“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
In a world full of limitations, only a few dare to challenge fate – and even fewer conquer it. Giriraj Parihar, a name now etched in the glorious ranks of the MPPSC 2024 toppers, is one such remarkable soul. Ranked 8th in the state and now selected for the coveted post of Deputy Collector, Giriraj’s story is not just a tale of success – it is a saga of grit, sacrifice, resilience, and relentless pursuit of a dream.
Born in a remote village, working jobs most wouldn’t associate with an aspirant of high civil services, and having faced the biting realities of life early on – Giriraj did not just beat the odds. He rewrote the script of what is possible. His journey, which began in the uniform of a jail guard and later as a police constable, has now culminated in the prestige of a Deputy Collector’s chair. His story is nothing short of cinematic, inspirational, and truly unforgettable.
BACKGROUND: FROM SITAPUR TO THE STATE RANKERS’ LIST
Giriraj Parihar hails from Sitapur village in the Datia district of Madhya Pradesh. Coming from a humble farming family, Giriraj’s early life was marked by poverty and personal loss – his mother passed away in 2011, and financial constraints loomed large.
Despite the challenges, he held onto big dreams. With five sisters to be married off and a father who needed support, Giriraj stepped up. After completing his 12th grade, he began earning to support his family. First as a jail guard in 2016, then as a constable in the state cyber cell in 2017, he balanced the crushing demands of life with the fire of ambition burning within.
JOURNEY SO FAR: NINE YEARS OF STRUGGLE, SERVICE & SUCCESS
Giriraj’s climb wasn’t sudden. It was built brick by brick over nine long years.
- 2016: Joined as a Jail Guard, his first government job.
- 2017: Cleared the Constable Exam and joined the State Cyber Cell, where he continued serving while preparing for exams.
- 2019: Began preparing for MPPSC seriously.
- 2022: Cleared MPPSC and was selected as Assistant Director of Education (ADE) – but didn’t settle. His dream was bigger.
- 2024: With unwavering determination, Giriraj secured Rank 8 and was selected as a Deputy Collector.
In the MPPSC 2022 exam, he had scored 786 marks – 691 in mains and 95 in interview – which earned him the ADE post. But he wasn’t satisfied. He wanted the power to serve and uplift – something only the Deputy Collector post could offer.
PREPARATION STRATEGY: STUDYING WHILE SERVING AS A CONSTABLE
What makes Giriraj’s story even more awe-inspiring is the way he prepared – with no coaching, no fancy resources, and no full-time study schedule.
Time Management
- Morning: Studied for 2 hours before his 10 AM shift.
- Lunch Break: Utilized short breaks for revision.
- Evening/Night: Studied for 4–5 hours after returning home.
Methodology
- Self-study based – no coaching.
- Took guidance from a senior for interview preparation.
- Believed in the mantra: “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”
He adapted his preparation to the demands of his job and emphasized understanding the specific syllabus for each exam. He explained that exams like Jail Guard and Constable require a one-day preparation strategy, while MPPSC demands a multi-stage, syllabus-driven approach with Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
DREAM OF BECOMING A DEPUTY COLLECTOR: THE SPARK THAT KEPT HIM GOING
While working as a jail guard, Giriraj began dreaming bigger. He realized that to bring real change and uplift others from rural backgrounds like his, he needed to rise in the system.
During the COVID lockdown, he reassessed his life and made the firm decision to prepare for MPPSC. Even after becoming an ADE, his heart was set on the Deputy Collector’s post – a position that stood for authority, respect, and an opportunity to create impact.
And in 2024, that dream finally came true.
CHALLENGES FACED: POVERTY, LOSS & LACK OF RESOURCES
- Lost his mother in 2011.
- Had to start working young to support his family.
- No access to coaching institutes or expensive materials.
- Worked full-time in demanding jobs while preparing.
- Helped his father marry off five sisters, taking full family responsibility.
Yet, despite every hurdle, Giriraj chose persistence over pity and hard work over excuses.
MESSAGE TO ASPIRANTS: STAY FOCUSED, NEVER GIVE UP
Giriraj’s success mantra is simple but powerful – “Never give up and stay updated.”
He urges aspirants to –
- Study 7-8 hours consistently with focus.
- Not be afraid of failure – it’s part of the process.
- Understand the exam syllabus deeply.
- Prepare with discipline, strategy, and self-belief.
He also emphasized that “Written exams allow you to think before answering, but interviews test your personality in seconds. Every moment, every movement, eye contact – everything matters.”
MPPSC 2024 RESULT: A GLORIOUS FEAT
Out of hundreds of thousands of aspirants, only 13 candidates were selected for the Deputy Collector post in MPPSC 2024, including five women. Giriraj secured the 8th Rank, placing him among the elite few.
The result was declared on September 12, 2025, and made headlines across Madhya Pradesh. From constable to Deputy Collector – the arc of Giriraj’s journey has become a beacon for thousands.
FROM UNIFORM TO BUREAUCRACY – A LEGEND IS BORN
Giriraj Parihar’s story is one of audacity, accountability, and aspiration. In a nation where dreams often wither under pressure, he stood tall – refusing to yield, refusing to settle.
He didn’t just chase his dream, he became the dream of countless others who are told they’re “not enough.”
Now, with a Deputy Collector’s badge on his chest and a story of fire in his heart, Giriraj stands as a symbol of what’s possible – not just for himself, but for every underdog who dares to rise.
