“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Every once in a while, a story emerges that doesn’t just inspire, but ignites a fire within us. The story of Rishav Awasthi, who secured Rank 2 in MPPSC 2024, is one such tale – filled with relentless effort, emotional depth, strong family support, and a burning desire to transform dreams into destiny.
Rishav’s success is not just his own – it is the culmination of a family’s shared aspiration, of silent prayers answered, of nights spent in uncertainty and days spent in determination. From failing prelims twice to becoming a Deputy Collector, his journey proves that failure is never the end – it is the preparation ground for greatness.
Indian Masterminds interacted with Mr Rishav to learn more about his inspiring journey and how he finally made it, along with his message to aspirants.
Background: Roots of Determination
Rishav hails from Deori tehsil in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, where his family still resides. His father, Ramesh Awasthi, served as a Platoon Commander in the Home Guards, and retired in 2018. His mother is a homemaker. Humble beginnings shaped Rishav’s character – grounded, resilient, and quietly ambitious.
He completed his early schooling in Deori, and then moved to St. Mary’s Convent, Sagar, from classes six to twelve. For higher studies, he moved to Indore, where he pursued a BA and later an MA in Political Science.
But the dream of becoming an administrative officer wasn’t his alone. As his father poignantly puts it:
“Just as austerity pays off for an ascetic, we and our family have received the same rewards. My daughters and I dreamed of Rishav becoming an administrative officer, and Rishav has worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.”
The Journey So Far: A Roller Coaster Ride
Success did not come easy. Rishav gave three attempts at MPPSC. The first two, in 2022 and 2023, ended in heartbreak – he couldn’t clear the prelims.
But the third attempt, in MPPSC 2024, changed everything. For the first time, he cleared the prelims, and then went on to clear the mains and the interview, securing Rank 2.
As Rishav himself says – “Sir, my journey has been a roller coaster ride – full of ups and downs. I didn’t clear prelims twice, but what never left my side was my family’s belief in me. This wasn’t just my dream; it was my sisters’ and my family’s dream. They kept telling me: You can do it. And finally, I did.”
Preparation Strategy: Self-Study, Strategy, and Consistency
Rishav began his preparation during the COVID-19 lockdown, studying from his hometown. He started with self-study, using YouTube lectures and the guidance of mentors. Later, when he returned to Indore, he enrolled in a test series to sharpen his exam skills.
His unique strategy included –
- Studying with a Mains orientation from Day 1.
- Preparing short notes for each Mains topic.
- Using sticky notes for quick revision.
- Maintaining a library schedule, studying in three focused slots.
- Aiming for 7–8 hours of daily productivity, stretching to 12–13 hours near exams.
- Practicing answer writing consistently.
- Integrating current affairs and newspaper examples into his preparation.
“Even while preparing for Prelims, I revised from my Mains notes. That gave me an edge. Consistent answer writing and short notes helped me remember and recall better.”
Interview Experience: Staying True to the DAF
Rishav recalls his interview experience as a smooth one. Questions were based on his graduation, post-graduation, current affairs, and hobbies.
“Nothing really out of syllabus came up. I believe that if your DAF (Detailed Application Form) is well-prepared, then the interview should go well.”
His calm approach and clarity of thought helped him impress the panel and clinch one of the top ranks.
Focus and Clarity: One Goal, One Dream
When asked if he had considered other exams, Rishav’s response was simple and powerful –
“No, I was completely focused on MPPSC. I didn’t take any other exams. This was my only goal.”
This single-minded focus is what often differentiates a successful aspirant from the rest. In an age where distractions are endless, Rishav chose discipline over everything.
Biggest Struggle: The Fear of ‘What If?’
Behind every success story is a chapter of struggle. For Rishav, the most difficult phase was dealing with the fear of failure and uncertainty about the future.
“The biggest struggle was the fear of not making it – of needing a backup plan. After repeated failures, that question haunted me: What if this doesn’t work out? That was my lowest point. To overcome that fear, I had to work very hard – not just physically, but mentally.”
This emotional vulnerability, combined with inner strength, defines his heroic journey.
Message to Aspirants: Trust the Process, Trust Yourself
Rishav’s message to future aspirants is a blend of practicality and inspiration –
- Follow a set study pattern.
- Thoroughly understand and cover the syllabus.
- Stick to one standard book and revise it multiple times.
- For Prelims, practice lots of previous year questions.
- For Mains, write answers regularly.
- For the Interview, prepare your DAF carefully.
- Stay away from distractions.
- Most importantly, believe in yourself.
“Have confidence that yes, I can do this. That belief will carry you through.”
A Victory Beyond Rank
Rishav Awasthi’s success is not just about Rank 2 – it’s about resilience, family support, mental strength, and disciplined hard work. His journey teaches us that it’s okay to fall – as long as you rise again, stronger each time.
From Deori to Indore, from failing prelims to topping the MPPSC, from fear of the unknown to confidence in the self – Rishav has walked the path of transformation.
And now, as he steps into his role as a Deputy Collector, he carries with him the hopes of a family, the inspiration of thousands, and the proof that dreams do come true – if only you dare to chase them.
