Inspiring Journey of Prahlad Meena: From Gangman to IPS Officer

Prahlad Meena's journey from a humble background in Rajasthan to becoming an IPS officer is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite facing poverty and multiple setbacks, he pursued his dreams with unwavering commitment. His story highlights the importance of discipline, effective time management, and self-belief in achieving success. Prahlad's experience serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring candidates, proving that with hard work and perseverance, dreams can indeed become a reality. Read on to learn more about his remarkable transformation and the lessons he imparts to the youth.

By Ambika Singh Aug 15, 2026, 11:26 IST

A Remarkable Transformation

दौसा: Success stories often seem linked to big cities and expensive resources, but Prahlad Meena's journey challenges this notion entirely. Emerging from a small village in Rajasthan, he overcame poverty, tough jobs, and repeated failures to achieve a milestone that has inspired millions of youth.

From a Simple Gangman to an IPS Officer

His transition from a railway gangman, responsible for track maintenance, to an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer exemplifies struggle, discipline, and self-belief. Despite lacking coaching and facing limited resources, he successfully cleared the challenging UPSC exam, turning his dreams into reality.

The Struggle Begins on Two Bighas of Land

Born into a poor farming family in Dausa district, Prahlad's family owned just two bighas of land, making it difficult to meet daily expenses. Despite financial hardships, he never abandoned his education. As a child, he balanced school with tending to livestock, which taught him the value of time and hard work. He made education his greatest asset, even with limited resources.

Railway Job: A Step Towards His Dream

Inspired by a local youth, Prahlad opted for a job as a gangman in the railway sector. This was his first government job, providing financial support to his family. While working in Bhubaneswar, he kept his larger goal in sight, viewing the job as merely the first step towards a higher administrative service.

Early Morning UPSC Preparation

Later, while working as an Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in Delhi, he began preparing for the UPSC exams. Lacking coaching and expensive study materials, he relied on effective time management. Rising at 4 AM daily to study, he utilized his lunch breaks for reading and made the most of his metro rides to catch up on newspapers. This discipline laid the groundwork for his preparation amidst an 8-9 hour workday.

Persistence Despite Failures

The UPSC journey was not smooth for Prahlad. He faced setbacks in his first three attempts, with many mocking him. Instead of giving up, he critically analyzed his weaknesses, focusing on essay writing and optional subjects. His preparation for the NET JRF strengthened his command over Hindi literature, providing new direction and boosting his confidence.

Achieving His Dream in 2017

In 2017, Prahlad's long-held dream came true as he became an IPS officer. Notably, he served in the same Odisha region where he had previously worked as a gangman. Today, he advises youth to focus on a limited yet reliable set of study materials rather than overwhelming themselves with too many books. He believes that the key to success lies in self-confidence, patience, and relentless effort. His story serves as an inspiration for all candidates striving to realize their dreams despite challenging circumstances.