Dr. Anuj Agnihotri, an AIIMS Jodhpur alumnus, topped the Civil Services Examination 2025 on his third attempt, attributing his success to 8-10 hours of daily disciplined study despite distractions. His journey highlights the crucial role of consistency and a supportive family environment in achieving UPSC success.

Rajasthan doctor tops UPSC exam in 3rd attempt: ‘There were distractions but I put in 8-10 hours’

Dr. Anuj Agnihotri, a 26-year-old medical graduate from AIIMS Jodhpur, has secured the prestigious top rank in the Civil Services Examination 2025, demonstrating remarkable perseverance in his third attempt. His success is a testament to consistent hard work, maintaining a demanding 8-10 hours of study daily, even while navigating inevitable distractions.

The Journey to UPSC Rank 1: Persistence and Strategy

Anuj Agnihotri’s path to topping the Civil Services Examination is a powerful narrative of dedication and strategic preparation. Hailing from Rawatbhata in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district, Anuj, a qualified doctor, was no stranger to the competitive landscape, having previously secured a position in DANICS (Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Services) in his second attempt in 2023. This prior success, while significant, only fueled his determination for the ultimate goal.

Reflecting on his preparation, Anuj shared, “Although there were distractions, I was still able to put in 8-10 hours daily for preparation. At home, my parents gave me a good environment to study, but the discipline with which I studied during my first attempt in 2023 helped me later on.” This candid admission underscores a critical lesson for all aspirants: acknowledging and managing distractions is more important than eliminating them entirely. The core discipline built early on served as his anchor through subsequent attempts, including a challenging second one where he didn’t achieve his desired rank.

Mastering Time Management Amidst Distractions

As an industry expert, I’ve observed countless aspirants struggle with maintaining focus. Anuj’s experience highlights that achieving 8-10 dedicated study hours daily, especially after a full academic background like medicine, requires a disciplined approach to time management and self-awareness. It’s not just about the quantity of hours but the quality and consistency that truly make a difference in UPSC preparation. His ability to revert to the foundational discipline of his first attempt, even after a minor setback, showcases resilience—a key trait for civil services aspirants.

The Unseen Pillar: Family Support

Behind every successful aspirant, there often lies an unparalleled support system. For Anuj, this was his family. His father, Krishna Bihari Agnihotri, a technician at an Atomic Power Station, emphasized their long-standing commitment to their children’s academic journeys. However, it was his mother, Manju Agnihotri, who made profound personal sacrifices. “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,” she revealed. This level of environmental control and unwavering support created an optimal study atmosphere, minimizing external stressors and allowing Anuj to focus wholeheartedly on his goals.

This is a critical, often overlooked aspect of high-stakes exam preparation. I’ve witnessed firsthand how a chaotic or unsupportive home environment can derail even the most brilliant minds. Anuj’s parents created a sanctuary of learning, validating the belief that a conducive environment is as vital as the study material itself.

UPSC 2025 Results at a Glance

The Civil Services Examination 2025 saw a total of 958 candidates qualify for various central civil services roles, comprising 659 men and 299 women. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted a rigorous selection process:

• Approximately 5.76 lakh candidates appeared for the preliminary examination in May 2025.
• 14,161 candidates qualified for the main examination held in August 2025.
• A total of 2,736 candidates proceeded to the interview stage from December 2025 to February 2026.

The recommended candidates were distributed across various categories: 317 from the general category, 306 from Other Backward Classes (OBC), 158 from Scheduled Castes (SC), 104 from Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and 73 from Scheduled Tribes (ST). Among the successful candidates, 42 individuals were Persons with Benchmark Disability.

Beyond Anuj, other notable achievers include Rajeshwari Suve M (2nd rank, engineering graduate), Akansh Dhull (3rd rank, B Com graduate), Raghav Jhunjhunwala (4th rank, BA Hons Economics), and Ishan Bhatnagar (5th rank, law graduate). Their diverse academic backgrounds further underscore that strategic preparation, rather than a specific prior degree, is the key to UPSC success.

Conclusion: Lessons from a Topper

Anuj Agnihotri’s journey offers invaluable insights for all aspiring civil servants. His success highlights that consistent, disciplined study—even 8-10 hours daily—is achievable and highly effective when paired with a strong commitment to overcome distractions. Crucially, the foundational discipline and a nurturing, distraction-free home environment, fostered by his parents’ sacrifices, played an indispensable role. Aspire not just to study hard, but to cultivate resilience, manage your environment, and build sustainable study habits, recognizing that every attempt is a step towards refined preparation and eventual success.