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Manoj Pal spent 12 years preparing for government exams, facing nearly 40 failed attempts before finally clearing the MPPSC State Service Examination 2024.

Manoj Pal, who secured the post of Assistant Director (Finance) after years of competitive exam preparation and repeated setbacks (Photo-Screengrab).
Manoj Pal’s journey to becoming an Assistant Director (Finance) in Madhya Pradesh is a story of persistence. A resident of Khapariya village in Narmadapuram district, Pal spent nearly 12 years preparing for competitive examinations, facing repeated setbacks before finally clearing the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission’s State Service Examination 2024.
His journey was marked by financial difficulties, family pressure and several unsuccessful attempts. Yet, he continued to return to his books.
From 50% In Class 12 To Competitive Exams
Pal completed his schooling in his village and scored around 50 per cent in Class 12. With limited financial resources at home, pursuing higher education was difficult. He moved to Narmadapuram for college and supported himself by tutoring children while preparing for government examinations.
His financial struggles became particularly severe during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his work and income were disrupted. He returned to his village and worked as a labourer to arrange money for his studies. He later shifted to Indore, where he continued his preparation while teaching students and working at a coaching centre.
Nearly 40 Exams, But No Final Selection
Over the years, Pal appeared for around 40 competitive examinations, including recruitment tests for police constable, forest guard, Patwari, auditor and administrator posts. He also appeared for SSC’s MTS, CHSL and CGL examinations, besides several MPPSC recruitments.
Although he reached the later stages of many examinations, final selection remained out of reach.
His MPPSC journey was particularly demanding. He appeared for the exam nine times, cleared the prelims on all nine occasions and reached the mains stage eight times. He appeared for seven interviews but could not make the final list.
A Routine Built Around Discipline
Despite repeated failures, Pal maintained a strict study routine. He would reach the library at 6 am and study there for hours, returning home during the day to cook and eat before heading back.
He often studied until midnight or 1 am and also taught students at a coaching centre. His preparation involved six to eight hours of daily study, regular mock tests and detailed analysis of his mistakes.
He also discussed difficult topics with friends and used previous years’ question papers to shape his examination strategy.
Pressure At Home, Faith In Himself
Pal comes from a lower-middle-class farming family. While his family supported his preparation, his long period without a job became a growing concern. His family was also worried about his age and responsibilities, including his sisters’ marriages.
He said that being from the Gadariya (shepherd) community also meant people around him did not expect much from him. Still, he continued preparing.
The Selection That Ended A 12-Year Wait
His selection in the State Services Examination 2024 finally brought an end to years of uncertainty. For his family, the moment was deeply emotional.
Pal credited his parents’ blessings, his family’s support and the grace of Mother Narmada for his success. His family’s reaction reflected the faith they had placed in his efforts: “God’s justice may be delayed, but it is never denied.”
For aspirants facing repeated failures, Pal’s message is simple: those who want to change their circumstances must work hard, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and keep improving without losing faith in themselves.
Madhya Pradesh, India, India
August 20, 2026, 4:46 PM IST
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