“It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela
Imagine a young man, full of dreams, forced to quit his engineering course because he couldn’t afford the fees. A man born into a humble farmer’s family, grappling with financial hardships that would have shattered most spirits. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Vikram Deo Saryam never let go of his aspirations.
In a story of sheer willpower, relentless determination, and unyielding hope, Vikram rose from the depths of struggle to achieve one of the most coveted positions in the state — that of a Deputy Collector. Against every challenge, every setback, and every moment of despair, he fought his way through the grueling MPPSC exam, proving that with courage and consistency, no dream is out of reach.
This is not just a tale of success; it is a testament to the power of perseverance and the indomitable human spirit.
Indian Masterminds interacted with him to learn more about his inspiring journey and how he achieved such success despite facing many difficulties and against all odds.
Journey So Far: A Long Walk Through Rejection and Resilience
Vikram’s journey with MPPSC began in 2018. He missed clearing prelims by just one question that year. In 2019, he reached the interview stage but couldn’t make the final selection. The pattern of near-successes continued — enough to frustrate, but also enough to fuel his determination.
Finally, in 2022, he got a breakthrough — he cleared the exam, and ironically, the interviewer was the same person who was speaking to him in this success interview. That moment marked a psychological shift — it told him that his dream wasn’t a fantasy anymore.
In 2023, he achieved his first selection as Deputy Collector. But it was in 2024 that he achieved his most prestigious feat, securing All-MP Rank 10, becoming a symbol of inspiration for his entire district.
Background: From the Fields to the Frontlines of Civil Service
Vikram hails from Ramgovindpur village in Pandhurna district, a newly carved district formed in 2023 from Chhindwara. He comes from a farming family, where both his mother and father till the land to earn a living. Growing up amidst financial hardship, he witnessed the harsh realities of rural India — limited access, scarce resources, and few opportunities. Yet, despite all this, his spirit remained unbroken.
His educational journey began in Ramgovindpur till the 5th grade, after which he moved to Chhindwara to complete his schooling till the 12th standard. He initially enrolled in an integrated BA + M.Tech course at UIT RGPV, Bhopal. But the annual fee of ₹70,000–₹80,000 became an unsurmountable barrier. Despite managing to pay for the first year, he was forced to abandon his engineering dream in 2014–2015 due to financial constraints.
Still determined to study, he turned to open education and completed his BA from Madhya Pradesh BHOJ University (Open), Bhopal in 2016. He even attempted to pursue LLB, but had to drop out at the last moment due to lack of money to pay fees.
In between, he took up part-time work at a call center in Bhopal, juggling survival and studies. This phase taught him that success is not just about ambition — it’s about adapting, enduring, and rising.
Turning Point: The Unseen Sacrifice of a Sibling
Behind every successful man, there’s often an unsung hero. For Vikram, it was his younger sister.
When financial problems peaked and survival became uncertain, his sister gave up her own M.Sc. education, moved to Indore, and took up a private job just to support Vikram’s dream. Her sacrifice wasn’t just emotional – it was pivotal. “I want to give her all the credit for my success,” Vikram says with tears in his eyes.
It was this act of love and solidarity that became the real turning point in his journey. It gave him the emotional and financial stability he desperately needed to push through.
Preparation Strategy: Persistence Over Perfection
Vikram’s strategy was built not on shortcuts or tricks, but on consistency, introspection, and discipline.
- He relied heavily on previous years’ question papers, treating them like a blueprint.
- Every day, he kept those papers by his side while studying to align his preparation with the real exam pattern.
- He maintained a “Mistake Diary”, where he documented every error, every misstep, and how he corrected it.
- Over the years, this systematic self-correction became the cornerstone of his preparation.
- He focused on daily study routines, never letting momentum break.
- He never took failure personally – instead, he used it as feedback to fine-tune his strategy.
Interview Experience: Grace Under Pressure
In the MPPSC 2024 interview, Vikram’s hobby — international relations — became the core of the discussion.
The panel, headed by Quest Sir, asked probing questions –
- “What changes do you see in India’s foreign policy?”
- “Why are there tensions between India and the US?”
Vikram answered confidently, showcasing his self-learned understanding of global affairs.
He was also quizzed on the chemical formulas of methyl and ethyl alcohol, and he handled the scientific questions deftly.
Even when faced with topics he hadn’t prepared deeply (like the New Education Policy), he didn’t panic. He admitted his limitations with honesty and professionalism — a trait that likely impressed the board.
His calm demeanor, honest answers, and confident communication made his interview a success.
Message to Aspirants: Learn from Failure, Lead with Purpose
For those dreaming of cracking the MPPSC or any competitive exam, VikramDeo has a simple but powerful message –
“Consistency, patience, and self-confidence – these are non-negotiable. Every failure has a lesson. Learn it. Correct it. And never give up. Do it not just for yourself, but to fulfill your parents’ dreams — and more importantly, to serve the country.”
He emphasizes that India needs its youth in governance now more than ever, and that civil services are not just jobs but responsibilities.
Biggest Struggle: Fighting the Odds of Rural India
When asked about his biggest challenge, Vikram doesn’t hesitate –
- Poverty
- Lack of resources
- No access to quality education
- Having to abandon dreams due to fees
- Working part-time while studying
These were not minor inconveniences – they were existential roadblocks. Yet he never let them define his worth or limit his aspirations.
A District Celebrates Its Son
Today, the people of Pandurang district and Ramgovindpur village are celebrating like never before. Vikram is the first person in the history of the region to crack the MPPSC and reach the top ranks.
He is being honored in every village, welcomed with pride, garlanded with love, and hailed as a symbol of hope for every child in rural Madhya Pradesh who dares to dream.
A Story Worth Telling — A Life Worth Emulating
VikramDeo Saryam’s journey proves that you don’t need to come from privilege to achieve greatness. What you need is clarity of purpose, courage during failure, and the humility to learn continuously.
From dropping out of engineering due to fees… to being the top 10 ranker in MPPSC 2024, Vikram has redefined success. Not as a destination, but as a relentless journey – walked with patience, paved with sacrifice, and marked by indomitable will.
Let his story be a beacon for all who dare to dream — especially when the world says they shouldn’t.
