MBBS Graduate Anuj Agnihotri Tops UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025
Chittorgarh resident and MBBS graduate Anuj Agnihotri has achieved the top rank in the Civil Services Examination for 2025, the results of which were declared on Friday by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Currently serving as a sub-divisional magistrate in New Delhi, Agnihotri was with his family in his native Rawatbhata in Chittorgarh when the news broke, leading to spontaneous celebrations across the town and crowds of well-wishers descending on his home.
Discipline and Dedication Key to Success
In an interview, Agnihotri emphasized that discipline and regular study were crucial to his achievement, which came in his third attempt. "I continued studying regularly with single-minded dedication, which has helped me achieve this success today. I want to give a message to the youth of the country: whatever goal you want to achieve, the most important thing is discipline," he said.
Academic and Professional Journey
Sharing details of his journey, Agnihotri revealed that he studied in his hometown up to Class 10 before moving to Kota in 2015 to prepare for AIIMS and NEET-UG. In 2017, he secured an all-India rank of 215 in the AIIMS entrance exam and 306 in NEET-UG, leading to admission at AIIMS Jodhpur, where he completed his MBBS in 2023.
He began preparing for UPSC during his MBBS final year. After clearing the civil service exam in his first attempt and securing the 52nd rank in the reserve list, he was appointed as an SDM in Delhi, joining in December 2024. Dissatisfied with the post, he continued his preparations.
Agnihotri cleared the UPSC exam again in 2024 but failed to make it through the interview. He noted that the first two attempts helped identify his weaknesses and plan his preparations accordingly.
Family Background and Support
Agnihotri's father, Krishna Bihari Agnihotri, works for the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in Rawatbhata, while his mother, Manju, is a homemaker. His elder brother, Anshul, is a B.Tech graduate working for a private company in Hyderabad.
His mother Manju shared, "Anuj was very inspired after watching the movie on cricketer M.S. Dhoni, and he always said he wanted to make it big in life." She added that his medical background made preparations challenging compared to humanities students, but his hard work was his biggest strength. Despite a rigorous study and work schedule, he always made time for family.
Father Krishna Bihari noted Anuj's exceptional commitment, stating, "He set his eyes on the UPSC even as he was pursuing his MBBS, demonstrating a determination to serve the public. With this accomplishment, he has taken a significant step towards fulfilling that ambition."
Political Congratulations
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma congratulated Agnihotri on social media, writing, "Best wishes for a bright future to Anuj Agnihotri, a son of Rajasthan who has brought honor to the state... Your unprecedented achievement will serve as an inspiration to millions of youth."
