is simple but profound – “MPPSC doesn’t just demand education – it demands sacrifices. You have to give up functions, vacations, weekends, family time – everything. If this exam becomes your top priority, then it will reward you accordingly.”
He recalls how many people mocked his early selections, saying things like “At least he became ALO.” But he never let that noise distract him.
“Even when there were only 2–3 Deputy Collector posts, I believed one of them would be mine. That belief – backed by effort – makes all the difference.”
Final Thoughts: When Dreams Drive Discipline
Ankit’s story is a masterclass in perseverance. For six long years, he made MPPSC his only goal. He stayed away from distractions, focused only on this path, and treated every attempt as an opportunity to grow.
“I wasn’t giving other exams. I didn’t want a backup. MPPSC was everything.”
Today, as he steps into the coveted role of Deputy Collector, he becomes a symbol of hope for thousands – especially for Hindi medium aspirants, those from rural backgrounds, and those preparing alongside a full-time job.
Ankit’s Golden Mantras for MPPSC
- Stick to limited resources.
- Revise, revise, revise.
- Don’t fear failure – learn from it.
- Balance job and study with discipline.
- Make the exam your ONLY priority.
A Salute to the Fighter
Ankit’s story is not just an interview – it is an anthem for every aspirant battling odds. It reminds us that success doesn’t come overnight, but it does come to those who stay the course.
So if you’re struggling, questioning your worth, or doubting your journey – read Ankit’s story again. Somewhere in these lines, you’ll find your own fire reigniting.
