In a journey that reads like a script from a movie, Giriraj Parihar rose from humble beginnings to attain Rank 8 in MPPSC 2024 — earning the much-coveted Deputy Collector post. He did it over nine years, without coaching, while working as a jail guard and constable. His story is one of grit, sacrifice, and unshakeable resolve.
Roots & Early Struggle
-Hometown: Sitapur village, Datia district, Madhya Pradesh
-Grew up in a farming family with limited resources
-Lost his mother in 2011, and shouldered family responsibilities early
-Has five sisters whom he helped support and marry off
From Uniform Service to Civil Service Dream
2016: Started as a jail guard — first paycheck as a government servant
2017: Became a constable in the State Cyber Cell. Even then, he began studying for MPPSC in his spare time
2019: Fully committed to MPPSC preparation while balancing daily job duties
2022: Cracked MPPSC earlier, was selected as Assistant Director of Education (ADE)
2024: Achieved Rank 8, thus securing the Deputy Collector position he had long aimed for
Study Strategy Without Coaching
Giriraj’s approach to the tough MPPSC exam is inspiring because:
●He never attended coaching classes
●He studied in small pockets of time around work:
●Early mornings: 2 hours before shift
●Lunch breaks: quick revision
●Evenings & nights: 4–5 hours dedicated study time
He focused on concept clarity over rote learning, adapted to each exam stage (prelims, mains, interview)
For interviews, he emphasized confidence, communication & personality, not just answers
Challenges & Triumphs
His journey was anything but smooth:
●No access to coaching or study materials
●Worked full-time while preparing
●Financial constraints & family responsibilities
●The emotional weight of loss and pressure
And yet, he persisted. His mantra:
“Never give up — stay updated, stay focused.”
He reminds aspirants that every moment counts — from how you speak to how you carry yourself in interviews.
Why His Story Matters
Giriraj Parihar’s story is more than just personal success. It’s a beacon for aspirants from underserved backgrounds:
◆It shows you can crack top exams without coaching
◆It proves that hard work plus consistency can overcome privilege gaps
◆It inspires countless youngsters in rural India to believe that civil services are not out of reach.
