Avi Prasad biography covers the IAS officer’s UPSC journey, wife Ankita Dhakre, career achievements, and his rise from Sitapur to Madhya Pradesh.
Who is Avi Prasad?
Avi Prasad biography tells the inspiring story of a dedicated Indian Administrative Service officer who has made significant contributions to public administration in Madhya Pradesh. Born on 9 April 1986 in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, he belongs to the 2014 batch IAS and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Employment Guarantee Council in Madhya Pradesh. At 38 years old in 2025, Prasad has established himself as one of the most recognised bureaucrats in the state.
Prasad’s journey to the civil services showcases remarkable determination and perseverance. He first cleared the UPSC examination in 2013 and secured selection for the Indian Police Service. However, his ambition was to join the IAS, prompting him to leave the IPS Foundation Course at Mussoorie and prepare again. His persistence paid off when he secured an impressive All India Rank 13 in 2014, earning his coveted IAS position.
Coming from a family with strong political roots, Prasad inherited a legacy of public service. His grandfather, Tambeshwar Prasad, popularly known as Baccha Babu Chaudhary, served as a minister in the government of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. This background instilled in him a deep commitment to serving the nation through administration.
Beyond his administrative duties, Prasad actively mentors UPSC aspirants through webinars on stress management, time management, and civil services preparation. His story resonates with countless young Indians dreaming of joining the prestigious civil services.
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Avi Prasad |
| Date of Birth | 9 April 1986 |
| Age (2025) | 38 years old |
| Place of Birth | Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh |
| State of Origin | Uttar Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | IAS Officer |
| UPSC Batch | 2014 |
| Cadre | Madhya Pradesh |
| UPSC Rank | All India Rank 13 (2014) |
| Current Position | CEO, Employment Guarantee Council, MP |
| Wife | Ankita Dhakre (IAS, married 2026) |
| Grandfather | Tambeshwar Prasad (former minister) |
| Education | BIBF, LLB, MBA |
Early Life and Background
Avi Prasad was born into a modest yet politically connected family in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh. His grandfather, Tambeshwar Prasad, known affectionately as Baccha Babu Chaudhary, served as a cabinet minister in the government led by former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. This political heritage exposed young Avi to the workings of government and public service from an early age.
Growing up in Sitapur, Prasad developed a strong sense of duty towards public welfare. The values of integrity, hard work, and service to the nation were instilled in him through his family’s involvement in politics and governance. These formative experiences would later shape his approach to administration and his commitment to grassroots development.
Despite his family’s political background, Prasad chose to serve the nation through the administrative route rather than electoral politics. His decision to pursue the civil services demonstrated his preference for hands-on governance over political maneuvering.
Educational Background
Prasad pursued higher education at prestigious institutions across India. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Finance (BIBF) from Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi, one of India’s premier central universities. This foundation in business and finance would later prove valuable in his administrative roles involving economic planning and development.
Not content with a single degree, Prasad expanded his qualifications by pursuing a Law degree (LLB), which enhanced his understanding of legal frameworks essential for administrative decision-making. He also completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with specialisation in Management and Business Law, adding depth to his managerial capabilities.
Before entering the civil services, Prasad worked at the Reserve Bank of India, gaining practical experience in India’s central banking system. This corporate experience provided him with valuable insights into financial management and institutional governance that would complement his administrative career.
IAS Career Journey
Prasad’s journey to the IAS was marked by extraordinary determination. In 2013, he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and was selected for the Indian Police Service with an All India Rank of 171. While most candidates would consider this a tremendous achievement, Prasad had set his sights higher.
Demonstrating remarkable resolve, he left the IPS Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie midway to prepare for another attempt. His gamble paid off spectacularly when he secured All India Rank 13 in the 2014 examination, earning selection to the Indian Administrative Service.
Posted to the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Prasad served in various capacities including District Panchayat CEO in multiple districts. His most notable posting came as District Collector of Katni from November 2022 to July 2024, where he gained widespread recognition for innovative governance initiatives.
In July 2024, he was transferred to serve as Deputy Secretary in the State Secretariat. Currently, he holds multiple responsibilities including CEO of the Employment Guarantee Council, Commissioner of MGNREGA, Director of Watershed Mission, and State Coordinator for PM Poshan Shakti Nirman.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Selected for IPS (Rank 171) | First UPSC success |
| 2014 | Selected for IAS (Rank 13) | Achieved dream posting |
| 2015 | Joined Madhya Pradesh cadre | Field postings began |
| 2022 | Appointed Collector, Katni | Major field assignment |
| 2024 | Posted as Deputy Secretary | Secretariat role |
| 2025 | CEO, Employment Guarantee Council | Current position |
Personal Life and Relationships
Prasad married IAS officer Ankita Dhakre on 11 February 2026 in a private ceremony at a resort in Kuno National Park. The intimate wedding was attended only by close family members. Dhakre, a 2017 batch IAS officer, currently serves as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in Madhya Pradesh. She is an IIT Delhi graduate in Chemical Engineering who transitioned from IRS to IAS.
Prior to his marriage to Dhakre, Prasad was previously married twice. His first wife was Riju Bafna, his batchmate from the 2014 IAS batch. The couple met while preparing for the civil services examination in Delhi but their marriage ended in divorce. Bafna currently serves as the Collector of Shajapur district in Madhya Pradesh.
His second marriage was to Misha Singh, a 2016 batch IAS officer originally from the Andhra Pradesh cadre. After their marriage, Singh transferred to the Madhya Pradesh cadre. The couple separated after approximately four years. Singh currently serves as the Collector of Ratlam district.
Major Achievements
During his tenure as Collector of Katni, Prasad launched a groundbreaking community-driven programme to combat child malnutrition, a persistent challenge in Madhya Pradesh. The initiative encouraged local residents, businesses, and philanthropists to adopt malnourished children by sponsoring personalised health monitoring and nutritional supplements beyond standard government rations.
He actively promoted the Swachh Bharat Mission in his districts, implementing cleanliness drives and sanitation awareness campaigns that improved public health outcomes. His hands-on approach to administration earned him respect among both colleagues and the public.
Prasad has been instrumental in implementing employment guarantee schemes that provide livelihood support to rural populations. As MGNREGA Commissioner, he oversees programmes that directly impact millions of rural households across Madhya Pradesh.
Final Thoughts
Avi Prasad’s journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to becoming one of Madhya Pradesh’s most recognised bureaucrats exemplifies the transformative power of determination and public service commitment. His decision to leave the IPS to pursue the IAS demonstrates the courage required to achieve one’s true aspirations.
His innovative initiatives in combating malnutrition and promoting rural development showcase how dedicated administrators can create meaningful change at the grassroots level. For countless UPSC aspirants, Prasad’s story serves as inspiration that success comes to those who persist despite setbacks.
As he continues leading employment guarantee and rural development programmes, Avi Prasad remains an influential figure in Indian administration. His legacy extends beyond postings and ranks to encompass genuine impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
FAQs About Avi Prasad
What is Avi Prasad’s UPSC rank?
Avi Prasad secured All India Rank 13 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2014, earning selection to the Indian Administrative Service after previously qualifying for the IPS in 2013.
Who is Avi Prasad’s wife?
Avi Prasad is married to IAS officer Ankita Dhakre, a 2017 batch officer currently serving as Deputy Secretary in Madhya Pradesh. They married on 11 February 2026 at Kuno National Park.
Which IAS batch does Avi Prasad belong to?
Avi Prasad belongs to the 2014 batch of the Indian Administrative Service and is allocated to the Madhya Pradesh cadre where he has served in various administrative capacities.
What is Avi Prasad’s current posting?
As of 2025, Avi Prasad serves as CEO of the Employment Guarantee Council in Madhya Pradesh, additionally holding charge as MGNREGA Commissioner and Director of Watershed Mission.
Where is Avi Prasad from?
Avi Prasad hails from Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh. His grandfather, Tambeshwar Prasad, was a former minister in the Charan Singh government.
What did Avi Prasad do before joining IAS?
Before joining the civil services, Avi Prasad worked at the Reserve Bank of India. He holds degrees in International Business and Finance, Law, and an MBA.
