The result of the Civil Services Examination came as a surprise for UPSC topper Anuj Agnihotri. He first heard the news from a friend and batchmate who called him even before he had opened the result PDF himself.
When he finally checked the list, he found it hard to believe. Like many aspirants who spend years preparing for the exam, his first reaction was not excitement but disbelief.
Recalling the moment with a smile, he said he had to check the results more than once to make sure it was real. “I went through the list again because such a result felt unbelievable,” he said.
His parents, Krish Bihari Agnihotri and Manju Agnihotri, were beside him when the news arrived. The family sat together quietly for a while, trying to take in what had just happened.
“It takes time to process something like this,” he said. “Even now we are slowly absorbing it.”
Agnihotri described his success as a mix of hard work and good fortune. He repeatedly expressed gratitude and said he considered himself fortunate to achieve the top rank.
“I feel very lucky,” he said, adding that while hard work is essential, success also depends on timing, opportunities and support from others.
From MBBS to civil services
Agnihotri’s journey to the top rank was not a straightforward one. He completed his MBBS from All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur and prepared for the civil services exam while continuing his medical training.
He said the encouragement and help from seniors during his internship made a big difference. At times, colleagues shared part of his workload so he could devote time to studying.
His first attempt helped him strengthen his fundamentals but did not result in selection. The second attempt also fell short. It was only in his third attempt that he finally secured the top rank.
Talking about his preparation strategy, he said discipline played a key role. During the early phase, he maintained a strict routine, waking up early and studying for eight to nine hours a day.
In later attempts, he tried to maintain a better balance in life. “I allowed some time for relaxation and small social activities,” he said.
Setbacks, he added, are a natural part of the journey. If he had not succeeded this year, he would have simply continued preparing for the next attempt.
“Failure is part of the process,” he said, encouraging aspirants not to lose hope after unsuccessful attempts but instead review their strategies and move forward.
He also spoke about the importance of spending time with family during preparation. Those years at home gave him moments he values deeply.
“After college and work begin, we rarely get so much time with our parents,” he said.
Agnihotri comes from Rawat Bata, a small town near Kota in Rajasthan. His father works in the nuclear power sector while his mother is a homemaker.
The ups and downs of preparation
Preparing for the civil services exam required sacrifices. During intense phases of preparation, he stayed away from social media and limited contact with friends.
Yet he did not describe the period as entirely difficult. In later stages, he allowed himself short breaks and small moments of enjoyment.
The long preparation process, he said, tests patience as much as knowledge. Aspirants must understand why they want to join civil services and plan their journey carefully.
“UPSC preparation is like a marathon,” he said.
Outside studies, Agnihotri has simple interests. When asked about his favourite food, he smiled and quickly answered: aloo chaat.
To deal with stress, he listens to music and engages in physical activities. He also enjoys conversations with people as a way to learn new ideas.
He is also a big fan of MS Dhoni, admiring the former Indian captain’s calmness under pressure.
Looking ahead
For Agnihotri, topping the exam is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new responsibility.
With his medical background, he hopes to work on improving public health and creating opportunities for young people.
“Civil services provides a platform to take initiative,” he said, adding that administration allows individuals to bring meaningful change in society.
He also had a message for aspirants who could not clear the exam this year. According to him, failure can be painful but it should not be seen as the end of the road.
Experiences from setbacks often build resilience and help people grow stronger.
Stories of UPSC success often appear distant, reduced to ranks and statistics. Agnihotri’s story, however, feels closer to home — a doctor from a small town who worked hard, faced setbacks and eventually secured the top position.
For many aspirants, his journey carries a simple message: perseverance matters, and dreams may take time. When success finally arrives, it may be celebrated quietly — perhaps even with a plate of aloo chaat.