“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
In a world where countless aspirants strive relentlessly, only a few emerge victorious through sheer determination and unwavering dedication. Jitendra Baghel is one such shining example – a true embodiment of perseverance, resilience, and grit. Securing an impressive Rank 19 in the fiercely competitive MPPSC – 2024 examination, Jitendra’s success is not just a personal achievement but an inspiration for every dreamer who dares to defy the odds and rewrite their destiny.
His journey stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that with focused effort, consistent hard work, and strategic preparation, excellence is always within reach. Baghel, now proudly selected as Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP), is not just a topper – he is the living proof of determination, sacrifice, and relentless commitment.
Indian Masterminds had the privilege to interact with Mr Baghel to learn more about his inspiring journey and the secrets behind achieving his dream.
Journey So Far: The Long Road to Achievement
His journey began in 2019 when he first started preparing for the MPPSC examination. Like many aspirants, his path was filled with challenges and setbacks. Over the years, he has given seven attempts, cleared four Mains, and appeared in four interviews, with his seventh attempt – the 2025 Mains – now lined up.
He couldn’t clear the Prelims in his first two attempts in 2019 and 2020, but from 2021 onwards, he consistently qualified for the Mains and reached the interview stage in every attempt. He appeared for his first interviews in 2021 and 2022, but missed final selection by a narrow margin. His 2023 interview result is still pending.
Finally, in 2024, during his sixth attempt, his hard work and resilience paid off – securing an impressive Rank 19 and earning the prestigious post of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Over the span of these years, Jitendra appeared for multiple examinations – including the SSC GD and the Jalpari exam conducted by Vyapam. He also attempted the Forester Mains exam twice, demonstrating his broad ambitions and persistence.
“Like everyone’s journey, mine was a struggle. But every failure was a lesson, every setback a step forward,” he said it very humbly.
Background: From Farmer’s Son to Deputy SP
Born and raised in a farming family in Dhar district’s Chitali village, Jitendra’s roots are deeply embedded in simplicity and hard work. His father, initially a farmer, later secured a teaching job, and his mother continued farming. This background instilled in him the values of perseverance and humility.
Academically, Jitendra’s path was unconventional. After completing 10th grade in 2009, he pursued a three-year Polytechnic Diploma in Automobile Engineering, followed by a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering. He later also completed an M.A. in Yoga, further expanding his knowledge and interests beyond technical education.
Skipping traditional 11th and 12th grades posed a challenge during his engineering studies, but he overcame these with sheer focus.
After diploma, he worked briefly in Pune, but his true calling was the civil services. He committed himself fully to this dream post-engineering, embracing the grueling years of preparation.
Preparation Strategy: Mastering Consistency and Analysis
Jitendra’s preparation was methodical and self-driven, especially after the pandemic shut down coaching centers. He invested heavily in analyzing previous year question papers (PYQs) – up to ten years for Prelims and five years for Mains.
His strategy revolved around understanding the examiner’s mindset, focusing on the patterns of repeated questions, and rigorous test series participation.
He said, “The key was PYQs. They tell you what the examiner wants. Without understanding that, you’re just studying blindly.”
He also leveraged modern resources – YouTube, social networks, and guidance from seniors – adapting to new-age preparation methods. Despite financial constraints, he managed to enroll in affordable coaching initially but soon relied largely on self-study and test series.
Interview Experience: Facing the Toughest Questions with Calm
The MPPSC interview format changed significantly in 2024, making the process even more challenging. Jitendra’s interview lasted about 30 minutes, covering a wide range of questions including:
- His home district and Madhya Pradesh GK
- Differences between Yoga and Ayurveda (reflecting his MA in Yoga)
- Details about acupressure therapy and its origins
- What is the difference between Automobile Engineering and Mechanical Engineering?
- Technical questions on IC engines and pollution control (showing his engineering background)
- Geography questions about district details and historical temples
- How many countries approved the proposal for Yoga Day at the UN?
- If you’re selected as a Deputy Collector, what will be your priorities?
- What is the geography of the 64 Yogini Temple in Jabalpur?
Some questions were intentionally tricky, designed to test analytical skills rather than rote knowledge. Member of Pollution Control Board asked about environmental and pollution control mechanisms in automobiles.
“They told me, ‘We don’t want to test your knowledge. We want analysis.’ That changed my perspective on the entire interview.”
Despite the difficulty, Jitendra handled the pressure with poise, emerging victorious after years of near misses.
Message to Aspirants: The Power of Persistence and Smart Work
Jitendra’s advice to future aspirants is simple yet profound –
- Analyze previous year question papers thoroughly.
- Practice consistently through mock tests to avoid silly mistakes.
- Focus on answer writing in Mains and communication skills for the interview.
- Stay updated with current affairs diligently.
- Be consistent and avoid distractions from other exams.
“Consistency is the biggest difference between those who succeed and those who don’t. Don’t lose hope after failure. Keep going.”
Overcoming Challenges: The Ultimate Test of Willpower
One of the hardest phases of Jitendra’s journey was facing repeated interview rejections while preparing for subsequent exams simultaneously. Managing the intense MPPSC schedule – juggling Mains, Prelims, and Interviews across multiple years – was a true test of endurance.
“The biggest struggle was the interview phase, where you think, ‘Now I must get selected.’ Failing repeatedly is mentally exhausting, but the only way is to keep studying,” he added.
Final Reflection: The Man Behind the Success
His story is a powerful reminder that humble beginnings and academic hurdles do not define one’s destiny. Through unwavering focus, strategic preparation, and a fearless attitude toward failure, he carved a path to success.
He said, “Don’t just study hard; study smart. Know what to study. Understand the examiner, and be consistent. This is my journey, and it can be yours too.”
From a small village to becoming Dy.SP
Jitendra Baghel’s inspiring journey from a small village in Madhya Pradesh to becoming Dy.SP is a beacon of hope for all aspirants. His story teaches us that success is not just about intelligence but about persistence, learning from failure, and never losing sight of your goal. For every student dreaming of cracking MPPSC or any competitive exam, Jitendra’s journey is proof that with the right mindset and dedication, nothing is impossible.
