Avi Prasad IAS is one of the most talked-about Indian Administrative Service officers in recent times. A 2014-batch officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, he has built a strong reputation for honest, people-first governance across several districts.
His story stands out for two reasons. First, his UPSC journey is a remarkable example of determination — he gave up an IPS seat to chase his dream of the IAS and succeeded with an outstanding rank. Second, his work on child malnutrition in Katni district became a model program that other administrators took note of.
Beyond his professional life, Avi Prasad IAS has also attracted media attention for his personal life. His third marriage in February 2026 — to a fellow IAS officer — sparked nationwide interest, partly because all three of his partners have been civil servants.
Whether you are a UPSC aspirant seeking inspiration, a citizen curious about government officers, or a researcher studying Indian bureaucracy, the story of Avi Prasad IAS offers plenty to learn and admire. This biography covers his age, early life, education, family, career milestones, and much more.
Quick Information Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Avi Prasad |
| Profession | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1986 |
| Age | 40 years (as of 2026) |
| Birth Place | Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Hometown | Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Not Publicly Available |
| Caste / Category | Not Publicly Available |
| Education | B.I.B.F. (Hons) – Jamia Millia Islamia; LLB – University of Delhi; MBA-MBL – National Law University, Jodhpur |
| College | Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi; National Law University, Jodhpur; Campus Law Centre, Delhi University |
| UPSC Batch | 2014 |
| Cadre | Madhya Pradesh |
| UPSC Rank (2014) | All India Rank 13 |
| Father’s Name | Not Publicly Available |
| Mother’s Name | Not Publicly Available |
| Grandfather | Tambeshwar Prasad (Baccha Babu Chaudhary), former minister in Charan Singh government |
| Wife | Ankita Dhakre (IAS, 2017 batch) — married February 11, 2026 |
| Children | Not Publicly Available |
| Height | Not Publicly Available |
| Weight | Not Publicly Available |
| Current Posting | CEO, Employment Guarantee Council, Bhopal (since May 4, 2026) |
| Not Publicly Available | |
| Twitter / X | Not Publicly Available |
| Wikipedia | Not Publicly Available (no verified Wikipedia page) |
Avi Prasad IAS Age, Early Life, and Education
Growing Up in Sitapur
Avi Prasad IAS was born on April 9, 1986, in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh. Sitapur is a mid-sized town in northern India, known for its agricultural economy. Growing up here gave him a ground-level understanding of rural challenges — an understanding that would later shape his work as a district administrator.
His family has a proud tradition of public service. His grandfather, Tambeshwar Prasad, popularly known as Baccha Babu Chaudhary, served as a cabinet minister in the government of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. This political and administrative legacy planted the seeds of civic responsibility early in Avi Prasad’s life.
Details about his schooling — the name of his school or city of early education — are Not Publicly Available. However, his later academic achievements clearly show that he was a dedicated and focused student from a young age.
Higher Education: A Multi-Disciplinary Path
After completing school, Avi Prasad moved to New Delhi to pursue higher education. He enrolled at Jamia Millia Islamia, a prestigious central university in Delhi.
He completed his Bachelor of International Business and Finance (B.I.B.F. Honours) from Jamia Millia Islamia between 2005 and 2008. This degree gave him a solid foundation in global economics, trade, and financial management.
Not stopping there, he went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration with specialisation in Business Laws (MBA-MBL) from National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur from 2008 to 2011. This rare combination of finance and law made him a versatile thinker.
He also completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. Additionally, he served as Guest Faculty at NLU Jodhpur from May 2011 to June 2012, teaching before he entered civil services.
This multi-disciplinary academic path — spanning business, finance, law, and management — gave Avi Prasad IAS a unique skill set that has clearly helped him throughout his administrative career.
Work at the Reserve Bank of India
Before preparing seriously for the UPSC exam, Avi Prasad worked as a Manager at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He spent about one and a half years in this role.
The RBI experience gave him hands-on exposure to how India’s central banking system functions, how monetary policy is implemented, and how financial institutions support economic growth. This background has proved valuable in his administrative roles, especially those involving economic planning and rural development.
Avi Prasad IAS UPSC Journey and Career
The Bold Decision: IPS to IAS
Avi Prasad’s UPSC journey is one of the most inspiring among recent civil servants.
In 2013, he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and secured a rank good enough to join the Indian Police Service (IPS). He began the IPS Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
But Avi Prasad had always dreamed of the IAS — a service with a broader mandate for development and governance. So he made a bold decision: he left the IPS foundation course midway and appeared in the UPSC exam again the very next year.
All India Rank 13 in UPSC CSE 2014
His hard work paid off in a big way. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2014, he secured an impressive All India Rank 13, earning his place in the Indian Administrative Service. He was allocated to the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
This back-to-back success — first in 2013, then improving significantly in 2014 — shows the discipline and focus that define Avi Prasad IAS.
Training at LBSNAA
After selection, he underwent the mandatory Foundation Course at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, followed by district-level probationary training in Madhya Pradesh. These experiences introduced him to field administration, rural governance, land records, and community-level public service delivery.
Key Career Postings
Throughout his career of over 12 years in the IAS, Avi Prasad has served in several important roles:
- Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO): His early posting, where he dealt with land disputes, revenue collection, and rural governance.
- District Panchayat CEO: He oversaw gram sabha functions, central scheme implementation, and panchayat administration.
- Additional Collector, Ujjain: One of his longest postings, spanning approximately 2 years and 5 months.
- District Collector, Katni (November 2022 – July 2024): His most celebrated posting, marked by path-breaking work on child malnutrition.
- Collector, Jabalpur Division: A brief posting before his transfer to a state-level role.
- CEO, Employment Guarantee Council, Bhopal (since May 4, 2026): His current posting, where he oversees the implementation of MGNREGA across Madhya Pradesh.
He also holds additional charges as Commissioner, MGNREGA, Director, Watershed Mission under PMKSY 2.0, and State Coordinator, PM Poshan Shakti Nirman.
Avi Prasad IAS Family Details
Grandfather: A Political Legacy
The most notable family figure in Avi Prasad’s life is his grandfather, Tambeshwar Prasad (Baccha Babu Chaudhary), who served as a cabinet minister under Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. This family history of public service is believed to have inspired Avi Prasad’s own drive to serve the nation through the civil services.
Parents
Details about Avi Prasad’s father and mother — including their names and professions — are Not Publicly Available.
Siblings
Information about any siblings is Not Publicly Available.
Marriages and Personal Life
Avi Prasad IAS’s personal life has attracted considerable media attention, particularly because all three of his marriages have been to fellow IAS officers.
First Wife: Riju Bafna (IAS, 2014 batch) Avi Prasad first married Riju Bafna, a batchmate from the 2014 IAS batch also allocated to the Madhya Pradesh cadre. The couple later divorced. As of 2026, Riju Bafna is serving as Collector of Shajapur district in Madhya Pradesh.
Second Wife: Misha Singh (IAS, 2016 batch) After his first marriage ended, he married Misha Singh, a 2016-batch IAS officer originally from the Andhra Pradesh cadre. After their marriage, Misha Singh transferred to the Madhya Pradesh cadre. The marriage lasted approximately four years before they separated. Misha Singh is currently serving as Collector of Ratlam district in Madhya Pradesh, where she has been recognised for her active administrative style.
Third Wife: Ankita Dhakre (IAS, 2017 batch) On February 11, 2026, Avi Prasad married Ankita Dhakre, a 2017-batch IAS officer, in a private ceremony held at Kuno National Park in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh. The ceremony was intimate, attended only by close family members.
Ankita Dhakre hails from Ashoknagar district in Madhya Pradesh. Her father, Ravindra Singh Dhakre, is a retired food officer. She has served as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in various districts and is currently posted as Deputy Secretary in the Madhya Pradesh state secretariat.
Children
Information about Avi Prasad IAS’s children is Not Publicly Available.
Awards & Achievements
Avi Prasad IAS has earned recognition through his field work, particularly during his tenure as District Collector of Katni. Below are his notable achievements:
Anti-Malnutrition Programme, Katni (2022–2024)
During his tenure as Collector of Katni from November 2022 to July 2024, Avi Prasad launched a community-driven anti-malnutrition programme that gained national recognition.
Rather than treating malnutrition as a supply-chain problem — a matter of distributing nutrition packets — he framed it as a community challenge that required community ownership. He engaged local panchayat leaders, ASHA workers, anganwadi staff, businesses, and ordinary citizens in a collaborative effort.
A standout component was the Atal Bal Mitra Yojana, which allowed citizens, businesses, and philanthropists to sponsor personalised nutritional care for malnourished children for just ₹600. This amount covered health monitoring and nutritional supplements beyond standard government rations.
The result was remarkable: child malnutrition rates in Katni district fell by approximately 30% during his tenure. The initiative became a recognised model for other districts across Madhya Pradesh.
Swachh Bharat Mission Implementation
During his district-level postings, Avi Prasad actively promoted the Swachh Bharat Mission, running cleanliness drives and sanitation awareness campaigns. His hands-on approach — working directly with communities rather than relying purely on administrative notices — made these campaigns effective.
MGNREGA Leadership
As CEO of the Employment Guarantee Council and Commissioner for MGNREGA, he now plays a key role in ensuring that rural workers across Madhya Pradesh receive their legal entitlement to 100 days of guaranteed employment per year. This work directly affects millions of families in rural MP.
UPSC Mentoring and Webinars
Avi Prasad has consistently contributed to the UPSC aspirant community. He has participated in webinars focused on stress management, time management, and civil services preparation, guiding thousands of young Indians who are working toward their dream of joining the civil services.
Interesting Facts About Avi Prasad IAS
- He gave up IPS to pursue IAS. After clearing UPSC 2013 with a rank good enough for the IPS, he voluntarily left the foundation course at LBSNAA to attempt the exam again. In 2014, he came back with All India Rank 13.
- He worked at RBI before UPSC. Before preparing for civil services, he served as a Manager at the Reserve Bank of India — a prestigious job that most people would be happy to keep.
- He has three degrees in three different fields. His educational qualifications span international business and finance (Jamia Millia Islamia), law (LLB from Delhi University), and management and business law (MBA-MBL from NLU Jodhpur).
- He taught at a law university before joining IAS. He worked as Guest Faculty at National Law University, Jodhpur, from May 2011 to June 2012.
- All three of his wives are IAS officers. An unusual fact that sparked national media attention in February 2026 — Riju Bafna (Collector, Shajapur), Misha Singh (Collector, Ratlam), and Ankita Dhakre (Deputy Secretary, MP secretariat) are all IAS officers.
- His malnutrition programme reduced child malnutrition by 30% in Katni. This community-driven initiative is now seen as a model for other districts in Madhya Pradesh.
- His third wedding took place at Kuno National Park. The February 2026 ceremony with Ankita Dhakre at the wildlife sanctuary was a private affair, but it caught the imagination of the public.
- He comes from a family with a ministerial legacy. His grandfather, Tambeshwar Prasad, was a cabinet minister under former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh — a lineage that instilled the value of public service.
- He has served in diverse administrative roles. In over 12 years of service, he has been SDO, District Panchayat CEO, Additional Collector, District Collector, and state-level CEO — covering the full spectrum of IAS postings.
- He mentors UPSC aspirants. Beyond his administrative duties, Avi Prasad has taken time to guide UPSC aspirants through webinars and interactive sessions.
Social Media
As of the latest available information, Avi Prasad IAS does not have any verified or officially confirmed public accounts on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Some profiles may appear online under his name, but none have been publicly verified by him or any official government source.
If you are looking for reliable information about his work and postings, the best sources remain official Madhya Pradesh government portals and credible news outlets.
Note: Following unverified social media accounts attributed to government officers can be misleading. Always rely on official government websites for confirmed information.
Conclusion
Avi Prasad IAS is more than just a high-ranking civil servant — he is proof that determination, academic depth, and a genuine commitment to public service can create real, lasting change.
From a small town in Uttar Pradesh, he built an impressive academic foundation spanning business, law, and management. He then chose the path less taken — leaving a stable RBI job, giving up an IPS seat — all in pursuit of his dream to serve as an IAS officer. His All India Rank 13 in UPSC 2014 was the reward for that persistence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Avi Prasad IAS?
Avi Prasad is a 2014-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre. He is known for his impactful governance, particularly his anti-malnutrition programme in Katni district, and his inspiring UPSC journey.
2. What is Avi Prasad IAS’s age?
Avi Prasad was born on April 9, 1986. As of 2026, he is 40 years old.
3. What is Avi Prasad IAS’s UPSC rank?
He secured All India Rank 13 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2014. He had previously cleared the exam in 2013 with a rank sufficient for the IPS, but chose to reappear to secure the IAS.
4. What is Avi Prasad IAS’s current posting?
As of May 2026, Avi Prasad is serving as CEO, Employment Guarantee Council, Bhopal. He also holds additional charges as Commissioner, MGNREGA, and Director, Watershed Mission (PMKSY 2.0).
5. Who is Avi Prasad IAS’s wife?
His current wife is Ankita Dhakre, a 2017-batch IAS officer and Deputy Secretary in the Madhya Pradesh state secretariat. They married on February 11, 2026, at Kuno National Park. His previous wives were Riju Bafna (2014 batch IAS) and Misha Singh (2016 batch IAS).
6. Who is Misha Singh IAS and how is she related to Avi Prasad IAS?
Misha Singh is a 2016-batch IAS officer who was Avi Prasad’s second wife. She originally belonged to the Andhra Pradesh cadre but transferred to the Madhya Pradesh cadre after their marriage. After their separation, she is now serving as Collector of Ratlam district in Madhya Pradesh.
7. What is Avi Prasad IAS’s educational qualification?
He holds a B.I.B.F. (Hons) from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, an LLB from Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, and an MBA-MBL from National Law University, Jodhpur. He also taught as Guest Faculty at NLU Jodhpur before joining the IAS.
8. What is Avi Prasad IAS’s caste?
Avi Prasad’s caste and category details are Not Publicly Available in any verified official or media source.
9. What is Avi Prasad IAS famous for professionally?
He is best known for launching a community-driven anti-malnutrition programme during his tenure as Collector of Katni (November 2022 – July 2024). The programme, which included the Atal Bal Mitra Yojana, reduced child malnutrition rates in the district by approximately 30%.
10. Where is Avi Prasad IAS from?
Avi Prasad hails from Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh. His grandfather, Tambeshwar Prasad, was a cabinet minister under former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, giving the family a long tradition of public service.
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