Shepherd’s Son from Kolhapur Cracks UPSC, Secures 551st Rank
Kolhapur, 24th April 2025: In a remarkable journey of grit and determination, Birdev Dhone, the son of a shepherd from Yamage village in Kagal taluka of Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, has secured the 551st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, the results of which were declared on Tuesday.
At the time of the result announcement, Dhone was grazing sheep near Belgaum, unaware of his achievement. It was a friend who informed him about his success, marking the end of a four-year-long struggle filled with hard work and setbacks.
Dhone had been preparing for the prestigious exam in Delhi, facing failure in his first two attempts. But his persistence and unwavering focus paid off in his third attempt, earning him a place among India’s future civil servants. He is expected to join the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Humble Beginnings, Strong Aspirations
A student of the Zilla Parishad school in Yamage, Birdev’s early education was marked by financial and infrastructural challenges. His father, Siddappa Dhone, recalled that the family home lacked proper electricity, and Birdev often studied under the dim light of the veranda. Despite the odds, he excelled—topping the Murgud centre in Class 10 and securing top marks in the science stream in Class 12.
Birdev later pursued a graduate degree from Pune, before relocating to Delhi to pursue his civil services dream. His father said the entire family made sacrifices to support his education, holding on to the hope of one day seeing him as an officer.
A Village Prepares to Celebrate
As news of his success spread, Yamage village erupted in joy. Locals are preparing for a grand celebration to welcome home the young man who has become a source of pride and inspiration for the entire community.
Birdev Dhone’s journey—from tending sheep in rural Maharashtra to cracking one of the most competitive exams in the country—stands as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of education.
