“Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what we do with the obstacles we face.”
When the MPPSC-2023 results were declared in November 2025, the quiet village of Khamkua in Sagar district erupted with joy. At the center of this celebration was Yashpal Swarnkar, a young man who had grown up helping his father on the farmland, dreaming of a government job that seemed distant yet irresistible. That dream became reality when he secured Rank 3 in the state, earning the prestigious post of Deputy Collector.
From the humble lanes of his village to the corridors of Madhya Pradesh’s administrative offices, Yashpal’s journey is a remarkable story of focus, strategy, and relentless effort. For a boy from a small farming family, achieving what he had long envisioned was more than just a professional milestone – it was a victory for his family, his village, and his own ambitions, a testament to how determination paired with smart planning can turn dreams into reality.
Background: Roots of Determination
He hails from Khamkua, a small village in the Surkhi assembly constituency of Sagar district. He was born into a farming family, the youngest of two sisters, with his father Ramnaresh Swarnkar owning about 10 acres of farmland. From an early age, Yashpal helped his father with farm work, which instilled in him a sense of discipline and resilience.
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His schooling began at the local village government school, after which he attended Government Agricultural Higher Secondary School in Surkhi for his higher secondary education. He later pursued a B.Sc. degree from BTIE College, Makronia, balancing studies with farm responsibilities. Coming from a middle-class background, he was the first in his family to dream of a government career, a goal supported wholeheartedly by his family.
Journey So Far: Hat-Trick of Success
Yashpal’s path in the MPPSC examinations reflects a rare consistency and incremental growth:
- MPPSC 2021: Cleared the examination and was selected as an Audit Officer, posted in Bhopal.
- MPPSC 2022: Achieved selection as a Commercial Tax (GST) Inspector.
- MPPSC 2023: Secured Rank 3, earning the position of Deputy Collector.
Despite facing initial setbacks in the early stages of his career and dealing with legal delays in earlier attempts, Yashpal never wavered. His repeated success in three consecutive years showcases an unparalleled dedication to his goal.
Preparation Strategy: The Four Pillars of Success
His preparation was not accidental – it was methodical and deeply strategic. His approach can be summarized as follows –
- Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Analyzed and solved past papers rigorously to understand patterns and focus areas.
- Revision: Prioritized consistent revision over chasing new material, ensuring retention of concepts over the long term.
- Practice: Emphasized answer writing, mock tests, and group discussions with peers to improve speed, accuracy, and clarity.
- Consistency: Maintained a disciplined study routine while balancing professional responsibilities as an Audit Officer.
Additionally, Yashpal stresses the importance of self-made notes, careful hand-writing practice, and continuous personality development for the interview stage.
The Biggest Struggle: Balancing Work, Studies, and Expectations
Juggling a full-time role as an Audit Officer while preparing for the MPPSC was his biggest challenge. Early in his journey, he had faced the anxiety of results pending in court and the pressure of fulfilling family expectations. Yet, he persisted, fueled by the desire to bring pride to his family and village. Coming from a farming background, he had no blueprint or prior guidance within his family for civil service success, which made his achievement even more remarkable.
Interview Experience: Logic, Literature, and Composure
Yashpal’s interview for MPPSC 2023 tested both his logical reasoning and cultural knowledge. Notable moments included –
Cricket Ball Logic Question: Asked, “How many balls are in an over?” Yashpal initially replied “six,” but upon realizing the nuanced logic, corrected himself with “one ball, bowled six times.”
Ramcharitmanas Knowledge: Responded accurately to questions about chapters (Kands), reciting inspirational Chaupais, demonstrating both his literary knowledge and composure.
Urdu Poetry and Cultural Awareness: Recited lines by poet Jagdish Verma, showing his well-rounded personality and depth of cultural engagement.
These questions reflected his philosophy: success requires not just knowledge but adaptability, clarity of thought, and calmness under pressure.
Turning Points: Moments That Defined the Journey
- First Selection as Audit Officer: Boosted his confidence while balancing professional work with preparation for higher roles.
- Second Success as Tax Inspector: Reinforced his belief in perseverance, confirming that dedication pays off.
- Rank 3 in 2023: The culmination of years of hard work, strategy, and unwavering focus, making him the first in his family to hold a high-ranking government position.
Message to Aspirants: Lessons from a Hat-Trick Winner
His advice to future civil servants is grounded in realism and motivation –
Patience is Key: Success is a marathon, not a sprint – consistent effort and endurance are essential.
Self-Reliance: Build your own notes, analyze materials critically, and don’t depend solely on coaching.
Answer Writing & Revision: Practice and repeated revision are more important than endless study hours.
Personality Development: Grow gradually through interactions with teachers, peers, and the environment. Interview readiness comes with time, not overnight.
Stay Focused: “Once you set a goal, keep going. You never know when you’ll succeed, but consistent effort ensures you reach your destination.”
Vision for the Future: Serving the People
Having witnessed the hardships of illiterate and marginalized communities in his village, he is determined to serve society as Deputy Collector. His aim is to uplift backward sections and work for inclusive development while maintaining integrity and commitment to public service.
A Legacy from Khamkua
Yashpal Swarnkar’s journey from a small village in Sagar to becoming a Deputy Collector of Madhya Pradesh is a story of relentless effort, strategic preparation, and unshakable determination. His “hat-trick” of MPPSC successes is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of inspiration for thousands of aspirants, proving that background, obstacles, or initial failures cannot deter a determined mind. Today, Yashpal stands as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and excellence – a true embodiment of the spirit of civil service.
