Success Story: Meet Prateek Jain Who Cleared UPSC At Age 25; Studied From BITS Pilani, JNU

News18

13-07-2025

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IAS Prateek Jain first attempted the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016, clearing both the prelims and mains but missing out on the final list.
This is the story of IAS Prateek Jain, the new District Magistrate of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand. Upon assuming his role as DM, Prateek decided to evaluate the Kedarnath walking route by traversing it on foot, just like any other devotee. Along the way, he interacted with pilgrims and locals, witnessing firsthand the challenges they face. A video of this journey went viral, bringing him into the spotlight. Let's know his story.
Prateek Jain became an IAS officer at the age of 25. Born on July 25, 1993, in Ajmer, Rajasthan, he is a 2018 batch IAS officer. He completed his graduation in Mechanical Engineering and Biological Science from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani and later obtained a master's degree in Public Management from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 2020.
Prateek first attempted the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016, clearing both the prelims and mains but missing out on the final list. Nonetheless, he secured AIR 3 in the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) the same year. Still determined to become an IAS, he reattempted the UPSC CSE in 2017, achieving AIR 86 and fulfilling his goal at the age of 25.
Initially, Prateek served as the CDO in Haridwar and then as the Deputy Collector in Nainital. He has now been appointed as the DM of Rudraprayag, becoming the youngest DM there. Rudraprayag is renowned for the Char Dham, particularly the Kedarnath Yatra, but it also faces significant challenges during the monsoon season. Upon taking charge, Prateek immediately assessed the Kedarnath walking route by walking 24 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, where he sought blessings from Baba Kedarnath. Along the way, he spoke with locals and tourists, listening to their concerns. This proactive approach has earned him widespread praise on social media, highlighting his dedication and sense of responsibility.
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