Avi Prasad is a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2014 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre who has gained attention for both his administrative work and personal life. Born on April 9, 1986, in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, he secured an impressive All India Rank 13 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2014. Currently serving as Commissioner of MGNREGA with additional charge as Director of Watershed Mission and State Coordinator of PM Poshan Shakti Nirman, he recently made headlines for his third marriage to fellow IAS officer Ankita Dhakre on February 11, 2026.
Avi Prasad Wiki / Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Avi Prasad |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1986 |
| Age | 39 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Profession | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer |
| Service Batch | 2014 |
| Cadre | Madhya Pradesh |
| UPSC Rank | All India Rank 13 (2014) |
| Previous Rank | All India Rank 171 (2013 – IPS) |
| Date of Retirement | April 30, 2046 |
| Current Posting | Commissioner, MGNREGA; Additional charge – Director, Watershed Mission & State Coordinator, PM-POSHAN |
| Domicile State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Current Wife | Ankita Dhakre (IAS 2017 batch) |
| Previous Wives | Riju Bafna (IAS), Misha Singh (IAS) |
Avi Prasad Early Life
Avi Prasad was born on April 9, 1986, in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh. He comes from a family with a strong administrative background. His grandfather was a minister, which influenced his upbringing and aspirations. This family heritage in public service likely shaped his early interest in civil administration.
He grew up in Bihar where he spent his formative years. Details about his parents and specific childhood experiences are not extensively documented in public sources. His early education laid the foundation for his later academic and professional success.
Avi Prasad Education
Avi Prasad completed his Bachelor of International Business and Finance (B.I.B.F Hons) from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, from 2005 to 2008. He then pursued a combined MBA-MBL (Master of Business Laws) degree with specialization in Business Laws and Finance from National Law University, Jodhpur, from 2008 to 2011.
Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. Another source mentions he completed his graduation in Journalism from Delhi University South Campus in 2010. He also worked as Guest Faculty at National Law University, Jodhpur, from May 2011 to June 2012.
His diverse educational background in international business, law, and journalism provided him with a broad perspective on various subjects, which later helped in his administrative career.
Avi Prasad Family
Avi Prasad’s grandfather served as a minister, establishing a family tradition in public service. This political and administrative legacy influenced his career path. Specific details about his parents, their occupations, and other immediate family members are not publicly disclosed.
He is currently married to Ankita Dhakre, a 2017-batch IAS officer. Ankita hails from Ashoknagar district in Madhya Pradesh. Her father, Ravindra Singh Dhakre, is a retired food officer. Information about whether Avi Prasad has children from any of his marriages is not publicly disclosed.
Avi Prasad Career
Before cracking the UPSC examination, Avi Prasad worked at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a Manager from June 2012 to December 2013. He was based in Chennai during this tenure. While working at RBI, he simultaneously prepared for the civil services examination, dedicating 3-4 hours daily on weekdays and 7-8 hours on weekends.
First UPSC Attempt (2013 – IPS)
In 2013, Avi Prasad cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and secured All India Rank 171. Based on this rank, he was selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS). He served as an IPS officer from December 2013 to August 2014.
He had written the Mains examination for the 2012 UPSC exam as well, indicating he had been attempting the examination for multiple years. However, his goal was always to join the IAS rather than IPS.
Second UPSC Attempt (2014 – IAS)
Not satisfied with the IPS rank, Avi Prasad appeared again for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2014 while undergoing foundation training at LBSNAA Mussoorie. He left the foundation course to focus on revision and returned to training only after completing the Mains examination.
His perseverance paid off when he secured an exceptional All India Rank 13 in the 2014 examination. This outstanding rank earned him entry into the Indian Administrative Service with the Madhya Pradesh cadre. He underwent training at LBSNAA Mussoorie from September 2014 to July 2016.
Administrative Postings
After completing his training, Avi Prasad worked as Assistant Secretary (Junior Scale) in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways at the Centre from August 1, 2016, to October 31, 2016. He then began his cadre postings in Madhya Pradesh from November 1, 2016.
He served as Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) in Badnagar from November 2016 to October 2017. During this tenure, he undertook special initiatives for persons with disabilities, which earned him recognition. He was then posted as SDO in Kasrawad and Mandleshwar in Khargone district from July 2017 to May 2018.
In May 2018, he was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District Panchayat in Sidhi. His posting in Sidhi was notable as the district had seen four CEOs in one year, with none staying longer than six months. He accepted this challenging assignment positively.
He later served as Collector of Katni district, where he became known for taking action against malnutrition and for his sensitive approach to public issues.
Current Position
Since August 2024, Avi Prasad has been serving as Commissioner of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He also holds additional charge as CEO of the State Level Nodal Agency for PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana) and State Coordinator for PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman).
Avi Prasad Personal Life
Avi Prasad’s personal life has attracted significant media attention due to his three marriages, all to fellow IAS officers. He has maintained a relatively private personal life despite being a public figure. His administrative work has been characterized by creative initiatives and a people-centric approach.
He is known for making quick decisions and implementing innovative solutions to administrative challenges. Colleagues and seniors have praised his ability to understand complex situations and devise practical solutions.
Avi Prasad Relationship
First Marriage – Riju Bafna
Avi Prasad first met Riju Bafna during their civil services preparation days in Delhi. Their proximity during UPSC preparation led to a close relationship, and they eventually married. Riju Bafna is currently serving as the Collector of Shajapur district in Madhya Pradesh.
She is known in the state as a capable and strict administrator. However, the marriage did not last long. After a few years, both decided to separate by mutual consent, and they divorced. Specific details about the duration of their marriage and reasons for separation have not been publicly disclosed.
Second Marriage – Misha Singh
After his first divorce, Avi Prasad married Misha Singh, a 2016-batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Following their marriage, Misha Singh transferred to the Madhya Pradesh cadre. She currently serves as the Collector of Ratlam district.
Misha Singh took charge of Ratlam in 2025 and has been recognized for her active administrative style. She is frequently in the news for surprise inspections of development works and reviewing implementation of government schemes. This marriage lasted approximately four years before they decided to separate. Both underwent divorce proceedings, and the separation was finalized.
Third Marriage – Ankita Dhakre
On February 11, 2026, Avi Prasad married Ankita Dhakre, a 2017-batch IAS officer, at Kuno National Park. The wedding was a private ceremony attended only by close family members. Ankita Dhakre is currently posted as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of State Administrative Services in the Madhya Pradesh secretariat.
Ankita hails from Ashoknagar district in Madhya Pradesh. Her father, Ravindra Singh Dhakre, is a retired food officer. She has previously served as Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in various districts of Madhya Pradesh. Photographs from the wedding ceremony circulated widely on social media, prompting mixed reactions.
Controversy
Avi Prasad’s third marriage sparked significant discussion in administrative and political circles in Madhya Pradesh. The fact that all three of his spouses have been IAS officers attracted particular attention. Wedding photographs shared on social media generated mixed reactions from the public.
Some people respected it as a personal decision and extended their good wishes. Others questioned the pattern of multiple marital changes and raised concerns about the stability of relationships. The controversy primarily stems from curiosity about his personal life rather than any administrative or professional misconduct.
Media outlets extensively covered the wedding, highlighting the unique situation of an IAS officer marrying for the third time with all spouses being fellow bureaucrats. However, no official complaints or administrative actions have been reported regarding his personal life choices.
Interesting Facts About Avi Prasad
- He secured All India Rank 13 in UPSC 2014, one of the highest ranks in that year’s examination
- He first cleared UPSC in 2013 with AIR 171 for IPS but appeared again in 2014 to achieve his goal of joining IAS
- He worked at the Reserve Bank of India as a Manager while simultaneously preparing for civil services
- He studied 3-4 hours daily on weekdays and 7-8 hours on weekends while working at RBI
- He left his IPS foundation training at LBSNAA Mussoorie to focus on the 2014 UPSC examination
- His grandfather was a minister, establishing a family tradition in public service
- He has diverse educational qualifications including degrees in international business, law, and journalism
- He worked as Guest Faculty at National Law University, Jodhpur, before joining civil services
- During his posting in Badnagar, he undertook special initiatives for persons with disabilities
- As Collector of Katni, he was known for taking action against malnutrition and his sensitive approach to public issues
- He accepted the challenging posting in Sidhi district where four CEOs had served in one year with none staying longer than six months
- All three of his wives are IAS officers currently serving in administrative positions in Madhya Pradesh
- His third wedding took place at Kuno National Park, famous for wildlife conservation efforts including cheetah reintroduction
- He is set to retire on April 30, 2046, giving him approximately 20 more years of service