The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in India. Every year, thousands of aspirants dedicate years of hard work and determination to achieve success. In UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, Anuj Agnihotri from Rajasthan secured All India Rank 1, turning his dream into reality in his third attempt. In an exclusive interview, he shared his inspiring journey, preparation strategy, and advice for future aspirants.
A Surreal Moment of Success
When the UPSC results were announced, Anuj Agnihotri described the moment as surreal and overwhelming. It took him some time to fully process the news that he had secured the top rank in the country.
The most emotional part of the moment was sharing the news with his parents, who were present with him when he checked the result. The family celebrated together, filled with pride and happiness. Interestingly, it was one of his friends who first informed him that he had secured the first rank in the UPSC examination.
Educational Background and UPSC Journey
Anuj Agnihotri completed his MBBS from AIIMS Jodhpur, one of the premier medical institutes in India. His interest in civil services developed during his college years. While studying medicine, he began exploring the possibilities of serving society through administration.
He started preparing seriously for the UPSC examination during his medical internship. His first attempt in 2023 resulted in selection for DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service). However, his ambition was to secure a higher rank and join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). With persistence and continued preparation, he appeared again and ultimately achieved All India Rank 1 in his third attempt.
Balancing MBBS and UPSC Preparation
Preparing for UPSC while pursuing a demanding medical degree was not easy. Medical studies require intense academic focus and long hours in hospitals. However, Anuj managed to maintain balance with the support of his peers.
He credited his seniors, juniors, and batchmates for helping him manage work allocations during internship so he could dedicate time to his studies. Once he returned home for full-time preparation, his family provided unwavering support, creating an environment that helped him stay focused on his goal.
Discipline and Daily Routine
Anuj emphasized that discipline played a crucial role in his early attempts. During his first attempt, he maintained a strict routine. He would wake up at 6 AM and sleep around 11 to 11:30 PM, studying approximately 8 to 9 hours every day.
Interestingly, his third attempt—when he secured the top rank—was slightly different. Instead of following an extremely rigid schedule, he allowed himself more balance with social interactions and recreational activities. According to him, maintaining mental freshness and avoiding burnout also played a key role in his success.
No Regrets, Only Gratitude
Unlike many aspirants who feel they miss out on social life during UPSC preparation, Anuj said he had no regrets about skipping parties or social events.
Instead, he valued the opportunity to spend meaningful time with his parents after completing college. He believes that this time was precious and rare once professional responsibilities begin.
His family has been a strong pillar of support throughout his journey. His parents, Krishna Bihari Agnihotri and Manju Agnihotri, along with his elder brother Anshul Agnihotri, who works in a private company, constantly motivated him to stay focused and confident.
Social Media Use and Coaching Support
During preparation, Anuj minimized distractions by deleting most social media applications from his phone. However, he continued to use Twitter (now X) to stay updated with current affairs.
He also acknowledged the guidance he received from several coaching institutes, including Ensure IAS, especially during mock interviews. Additionally, discussions with friends and fellow aspirants provided valuable perspectives and feedback during his preparation.
Vision for the Future
Anuj Agnihotri believes that civil services offer a powerful platform to create meaningful change in society. With his medical background, he hopes to work towards building a healthier and more sports-oriented society.
He wants to promote public health awareness and encourage physical fitness initiatives that can improve the overall well-being of communities.
Advice for UPSC Aspirants
Anuj shared several important insights for future UPSC aspirants:
- Failures are part of the journey. Instead of getting discouraged by setbacks, candidates should view them as learning opportunities.
- Clarity of purpose is essential. Aspirants should clearly understand why they want to join the civil services, as this motivation helps them stay consistent during difficult phases.
- Proper planning and prioritization are crucial. Effective scheduling and focused study strategies can significantly improve preparation quality.
According to him, perseverance and a positive mindset are the keys to success in this long and challenging journey.
Personal Interests and Favorites
Despite his intense preparation schedule, Anuj also enjoys simple pleasures in life. His favorite food is Aloo ki Chaat, and he recently watched the movie Dhuraldar, which he liked.
His favorite sports icon is M.S. Dhoni, whose leadership and calm personality he admires. To relax and refresh his mind, Anuj prefers listening to music, engaging in physical activities, and spending time talking with people.
One of his favorite songs is “Mujhko Bhi Lift Kara De.”
An Inspiration for Future Aspirants
Anuj Agnihotri’s journey from a medical student at AIIMS Jodhpur to UPSC 2025 All India Rank 1 is a powerful example of determination, discipline, and clarity of purpose. His story shows that with the right mindset, consistent effort, and support from family and mentors, even the toughest goals can be achieved.
For thousands of UPSC aspirants across the country, his journey serves as a reminder that success is not just about hard work, but also about resilience, balance, and believing in one’s dream.
