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

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared results for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 on Friday, March 7, 2026. A total of 958 candidates have qualified for appointment to various central civil services. This announcement provides insights for thousands of students preparing for the upcoming UPSC CSE 2026.

UPSC CSE 2025 Results: Key Numbers for Aspirants

The UPSC merit list includes 659 men and 299 women. These successful candidates will fill positions across different central services. The allocation includes 180 candidates for IAS and 150 for IPS roles.

The preliminary examination for CSE 2025 was held in May 2025. Over 5.76 lakh candidates appeared for this initial stage. , 14,161 candidates qualified for the main examination held in August 2025. A total of 2,736 candidates then appeared for the interview stage from December 2025 onwards.

Dr. Anuj Agnihotri’s Journey to AIR 1: Dedication and Resilience

Anuj Agnihotri, a 26-year-old doctor from Rawatbhata in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district, secured All India Rank 1. This was his third attempt at the prestigious examination. Anuj is an alumnus of AIIMS Jodhpur, having completed his MBBS in 2023.

In his first attempt in 2023, Anuj was selected for DANICS, the civil services for Union Territories. He served as an SDM in Delhi, gaining valuable administrative experience. “I was not satisfied with my rank and post of SDM, so I continued my preparation for the next year,” Anuj stated. His second attempt in 2024 saw him clear the mains but fail at the interview stage. Undeterred, he focused on the 2025 exam cycle.

Anuj emphasized the importance of consistent effort. “Although there were distractions, I was still able to put in 8-10 hours daily for preparation,” he shared. His parents provided a supportive home environment for his studies. He credits the discipline from his first attempt in 2023 for his eventual success. “Now that I’ve succeeded today, IT feels so easy,” a delighted Anuj told the media.

Top Performers in UPSC CSE 2025

The top five ranks a diverse academic background among successful candidates. Rajeshwari Suve M, an engineering graduate, secured the second position. Akansh Dhull, a B.Com graduate, achieved the third rank.

These top ranks that success in UPSC CSE is achievable across various academic disciplines. Dedication and a strategic approach are key factors for all aspirants.

Category-Wise Selections in UPSC CSE 2025

The UPSC results also provide a breakdown of qualified candidates across different categories. This data offers a clear picture of representation in the civil services. Many candidates from reserved categories have secured positions.

This diverse representation the inclusive nature of the civil services selection process. IT encourages aspirants from all backgrounds to pursue their goals.

UPSC CSE 2026: Important Dates and Vacancies for Future Aspirants

For students aspiring to join the civil services, the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 notification has already been released. The Union Public Service Commission published the official notification on February 4, 2026. A total of 933 vacancies have been announced for the 2026 cycle. This offers a new opportunity for dedicated candidates.

Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website, UPSC.gov.in. IT is to adhere to the application deadlines. The correction window provides an opportunity to rectify any errors in the submitted application form.

How to Approach UPSC CSE 2026: Lessons from Anuj’s Success

Anuj Agnihotri’s success story offers valuable lessons for all UPSC aspirants. His journey the importance of perseverance and a structured approach. Students can adopt several strategies to their preparation for the upcoming examination.

• Maintain Consistent Study Hours: Anuj consistently put in 8-10 hours daily. Establish a realistic and disciplined study schedule.
• Analyze Previous Attempts: If you have appeared before, critically evaluate your performance. Identify weak areas and focus on improving them.
• Build Strong Foundational Discipline: Anuj credited discipline from his first attempt. Develop good study habits early in your preparation.
• Seek a Supportive Environment: A conducive home environment, as mentioned by Anuj, can significantly aid concentration. Minimize distractions.
• Stay Persistent Despite Setbacks: Anuj faced failure in his second attempt but continued with determination. View setbacks as learning opportunities.
• Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Understand the core concepts thoroughly. This helps in both objective and subjective papers.
• Practice Answer Writing Regularly: For the Mains examination, consistent practice of answer writing is . This improves structure and speed.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Current events form a significant part of the UPSC syllabus. Read newspapers and magazines daily.
• Utilize Official Resources: Refer to the UPSC syllabus and previous year question papers. These are invaluable guides for preparation.

Remember, the UPSC CSE is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent effort and strategic planning are vital for achieving success.

Quick Summary

• UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 results were declared on March 7, 2026.
• Dr. Anuj Agnihotri from Rajasthan secured All India Rank 1 in his third attempt.
• A total of 958 candidates qualified for various central civil services.
• The UPSC CSE 2026 notification was released on February 4, 2026, with 933 vacancies.
• Anuj Agnihotri emphasized consistent 8-10 hours of daily study and strong discipline.

TAGS: UPSC CSE 2025, UPSC Result 2026, Anuj Agnihotri, AIIMS Jodhpur, Civil Services Exam, IAS, IPS, UPSC Topper, Rajasthan, UPSC Preparation, findmycollege.com

Written by Shreoshree Chakrabarty

Shreoshree Chakrabarty is an experienced content writer with over five years of professional expertise in creating engaging and impactful content across diverse formats. Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with well-known brands such as Myntra and Justdial, contributing high-quality content that aligns with brand voice and audience expectations. Academically, Shreoshree holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, and outside of her professional pursuits, she is an avid reader and a passionate traveller who enjoys exploring new places and cultures. She also loves watching movies, finding inspiration in cinema and literature that often reflects in her writing style.

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