From AIIMS to AIR 1: The Inspiring Journey of Anuj Agnihotri, UPSC CSE 2025 Topper
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has declared the final results for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025, and a new name has been etched in the annals of success: Anuj Agnihotri. Hailing from Rajasthan, this doctor-turned-civil servant has secured the prestigious All India Rank (AIR) 1, ending a three-year-long "gruelling journey" on a triumphant note .
Anuj's story is not just about clearing India's toughest exam; it is a masterclass in persistence, discipline, and the courage to follow one's dream, even with a medical degree in hand.
Who is Anuj Agnihotri? The Doctor Who Became a Topper
Anuj Agnihotri is a 26-year-old MBBS graduate from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur, from where he graduated in 2023 . Despite having a secure and respected career path in medicine, Anuj's ambition lay in public administration. His roll number in the official UPSC merit list is 1131589 .
Hailing from a modest background, Anuj is the son of Krishna Bihari Agnihotri, a technician at the Nuclear Power Station in Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh district, and Manju Agnihotri, a homemaker whose sacrifices played a pivotal role in his success . Originally from Uttar Pradesh, the family has been settled in Rajasthan since 1964 .
The 'Gruelling' Three-Attempt Journey to AIR 1
Topping the UPSC exam is rarely an overnight success, and Anuj's journey is a testament to that truth. This was his third attempt at the examination .
First Attempt (2023): He successfully cleared the exam and was selected for the Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS). He has been training as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Delhi since December 2024 .
Second Attempt: He successfully cleared the Mains examination but fell short at the interview stage .
Third Attempt (2025): Persistence paid off spectacularly as he emerged as the country's top-ranked candidate .
Reflecting on his journey, Anuj told ANI, "I gave my first attempt for the UPSC CSE in 2023. I started preparing during my internship in 2022, and it's 2026 now, so obviously, it's been a long time. The journey to UPSC requires a lot of effort. It's a gruelling journey, but the final result is good, so everything feels good" .
Preparation Strategy: Discipline, Optional Subject, and Coaching
Anuj's success formula combined self-discipline with targeted guidance.
Optional Subject: Leveraging his educational background, Anuj chose Medical Science as his optional subject for the Mains examination .
Coaching: He primarily relied on online coaching and supplemented his preparation with interview guidance from a Delhi-based institute, 'Ensure IAS' .
Daily Routine: His mother, Manju, revealed the strict discipline maintained at home to facilitate his studies. "We would never attend family gatherings to avoid any disturbance to our children's lives. We set a timetable for their breakfast, lunch and sleep. We did everything, and now, with God's grace, my son has achieved this success," she told The Indian Express .
The Human Side: The Song He Prepared for the Interview
Beyond the books and strategies, Anuj's personality shone through in a viral moment post-result. Known for his fondness for Adnan Sami's hit song "Mujhko bhi to lift kara de," Anuj revealed in an interview that he had actually prepared the song specifically for the UPSC interview in case he was asked to perform . This blend of preparation and humour has made him a relatable icon for millions of aspirants.
"If they had asked me in the UPSC interview, I would have sung this song," he said before breaking into the tune .
The Question That Stumped the Doctor
In a viral preparation video that resurfaced after his victory, Anuj was asked about 'precision medicine' —a concept he confessed he was not deeply familiar with at the time. Ironically, this approach to personalised healthcare is a growing field, and his honest admission endeared him to many who see humility as a mark of a true public servant .
Family Support and Celebrations
As soon as the results were announced, celebrations erupted at the Agnihotri household in Rawatbhata . His father credited Anuj's hard work, while his mother expressed her desire to visit Vrindavan to pray and thank God .
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also congratulated Anuj via a video call, calling his achievement a moment of pride for the state and an inspiration for lakhs of youth .
Anuj Agnihotri's Advice to Aspirants
For the thousands of aspirants who look up to him, Anuj's message is simple yet profound: maintain your motivation and keep working hard.
Speaking to NDTV, he advised youngsters to preserve their motivation and keep working hard, assuring them that success will inevitably follow . He also emphasised the importance of developing a well-rounded personality through various activities during school and college years .
.jpg)
0 Comments