- Ayush Prasad, a 2015 batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, is currently the District Collector of Jalgaon, appointed in July 2023.
- He comes from a family with four generations in civil services, including his father (IPS officer) and mother (IAS officer).
- Before joining IAS, he worked at TCS Innovation Labs, developed patents like mobile wallets, and studied at Manipal Institute of Technology (2010) and University of Pennsylvania.
- He secured All India Rank 24 in his second UPSC attempt in 2015, without formal coaching, and has served in Akola and as CEO of Pune Zilla Parishad.
- As District Collector, he launched initiatives like offline access to government schemes for farmers, impacting over 20,000 people in rural areas.
Background and Early Life
Ayush Prasad’s journey began in a family deeply rooted in public service, with four generations dedicated to administration. His great-grandfather was an ICS officer during the British era, his grandfather an IAS officer, his father A. M. Prasad is an IPS officer and ADGP in Karnataka’s Intelligence Department, and his mother Dr. Amita Prasad is an IAS officer leading the Mission Ganga project. Growing up, Ayush attended 12 different schools due to his father’s transfers, gaining a broad perspective on India’s diverse landscapes.
Education and Early Career
Ayush graduated with an engineering degree from Manipal Institute of Technology in 2010, showcasing his technical prowess. He later pursued the Young India Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania on a full Rs 12 lakh scholarship, focusing on leadership and liberal arts. Before joining the IAS, he worked at TCS Innovation Labs, developing four patents including mobile wallets, and served as a Deputy Manager at State Bank of India. His internships with the National Rural Livelihoods Mission in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh fueled his passion for rural development.
UPSC Journey and Initial Roles
In 2015, Ayush secured an impressive All India Rank 24 in his second UPSC attempt, choosing the Maharashtra cadre. He prepared without formal coaching, relying on a systematic four-phase strategy: understanding the syllabus, studying topics, developing notes, and practicing answer writing, with Geography as his optional subject. His early IAS roles included serving in Akola and later as CEO of Pune Zilla Parishad, where he promoted transparency in teacher transfers and managed funds effectively, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Current Role and Impactful Initiatives
Since his appointment as District Collector of Jalgaon in July 2023, Ayush has driven development through innovative governance. A standout initiative is making government schemes accessible offline for farmers via the MahaLabharthi.in portal, benefiting over 20,000 people in 123 villages and assisting 500 farmers within a week. This effort, launched during his time in Pune, aims to curb youth migration by enhancing rural opportunities, reflecting his commitment to bridging the digital divide.
Detailed Biography: Ayush Prasad’s Journey in Public Service
Ayush Prasad, a 2015 batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, has carved a niche for himself as a visionary administrator, currently serving as the District Collector of Jalgaon since July 2023. His career is a blend of technical expertise, innovative governance, and a deep-rooted commitment to public service, shaped by a family legacy and personal determination. This detailed account explores his life, achievements, and the transformative initiatives he has led, offering a comprehensive look at his contributions to Indian administration.
Family Background and Early Life
Ayush Prasad’s story is intertwined with a family legacy in civil services, spanning four generations. His great-grandfather was a chartered officer in the Indian Civil Service (ICS) during the British era, while his grandfather served as an IAS officer. His father, A. M. Prasad, is a senior IPS officer, currently the Assistant Director General of Police (ADGP) in Karnataka’s Intelligence Department. His mother, Dr. Amita Prasad, is an IAS officer and Joint Secretary in the Central Water Department, heading the Mission Ganga project. His younger sister, Anusha, is pursuing a law degree at Christ University, Bengaluru, continuing the family’s tradition of public service.
Growing up, Ayush’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations due to his father’s transfers, attending 12 different schools. This nomadic lifestyle exposed him to diverse cultures and environments, fostering adaptability and a broad worldview. His early education began at St. Aloysius School in Urwa, laying the foundation for his intellectual curiosity.
Educational Achievements
Ayush’s academic journey reflects his versatility and ambition. He graduated with an engineering degree from Manipal Institute of Technology in 2010, equipping him with technical skills that would later complement his administrative roles. Seeking to broaden his horizons, he pursued the Young India Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, on a full scholarship worth Rs 12 lakh. This one-year program in leadership and liberal arts enhanced his understanding of governance and social impact, preparing him for the challenges ahead.
Pre-IAS Career: Corporate and Social Engagement
Before joining the IAS, Ayush gained diverse experience in both corporate and social sectors. At TCS Innovation Labs, he worked on cutting-edge projects, developing four patents, including one for mobile wallets, showcasing his innovative mindset. He also served as a Deputy Manager at State Bank of India Group, gaining insights into financial systems and management. His passion for social impact led him to intern with the National Rural Livelihoods Mission in Karnur, Andhra Pradesh, and Rae Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. These experiences, working with rural women and communities, inspired him to pursue a career that could address poverty and development at scale.
UPSC Journey: Perseverance and Success
Ayush’s decision to join the IAS was driven by a desire to make a larger impact, inspired by his family and his own experiences. He appeared for the UPSC exams in 2014 but narrowly missed success. Undeterred, he persevered, and in his second attempt in 2015, secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 24, choosing the Maharashtra cadre. His preparation strategy was methodical, divided into four phases: understanding the syllabus and collecting material, studying systematically to cover each topic, developing comprehensive notes, and practicing answer writing with a structured approach (abstract, introduction, background, supporting information, and conclusion). His optional subject was Geography, and he scored 985 out of 2025 marks (48.64%), with 779 out of 1750 in the written exam and 206 out of 275 in the interview. Notably, he achieved this without formal coaching, crediting his parents, especially his father, for guidance on structuring answers and systematic study.
Early IAS Assignments: Building a Foundation
Upon joining the IAS, Ayush’s initial assignments included serving in Akola, where he gained ground-level experience in district administration. He later took on the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pune Zilla Parishad, where he made significant strides in promoting transparency in teacher transfers and effectively managing funds. His leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic was particularly commendable, earning him widespread appreciation for his efficient handling of the crisis, including managing resources and ensuring service delivery under pressure.
Current Role: District Collector of Jalgaon
In July 2023, Ayush was appointed as the District Collector of Jalgaon, succeeding Aman Mittal, as part of a significant administrative reshuffle. This role placed him at the helm of a district known for its agricultural significance and diverse challenges, including rural development and farmer welfare. Since taking charge, he has been instrumental in driving initiatives aimed at accelerating development and improving governance.
One of his most notable contributions is his innovative approach to making government schemes accessible to farmers. Recognizing the digital divide in rural areas, particularly the lack of internet access and tech-savviness, Ayush collaborated with the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Ltd (MKCL) to take the online forms of the MahaLabharthi.in portal offline. This portal, which provides information on 750 welfare schemes, was made available to farmers through offline means, benefiting approximately 20,000 people in 123 villages in Junnar taluka. Within a week of its launch, over 500 farmers had already been assisted, demonstrating the initiative’s immediate impact. This effort not only helped farmers access crucial government benefits but also aimed to curb youth migration by improving rural opportunities, reflecting his commitment to bridging the digital divide.
Additional Initiatives and Leadership Style
Ayush’s tenure in Pune as SDO of Khed Taluka further highlighted his innovative approach. He initiated efforts to decode government schemes for farmers, ensuring they could benefit from welfare programs. involved collaborating with volunteers from TISS, including Surya Karthik and Jayanti Bagda, to support farmers in accessing schemes, with more volunteers encouraged to join via email at volunteer@mahalabharthi.in. His work has been recognized for its grassroots impact, aiming to break the cycle of poverty in rural areas.
Ayush’s leadership style is characterized by a blend of technical expertise, administrative acumen, and a deep connection with the community. He is known for his sharp intellect and multifaceted personality, being an accomplished writer and columnist, often sharing insights on various platforms. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life, combined with his innovative initiatives, positions him as a leader with a bright future in Indian administration.
Personal Traits and Future Prospects
Beyond his professional achievements, Ayush Prasad’s journey is marked by determination and resilience. His family’s legacy, educational achievements, and hands-on experience have shaped him into a leader who combines empathy with efficiency. As he continues to serve as the District Collector of Jalgaon, his reputation as a conscientious and competent officer reinforces the belief that the district is in capable hands, set to progress under his guidance.
Conclusion
Ayush Prasad’s career is a compelling narrative of dedication, innovation, and commitment to public service. From his early life shaped by a family legacy to his current role as District Collector of Jalgaon, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for improving governance and impacting lives. His initiatives, such as offline access to government schemes for farmers, highlight his ability to address real-world challenges with creative solutions. As he navigates the complexities of district administration, Ayush Prasad stands as an inspiring figure for aspiring civil servants and a testament to the power of perseverance and public service.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ayush Prasad |
| Current Position | District Collector of Jalgaon, appointed July 2023 |
| IAS Batch and Cadre | 2015 batch, Maharashtra cadre |
| Family Background | Four generations in civil services; Father (IPS, ADGP Karnataka), Mother (IAS, Mission Ganga) |
| Education | Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology (2010); Young India Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania |
| Pre-IAS Career | TCS Innovation Labs (4 patents, including mobile wallets); Deputy Manager, State Bank of India; Internships at National Rural Livelihoods Mission |
| UPSC Details | AIR 24, second attempt, 2015; Optional: Geography; No formal coaching |
| Early IAS Roles | Served in Akola; CEO of Pune Zilla Parishad (transparency in teacher transfers, Covid management) |
| Notable Initiatives | Offline access to MahaLabharthi.in for farmers, benefiting 20,000+ in 123 villages |
| Personal Traits | Accomplished writer, columnist; Known for sharp intellect and community connection |