Anuj Agnihotri, who topped the 2025 UPSC civil services exam, on Friday spoke about the “inspiration” for his achievement, and the realization that helped push him towards it.
The 25-year-old said: “My mother has always inspired me to serve people and make changes in our surroundings.” UPSC announced the CSE 2025 results earlier today, with Agnihotri emerging as an All India Rank (AIR 1) holder.
Anuj also did his MBBS from AIIMS, Jodhpur, passed the Union Territories Civil Services (UTCS) examination in his first attempt in 2023, and is currently on probation as an SDM in Delhi.
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Anuj remembers the starting point in his career, where he was not clear about his specific goal but was clear about the broader picture.
“At first, I wasn’t clear about my purpose in life,” he said. “But I was sure that I wanted to serve people and make an impact on a larger section of society through my work.”
Tracing his journey, he said he started his MBBS degree in 2017. “…I realized that a person also needs some strength to make any change. I discussed with my parents and started preparing for the civil services. The day I got my UTCS degree, I couldn’t believe myself. I locked myself in my room and cried for half an hour with joy.”
During his training, Anuj continued his preparations for the UPSC exams. “This was his third attempt. He has never consulted any coaching centre. It is all about his hard work and dedication. He studied for almost 13 hours a day. We are proud of our son today. I am sure he will be one of the best IAS officers in the country,” said Krishna Bihari, Anuj’s father, who works as a technician at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station.
