Anuj Agnihotri from Rajasthan secured the top rank in the UPSC CSE 2025 exam, the results of which were declared on Friday. The MBBS graduate from AIIMS Jodhpur, a UPSC senior, said he was initially “not clear about his life’s purpose” but was “sure to serve people”.
“Initially, I was not clear about my goal in life. But I was sure that I wanted to serve people through my work and make an impact on a larger section of society,” Anuj told Hindustan Times in an interview.
Anuj’s father, Krishna Bihari, said his son studied for around 13 hours a day and cleared the exam without consulting any coaching centre.
‘He realized that…’
Recalling his journey, Anuj said that he started his MBBS in 2017. Later, he said, he realized that bringing about meaningful change in society also required a position of authority.
“…I realized that one also needs some strength to bring any change. I discussed with my parents and started preparing for civil services. I couldn’t believe the day I cleared UTCS. I locked myself in my room and cried with joy for half an hour,” HT quoted the UPSC topper as saying.
Anuj passed the Union Territories Civil Services (UTCS) exam in his first attempt in 2023. He is currently on probation as SDM in Delhi.
’13 hours a day, no coaching…’
Anuj’s father said that when the 25-year-old was on probation, he still continued to prepare for the UPSC exams.
“It was his third attempt. He never consulted any coaching centre. It is all about his own hard work and dedication. He used to study around 13 hours a day. Today we are proud of our son. I am sure he will be one of the best IAS officers in the country,” said Anuj’s father Krishna Bihari.
Anuj’s father works as an engineer in the Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant.
Talking about the “inspiration” for his success, Anuj Agnihotri said that his mother has always been his inspiration to serve people.
“My mother has always been my inspiration to serve people and bring change in our surroundings,” the 25-year-old told HT.
UPSC CSE Result 2025
A total of 958 candidates were recommended for IAF, IFS, IPS and Central Services this year. Anuj Agnihotri stood first while Rajeshwari Suve M and Akansh Dhull secured the second and third positions respectively.
Agnihotri bagged AIR 1 in his third attempt.
