Giriraj Parihar 9-Year MPPSC Journey: From Constable to Deputy Collector , Farmer’s Son

Giriraj Parihar  : In a world full with constraints, only a few dare to defy fate, and even fewer overcome it. Giriraj Parihar, whose name has already been inscribed in the hallowed ranks of MPPSC 2024 toppers, is one such exceptional individual.

Born in a distant area, working occupations that most would not equate with a high public service aspirant, and having confronted the harsh realities of life early on, Giriraj accomplished more than merely defy the odds. He revised the script for what was possible. His path, which began as a jail guard and later as a police constable, has finally culminated in the prestigious position of Deputy Collector. His narrative is nothing short of epic, inspirational, and unforgettable.

Giriraj Parihar Background: From Sitapur to the State Ranking List

Giriraj Parihar is from Madhya Pradesh’s Datia area, namely Sitapur village. Giriraj was up in a humble agricultural household, surrounded by hardship and personal tragedy; his mother died in 2011, and financial limitations were severe.

Despite the obstacles, he maintained huge goals. With five sisters to marry off and a father in need of assistance, Giriraj stepped forward. After finishing 12th grade, he began working to support his family. First as a jail guard in 2016, then as a policeman in the state cyber cell in 2017, he matched life’s crushing duties with the fire of ambition burning within him.

So far, my journey has been nine years of struggle, service, and success.

Giriraj ascended gradually. It was erected brick by brick over nine years.

• 2016: Started as a Jail Guard, his first government job.
• 2017: Passed the Constable Exam and joined the State Cyber Cell, where he continued serving while studying for exams.
• In 2019, I began seriously preparing for the MPPSC.
• 2022: Passed MPPSC and was hired as Assistant Director of Education (ADE) – but did not settle. His aspirations were bigger.
• 2024: With unwavering dedication, Giriraj attained Rank 8 and was appointed Deputy Collector.

He received the ADE post after scoring 786 marks in the MPPSC 2022 test, including 691 in the mains and 95 in the interview. But he was dissatisfied. He desired the authority to serve and uplift, which only the Deputy Collector position could provide.

PREPARATION STRATEGY: STUDYING AND SERVING AS A CONSTABLE

The fact that Giriraj prepared without tutoring, sophisticated tools, or a full-time study plan adds to his story’s wonder.

Time Management

• Morning: Studied for two hours before his ten a.m. shift.
• Lunch Break: Used small pauses for review.
• Evening/Night: I studied for about 4-5 hours after going home.

Methodology

• Self-study with no coaching.
• I sought advice from a senior for interview preparation.
• Believed in the saying, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”
• He tailored his preparation to the demands of his employment and focused on comprehending the relevant material for each exam. He added that tests like Jail Guard and Constable require a one-day preparation method, whereas MPPSC requires a three-stage, syllabus-driven approach with Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

DREAM TO BECOME A DEPUTY COLLECTOR: THE SPARK THAT KEPT HIM GOING

While working as a jail guard, Giriraj began to dream big. He realized that in order to make a genuine difference and help people from rural backgrounds like his own, he needed to go up the ladder.

During the COVID lockdown, he reevaluated his life and made a clear choice to prepare for MPPSC. Even after becoming an ADE, his heart was set on the position of Deputy Collector, which represented authority, respect, and the ability to make an effect.

And in 2024, that desire came true.

CHALLENGES FACED: POVERTY, LOSS, AND LACK OF RESOURCES.

• He lost his mother in 2011.
• He had to start working at a young age to support his family.
• There is no access to coaching institutes or expensive resources.
• I worked full-time in difficult jobs while preparing.
• Helped his father marry off five sisters, accepting full family responsibility.
• Despite every obstacle, Giriraj chose perseverance over pity and hard work over excuses.

MESSAGE TO ASPIRANTS: STAY FOCUSED AND NEVER GIVE UP.

Giriraj’s success mantra is simple but powerful – “Never give up and stay updated.”

He urges aspirants to –

• Study 7-8 hours consistently with focus.
• Not be afraid of failure – it’s part of the process.
• Understand the exam syllabus deeply.
• Prepare with discipline, strategy, and self-belief.
• He also emphasized that “Written exams allow you to think before answering, but interviews test your personality in seconds. Every moment, every movement, eye contact – everything matters.”

MPPSC 2024 RESULT: A GLORIOUS FEAT

Only 13 individuals were chosen from hundreds of thousands of applicants for the Deputy Collector position in MPPSC 2024, with five of them being women. Giriraj achieved the eighth rank, putting him among the select few.

The results were announced on September 12, 2025, and made news throughout Madhya Pradesh. From policeman to Deputy Collector, Giriraj’s story has become a light for thousands.

Also read : Read about IPS Anurag Arya best success story—he passed the UPSC despite failing the university exam.