“It’s not your circumstances but your courage that defines your destiny.”
This quote fits perfectly when we talk about the life of Aniket Kokre – a young man from a small village in Maharashtra who turned adversity into an opportunity and secured his place among the most respected positions in society – that of a judge. In his very first attempt, Aniket not only cracked the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) Civil Judge Examination 2022 but also secured an impressive 26th rank.
Indian Masterminds delves into the story of a man who refused to give up, no matter how difficult life became.
HUMBLE ROOTS & HARSH REALITIS
Aniket hails from Kalamnuri taluka in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. Born into a farming family with just 1.5 acres of land, life was never easy. The land depended solely on the monsoon, and the income was barely enough to get by. With his mother working as a daily wage laborer to support the family, survival itself was a daily struggle.
But instead of letting poverty dictate his future, Aniket used it as fuel for his ambition.
“My mother was the only breadwinner, and she inspired me to work hard and change our lives,” Aniket shares with quiet pride.
EDUCATION WITH SACRIFICE
Aniket’s academic journey began at Akhada Balapur ZP School, where he completed his schooling. With dreams of becoming a lawyer, he enrolled at Narayanrao Chavan Law College in Nanded, earning both LLB and LLM degrees. But education came at a cost – one he paid by sheer hard work.
Each summer, while others rested, Aniket worked as a daily wager at Waluj MIDC in Aurangabad, handling medical supplies and equipment. The income from this backbreaking labor went straight into paying for college fees, books, and living expenses.
“I knew I had no choice but to work. Every rupee I earned was a step closer to my dream,” he recalls.
THE DREAM TAKES SHAPE: PREPARING FOR MPSC
After completing his LLM in 2021, Aniket moved to Pune to begin his preparation for the MPSC Civil Judge Examination at an Academy. He followed a strict daily schedule – waking up at 6 AM and studying till 11 PM, focusing on quality over quantity.
When he cleared the Prelims, a bigger hurdle awaited – the Main exam. Without money for books or even meals, Aniket could have stopped. But friends stepped in, sharing their books and ensuring he never went hungry.
TRIUMPH AGAINST ALL ODDS
Despite all the setbacks, Aniket cracked the Mains and then the final interview round. On March 29, 2025, the results were announced – and there it was: Rank 26. In a single moment, all the years of sacrifice, struggle, and sleepless nights had paid off.
“My success belongs to my family, my teachers, and especially my friends who stood by me. Without them, this journey wouldn’t have been possible,” Aniket says.
A MESSAGE TO EVERY RURAL ASPIRANT
Today, Aniket Kokre is not just a civil judge; he’s a symbol of resilience for every rural student with a dream in their heart but limited means in their pocket.
His message is clear and powerful: “Don’t let your background define your limits. Intelligence is important, but determination matters more. Never compare yourself to others. Use your struggles as motivation.”
He plans to ensure judicial accountability and reduce case pendency by adopting technological solutions like e-summons, showing he’s not only achieved his dream – he’s ready to serve with vision.
TURNING TRIALS INTO TRIUMPH
Aniket’s story proves one timeless truth – “Difficulties don’t defeat you – they define you.”
He is living proof that dreams rooted in struggle bloom with persistence, and that even the most unlikely candidates can rise to remarkable heights with grit, grace, and guidance.
Let his journey be the spark for others – especially those in villages and small towns – to believe in their dreams, no matter how distant they seem today.
