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

In second place was Rajeshwari Suve M, an engineering graduate from Anna University, Chennai

Rajasthan doctor tops UPSC exam, 2025 UPSC exam, UPSC exam topper, Civil Services Examination 2025, civil services, civil services exams, Indian express news, current affairsUPSC topper Anuj Agnihotri at home in Chittorgarh, Friday. (PTI)

Anuj Agnihotri, a 26-year-old from Rawatbhata in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district, has topped the Civil Services Examination 2025, the result of which was declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday, listing 958 candidates (659 men and 299 women) as qualified for appointment to different central civil services.

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An alumnus of AIIMS Jodhpur, this was Anuj’s third attempt. In 2023, he was selected for DANICS, the civil services for Union Territories. In second place was Rajeshwari Suve M, an engineering graduate from Anna University, Chennai. Akansh Dhull, who is B Com graduate from Delhi University, Raghav Jhunjhunwala, who has a BA (Hons) Economics degree from Delhi University, and Ishan Bhatnagar, a law graduate from Law University, Delhi, secured the third, fourth and fifth ranks, respectively.

Talking to The Indian Express, Anuj said: “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. I couldn’t make it in my second attempt.”

Of the 958 candidates who qualified, 317 candidates were from the general category, 306 from Other Backward Classes, 158 from Scheduled Castes, 104 from Economically Weaker Section and 73 from Scheduled Tribes. Among the recommended candidates are 42 Persons with Benchmark Disability.

A total of 180 candidates were recommended to the IAS, 55 to the IFS, 150 to the IPS, 507 to the Central Services Group A and 195 Group B.

The preliminary examination was held in May 2025, in which 5.76 lakh candidates appeared. After that, 14,161 candidates qualified for the main examination held in August last. A total of 2,736 candidates then appeared for the interviews from December to February, the UPSC said.

Announcing the results, UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar said in a post on X: “The UPSC has declared the final results of the CSE 2025 today. Congrats to all successful candidates as you begin a career of service to the nation. For those who did not make it-the learning from this journey will guide you in the paths ahead.”

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Anuj’s father Krishna Bihari Agnihotri is a technician at the Atomic Power Station in Rawatbhata. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, the family settled in Rajasthan in 1964. “We have been focused on the academic journey of our children since childhood. After MBBS, he told us he wanted to prepare further, so we supported him. I have an elder son who pursued an MBA and settled in Hyderabad. We just want our children to succeed and have a good life ahead,” Krishna said.

He said the credit for their success should go to Anuj’s mother, Manju Agnihotri, who made several sacrifices for their future. “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. We did everything, and now, with God’s grace, my son has achieved this success,” she said.

Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions. Expertise and Experience Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public. Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas: Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight. Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women. Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use. Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More

Damini Nath is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. She covers the housing and urban affairs and Election Commission beats. She has 11 years of experience as a reporter and sub-editor. Before joining The Indian Express in 2022, she was a reporter with The Hindu’s national bureau covering culture, social justice, housing and urban affairs and the Election Commission. Expertise Key Coverage Areas: Damini Nath currently specializes in reporting on two crucial beats: Housing and Urban Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis and reporting on India's urban development, policy, and housing issues. Election Commission (EC): Offering authoritative coverage of electoral processes, policies, and the functioning of India's constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. Professional Background: Her extensive experience includes roles as a reporter and sub-editor, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the journalistic process from fieldwork to final production. Previous Role: Before joining The Indian Express in 2022, she served as a dedicated reporter with The Hindu’s national bureau, where her reporting portfolio included: Culture Social Justice Housing and Urban Affairs The Election Commission beat (a consistent area of focus). Trustworthiness Damini Nath's decade-plus career at two of India's most respected and authoritative news institutions, The Indian Express and The Hindu, underscores her commitment to factual, impartial, and high-quality reporting, establishing her as a trusted and credible source for news on urban governance and electoral matters. ... Read More

 

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