Farmer’s son from Panna tops MPPSC 2023, becomes Deputy Collector

Ajit Kumar Mishra, the son of a farmer from Panna district, has topped the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) State Service Examination 2023, securing the first rank and earning selection as Deputy Collector.

Hailing from Maharampur village, Mishra’s journey to success was far from easy. His father, a farmer who also teaches privately, and his homemaker mother struggled to support his education. “I faced financial difficulties throughout my studies,” Mishra recalled. “At times, I didn’t have enough money for coaching, but I continued through scholarships, especially the Inspire Scholarship based on my Class 12 performance. I saved from it and managed my studies.”

The MPPSC examination was held in three phases. The preliminary exam took place on December 17, 2023, followed by the mains between March 11 and 16, 2024, and interviews in July 2025. The final results were declared on November 8, 2025. Mishra scored 821 marks out of 1,400 in the mains and 145 out of 175 in the interview, securing a total of 966 marks out of 1,575.

Before topping the exam, he was posted as Assistant Director of Finance (2024). Mishra advised civil service aspirants to stay consistent and focused, suggesting they study 8 to 10 hours a day and avoid distractions like excessive social media use.

His achievement, despite financial hardship, has become a source of inspiration for youth across Madhya Pradesh. It highlights how resilience, determination, and government scholarship schemes can help bridge social and economic divides.

Educationists say stories like Mishra’s strengthen public faith in the fairness and meritocracy of civil services while motivating students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds to aim high. They also reflect how access to educational support can nurture capable administrators who understand grassroots realities.

Ajit Kumar Mishra’s story stands as a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of education proving that dedication and discipline can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary achievements.