Mahesh Bhagwat, the Director General of Police in Telangana, has quietly mentored thousands of UPSC aspirants for free over the past decade. In the 2025 UPSC Civil Services exam alone, his guidance helped 331 candidates earn selection, marking a powerful example of community-driven student support.
- 331 UPSC Civil Services selections in 2025 credited to Bhagwat’s mentorship
- More than half of 2025 Indian Forest Service successful candidates from his network
- Mentorship effort runs free, leveraging WhatsApp to embrace aspirants nationwide
What happened
Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat, a senior police officer from Telangana, has built one of India’s largest free mentorship networks for UPSC and other civil service aspirants. Over the past eight years, he has dedicated time outside his demanding police duties to guide thousands of candidates through intricate exam processes via WhatsApp groups. In 2025, 331 of the 958 selected UPSC Civil Services candidates were mentored by Bhagwat’s team, representing more than a third of the successful batch.
His guidance also extended significantly to the Indian Forest Service, where more than half of the 2025 selections credited his mentorship, including three consecutive years of All India Rank 1 achievers from his groups. For the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces exams in 2024, 66 candidates from his program secured selection, including several ranking spots within the top 35 nationally. Bhagwat himself rose to the position of Director General of Police in Telangana in April 2026 but remains committed to early-morning mentoring sessions and active group support.
Why it feels good
Bhagwat’s journey from a rural village in Maharashtra to the highest police rank in Telangana gives him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by aspirants, especially those from non-urban backgrounds. He recalls the difficulties of mastering English and navigating an exam system that often seemed intimidating. Inspired by role models who cleared UPSC exams in their mother tongue, he realized opportunity lies within reach, which fuels his passion to make this accessible to others.
His personal experience of preparing mostly alone, supplemented by occasional guidance from seniors, inspired him to create a supportive community for aspirants who face isolation. By mentoring aspirants for free, often before and after his busy workday, Bhagwat is fostering a spirit of solidarity and shared success. This approach resonates widely as it demonstrates how small acts of selfless support can empower thousands to realize their dreams.
What to enjoy or watch next
The mentorship initiative that began with just one WhatsApp group has grown into a robust network covering candidates across the country. Looking ahead, the community continues to expand its reach, aiming to provide personalized guidance and confidence to even more aspirants regardless of their background. This evolving digital support system is a promising example of how technology combined with human care can democratize access to competitive exam preparation.
For those interested in UPSC or similar competitive exams, following the stories of successful mentees from Bhagwat’s groups offers motivation and practical insight. The sustained impact of free mentorship also invites other senior professionals to consider how their own experience could be shared to uplift aspirants nationwide, creating a ripple effect of encouragement and achievement.