Lokesh Kumar Jangid is a name synonymous with courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service in India. As a 2014-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, he has made headlines for his bold stance against corruption and frequent transfers, earning both admiration and scrutiny. With an All India Rank (AIR) of 68 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Lokesh transitioned from a promising engineering career to a challenging role in civil administration. This biography explores his early life, educational journey, rise as an IAS officer, controversies, and his enduring impact on Indian governance as of February 22, 2025.
Early Life: Roots in Rajasthan and Maharashtra
Lokesh Kumar Jangid was born in a small village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, in the mid-1980s—exact dates remain private, though he is approximately 38 years old in 2025. His family, rooted in a modest Brahmin Hindu background, faced economic hardships typical of rural India. His grandfather, Madanlal Jangid, a carpenter by trade, migrated to Maharashtra in 1952 seeking better opportunities, laying the foundation for the family’s eventual relocation.
In 1986, when Lokesh was just four months old, his parents—Ramchandra Jangid and an unnamed mother—moved to Nanded, Maharashtra. Tragedy struck early when his father died in an accident in 1993, leaving the family in crisis. Lokesh’s grandfather and uncle, Ashok Jangid, stepped in to support him, fostering a resilient spirit that would define his future. Growing up in Nanded, Lokesh was exposed to a blend of rural simplicity and urban aspirations, shaping his grounded yet ambitious character.
His grandfather’s influence was profound. A voracious reader of newspapers and a follower of political affairs since India’s first parliamentary election in 1952, Madanlal instilled in Lokesh a curiosity about governance and current events. Watching Doordarshan news and parliamentary debates together, they ignited his early interest in civil services—a dream that would later materialize.
Education: From Engineering to UPSC Triumph
Lokesh Kumar Jangid’s academic journey reflects his determination to rise above circumstances. He completed his schooling in Nanded, excelling as a bright student despite financial challenges. His uncle Ashok fully funded his education, ensuring he faced no barriers. Lokesh pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science from the Shri Guru Gobind Singhji (SGGS) Institute of Engineering & Technology in Nanded, graduating in the mid-2000s.
In 2008, his academic prowess earned him a campus placement at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading IT firm. For many, this would have been the pinnacle of success—a stable job in a prestigious company. Yet, Lokesh’s ambitions stretched beyond corporate life. Inspired by his grandfather’s tales of administrative impact, he resigned from TCS and moved to Delhi to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a decision requiring immense courage given the exam’s low success rate.
Lokesh’s UPSC journey was marked by persistence. In his first attempt in 2009, he secured an All India Rank of 910, earning a posting in the Delhi, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS) in Lakshadweep. Undeterred, he continued preparing while serving in the remote islands. After two unsuccessful attempts, the exam pattern changed in 2013, introducing more General Studies papers. In his fourth attempt in 2014, Lokesh achieved AIR 68, securing his place in the IAS—a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Entry into IAS: A Challenging Start in Madhya Pradesh
Lokesh Kumar Jangid joined the Indian Administrative Service in 2014, allocated to the Madhya Pradesh cadre. His first posting as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Vijaypur, Sheopur district, began on November 1, 2016. From the outset, his forthright nature set him apart. Known for calling out inefficiencies and wrongdoing, he quickly earned a reputation as a no-nonsense officer—a quality that would both elevate and complicate his career.
Within months, he was transferred to the state secretariat, the first of many reassignments that would define his tenure. Over the next few years, Lokesh served in various roles, including Additional Collector in Barwani district and Mission Director of the Rajya Siksha Kendra in Bhopal. By 2021, he had faced nine transfers in just 54 months—an unusually high number that sparked public and media attention.
Controversies and Courage: The Whistleblower IAS Officer
Lokesh Kumar Jangid’s career took a dramatic turn in 2021 when he emerged as a vocal critic of systemic corruption. In June of that year, leaked screenshots from a private Signal group of the Madhya Pradesh IAS Officers Association (MPIASOA) revealed his frustration with frequent transfers and alleged malpractices. He accused senior bureaucrats of shielding corrupt officials while honest officers like himself were sidelined to secretarial roles.
His posts, which included claims of corruption in COVID-19-related procurements (like oxygen concentrators), led to his removal from the group and a show-cause notice from the state government. The notice cited a recorded conversation with the General Administration Department (GAD) Principal Secretary, alleging a breach of trust and violation of Civil Services Rules. Lokesh denied wrongdoing, asserting he shared the audio in good faith with colleagues to explain his transfer from Barwani.
The fallout escalated when Lokesh received a threatening call on Signal at 11:50 PM on June 17, 2021, from an unknown number. The caller warned him to stop speaking to the media and take a six-month leave or face danger to himself and his family. Likening his situation to Vyapam whistleblowers, Lokesh sought police protection from Madhya Pradesh DGP Vivek Johri, highlighting the risks he faced for his honesty.
Earlier, in 2017, Lokesh had criticized Congress leaders—including Rahul Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia—over their handling of the Mandsaur farmers’ agitation, comments deemed political and against service conduct rules. The BJP-led government under Shivraj Singh Chouhan transferred him swiftly, though he later regained a significant posting. These incidents underscored his reputation as a fearless officer unafraid to challenge the status quo, even at personal cost.
Seeking Deputation: A Bid for Stability
Frustrated by his treatment in Madhya Pradesh, Lokesh Kumar Jangid applied for a three-year inter-cadre deputation to Maharashtra in June 2021. Citing personal reasons—his 87-year-old grandfather’s diabetes and Parkinson’s disease—he sought stability closer to his family in Nanded. The Madhya Pradesh government had not granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by mid-2021, leaving his request pending amid ongoing tensions.
Career Progression: From Sheopur to Niwari
Despite controversies, Lokesh’s career advanced. By October 2024, he was appointed Collector of Niwari district, replacing Arun Kumar Vishwakarma, after serving as Collector of Sheopur from February 29 to October 10, 2024. This transfer, part of a reshuffle of six IAS officers, marked his tenth posting in less than a decade. His role in Niwari, a relatively new district carved out in 2018, positions him to address grassroots challenges—a task aligned with his stated mission to uplift society.
Personal Life: A Private Resilience
Lokesh Kumar Jangid remains unmarried as of February 22, 2025, keeping his personal life out of the spotlight. His family—grandfather Madanlal, uncle Ashok, and unnamed mother—form his emotional backbone. The loss of his father at age seven and his grandfather’s mentorship have shaped his stoic yet compassionate outlook. Colleagues describe him as smart, outspoken, and quick-thinking, traits reflected in his motto: “If you’re honest, you need not fear anything.”
Legacy and Impact: A Beacon for UPSC Aspirants
Lokesh Kumar Jangid’s journey—from a carpenter’s grandson to an IAS officer with AIR 68—inspires countless UPSC aspirants. His story, widely shared on platforms like UPSC Pathshala and Edukemy, highlights the power of perseverance. Leaving a cushy TCS job to chase a civil services dream exemplifies his extraordinary resolve, a narrative that resonates with students nationwide.
In Madhya Pradesh, his tenure reflects a dual legacy: a whistleblower who exposed corruption and a servant committed to systemic change. While his frequent transfers and clashes with authority have drawn criticism, they also underscore his refusal to compromise on integrity. As of 2025, serving as Niwari’s Collector, Lokesh continues to influence governance, proving that honesty can coexist with administrative duty.
Challenges Ahead: Balancing Duty and Reform
Lokesh faces ongoing challenges—navigating bureaucratic resistance, securing stability, and effecting change in a politically charged environment. His outspokenness, while a strength, risks further friction. Yet, his track record suggests he’ll remain a force for accountability, whether in Madhya Pradesh or beyond.
Conclusion: The Fearless IAS Trailblazer
Lokesh Kumar Jangid’s biography is a saga of grit, intellect, and defiance. From Rajasthan’s villages to Madhya Pradesh’s administrative helm, he embodies the IAS ethos of service amid adversity. For those searching “Lokesh Kumar Jangid IAS” or “UPSC rank 68 biography,” his tale offers lessons in courage and conviction. What’s your view on his journey? Share below and join the conversation about this remarkable civil servant!
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