“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
These timeless words perfectly describe the extraordinary journey of Priya Agrawal – a determined daughter of a small town who transformed setbacks into stepping stones and rose to become a Deputy Collector after securing Rank 6 in the MPPSC State Service Examination 2023.
From a humble prasad shop near a temple in Birsinghpur to the corridors of administrative power, Priya’s journey is not just about clearing an exam – it is about resilience, dignity, and unwavering belief. Despite multiple setbacks and years of struggle, she refused to give up. And in her sixth attempt, destiny finally bowed to her determination.
A Daughter of Birsinghpur: Humble Roots, High Dreams
She hails from Birsinghpur in Satna district, Madhya Pradesh. Her father, Vijay Agrawal, runs a small shop selling coconuts and prasad near the famous Gaivinath Shiva Temple. From this modest shop, her father earned an honest livelihood, instilling in his daughter the values of discipline and hard work.
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Coming from such a humble background, Priya’s achievement carries profound meaning. The daughter of a simple shopkeeper securing a top-10 state rank in one of Madhya Pradesh’s most prestigious examinations became a matter of pride not only for her family but for the entire district.
She has two brothers – her elder brother is a Chartered Accountant, while her younger brother works at JBA. Despite limited resources, the family’s emotional support became her strongest foundation.
Academic Brilliance: The Making of a Scholar
Priya’s academic journey reflects consistent excellence –
- Primary and secondary education from Saraswati Gyan Mandir, Birsinghpur
- Higher secondary (Class 9–12) from Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Birsinghpur
- Scored 91% in Class 12, earning a scholarship
- Completed B.Sc. from Holkar Science College
- Earned an MA in Political Science
- Qualified the prestigious UGC NET examination
Her educational background laid a strong conceptual foundation, especially in Political Science – something that later played a crucial role in her interview performance.
Journey So Far: Six Attempts, One Dream
She began her dedicated preparation for MPPSC in 2018. What followed was a journey of perseverance across multiple cycles –
- Appeared consistently in exams from 2019 to 2023
- Faced setbacks in initial attempts
- Cleared MPPSC 2021 and was selected as District Labour Officer
- Served in Rewa district before her 2023 breakthrough
Though already serving as a District Labour Officer in Rewa, Priya did not stop. Her ultimate goal was Deputy Collector. And in her sixth attempt, she secured Rank 6 in MPPSC 2023, fulfilling her dream.
Despite some reports calling it her fifth attempt, her structured preparation spanned six determined cycles since 2018 – each one sharpening her resolve.
Biggest Struggles in the Journey
The greatest challenge was not academic – it was psychological.
Repeated failures test confidence. Preparing year after year, watching peers move ahead, balancing job responsibilities while studying – these were her silent battles.
Working as a Labour Officer while preparing again required immense time management and emotional discipline. Yet she refused to let setbacks define her.
Her philosophy was simple: Focus on Karma (effort), not the result.
Turning Points: From Labour Officer to Deputy Collector
Her 2021 selection as District Labour Officer was a crucial milestone. It validated her capability and provided administrative exposure.
This experience became an asset in her final attempt –
- Deep understanding of labour laws
- Real-world administrative insights
- Confidence built through field experience
The practical exposure she gained in Rewa strengthened her personality for the final interview stage.
Preparation Strategy: Discipline Over Drama
Priya’s preparation strategy was structured, practical, and deeply reflective.
Mains-First Integrated Approach
She firmly believes there is no separate “Prelims-only” preparation.
Her method:
- Build conceptual depth for Mains in subjects like History, Geography, and Economics
- Highlight key facts during Mains preparation for targeted Prelims revision
- Use Previous Year Questions to identify gaps
- Supplement coaching notes with authentic material like Ghatna Chakra
The “60-Day” Rule
She believes even beginners can clear Prelims with 60 days of focused, disciplined effort, provided they give their absolute best.
Note-Making Reality
Interestingly, she admits she was not strong at making notes. Her solution?
Multiple revisions of reliable material.
Interview Mastery: Ethics with Sensitivity
Her interview was deeply focused on ethics and administrative judgment.
Key questions included:
- Is political interference an occupational hazard? She acknowledged it but clearly stated she would follow only legitimate demands and firmly refuse unethical requests.
- Are parents making social media videos of children for earnings committing child labour?
She cited the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, explaining children can work as artists if education and health are not compromised. - Questions on Labour Department functioning
She demonstrated strong command over her department and related laws.
“Minimum Level of Harm” Principle
In sensitive administrative decisions, she emphasized applying the “Minimum Level of Harm” principle – ensuring duty is performed while minimizing social damage.
A Wave of Celebration in Birsinghpur
When the results were declared, Priya danced with joy. Years of effort had culminated in one glorious moment.
As soon as news reached Birsinghpur, celebrations erupted. When she returned home from Rewa, residents welcomed her with drums and garlands. The “village girl” had become Deputy Collector.
It was not just her success – it was a community’s triumph.
Message to Aspirants: Never Quit Midway
Her message is powerful and simple –
- Do not abandon preparation midway.
- Accept failure as part of learning.
- Be patient.
- Focus on consistent daily effort.
- Leave the results to destiny.
She reminds aspirants that success is nothing but disciplined effort repeated every single day.
The Officer Beyond the Rank
What makes her story exceptional is not merely Rank 6. It is the evolution of a responsible officer.
From understanding labour laws in the field to applying ethical frameworks in interviews, she demonstrated administrative maturity. She is not just an exam topper – she is a grounded, sensitive, and principled officer ready to serve.
A Dream Realized, A Journey That Inspires
Priya Agrawal’s journey from a prasad shop near a temple in Birsinghpur to the office of Deputy Collector is a powerful reminder that circumstances do not define destiny – character does.
Her story proves that repeated failures are not dead ends but stepping stones. That humility can coexist with ambition. And that dreams, when pursued with relentless determination, eventually bow to persistence.
Today, as she steps into her role as Deputy Collector, she carries with her not just a rank – but the hopes of countless small-town aspirants who now believe a little more strongly in their own dreams.
