In a world obsessed with early success, 56-year-old IAS officer Dr. Mahendra Khadgawat is rewriting the rules—one innings at a time. Once a rising star on Rajasthan’s cricket fields, Dr. Khadgawat gave up a promising sports career to serve the people. Three decades later, he not only fulfilled that dream but became an IAS officer at the age of 55—an age when most officers begin thinking about retirement.
A Batsman with Books in His Kitbag
Back in the 1980s, young Mahendra was Rajasthan’s batting sensation. With back-to-back top scorer titles in the Colvin Shield Tournament, he was on the verge of donning the Ranji Trophy cap. But there was a promise he couldn’t break—a promise to his father to never put sports above studies.
“I would carry my textbooks to practice sessions,” he recalls. “If I had a break between matches, I studied.”
That discipline paid off. At just 22, he cleared the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) exam and left the cricket pitch for government service.
Building a Legacy in Public Service
From rural postings to digitizing India’s archives, Dr. Khadgawat brought innovation wherever he went. His groundbreaking work in creating India’s first digital archive earned him international recognition, including an invitation from the U.S. to present his achievements.
In 2022, after three decades in Rajasthan’s civil services, he cracked the IAS through lateral entry—a rare feat that highlights his unwavering determination. He was appointed as the District Collector of Beawar in 2024, where he continues to serve with humility and efficiency.
Still a Cricketer at Heart
Despite his administrative duties, cricket never left his soul. In 2010, the Rajasthan Cricket Association chose him as Ranji team manager. Under his leadership, Rajasthan clinched the coveted Ranji Trophy, proving his strategic acumen extended beyond boardrooms and into the stadium.
A Message for the Youth
“Follow your passion—but never compromise your education,” says Dr. Khadgawat. “Discipline, hard work, and belief in yourself will always lead to victory.”
In a country filled with dreams and distractions, Dr. Mahendra Khadgawat’s story is a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to chase your goals, and never too early to build a life of purpose.
