From Grazing Goats to Becoming an IPS Officer: The Journey of Birudev Dhone

From Grazing Goats to Becoming an IPS Officer: The Journey of Birudev Dhone

In an inspiring tale of determination and grit, Birudev Siddappa Dhone from Yamge village in Kagal tehsil of Maharashtra's Kolhapur district has achieved what many only dream of—clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt and securing the 551st rank, all without any formal coaching.

Coming from a modest background, Birudev grew up as the son of a goat herder. As a child, he spent his days in the fields, grazing goats under the scorching sun, dressed simply with a stick in hand and slippers on his feet. Yet, despite the odds, he held on to a dream that would change his life.

The motivation to become an IPS officer came from a personal experience. After losing his mobile phone and receiving no assistance from the local police, Birudev resolved to join the service himself and make a difference. What followed was an intense period of self-study—reportedly up to 22 hours a day. With limited financial support from his father, who could only afford to send ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 a month, Birudev shifted to Delhi and immersed himself in UPSC preparation.

His academic journey had always been strong. He performed exceptionally well in both his 10th and 12th board exams and later pursued engineering from SIOP College in Pune. However, his true calling remained civil service.

Despite many suggesting he find a more secure job, Birudev remained unwavering in his goal. His family, especially his father, a man who had studied only up to class 12 before turning to goat herding, stood by him through financial hardship and uncertainty.

News of his success reached his family through a relative who heard about the result. Though his parents couldn’t fully comprehend the magnitude of the achievement due to their limited education, their joy knew no bounds.

At just 27 years old, Birudev has not only become an IPS officer but also the first person from his tehsil to clear the UPSC exam. His story is a testament to what hard work, perseverance, and belief in oneself can accomplish—even without access to coaching or wealth.