Anuj Agnihotri UPSC 2025 AIR 1: Background, Marksheet & Journey

Explore AIR 1 in UPSC CSE 2025 Anuj Agnihotri’s background, education at AIIMS Jodhpur, optional subject, attempts, and preparation strategy that led to his success.

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Anuj Agnihotri UPSC 2025 AIR 1 Topper

Key Highlights: 

  • Rank secured by Anuj Agnihotri: AIR 1

  • Age: 26

  • Number of Attempts: 3

  • Optional Subject: Medical Sciences

  • Educational Background: MBBS from AIIMS Jodhpur

Anuj Agnihotri has become an inspiration for UPSC aspirants across the country by securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Examination. 

  • While Anuj Agnihotri has bagged the top spot in the merit list of UPSC CSE Result 2025 , Rajeshwari Suve M has secured AIR 2 and is the female topper of UPSC. 

  • Akansh Dhull is at All India Rank 3 followed by Raghav Jhunjhunwala at AIR 4 as per the UPSC Toppers List 2025.

  • Anuj’s UPSC journey reflects how having a daily routine of rigorous study, focus and discipline can help you succeed and reach your goals. 

Lets have a detailed look at Anuj Agnihotri’s background, attempts and success story through this blog.

Background of UPSC Topper Anuj Agnihotri

Background of UPSC Topper Anuj Agnihotri

  • Anuj Agnihotri hails from Chitttorgarh district in Rajasthan.

  • His father works at the Nuclear Power Plant in Kota while his mother is a homemaker. 

  • He completed 10th standard from Atomic Energy Central School. 

  • He pursued his 12th grade education from M.B. Public Senior Secondary School in Kota. 

  • After completing his high school education, Anuj decided to pursue an MBBS Degree from one of the top medical institutions in India- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur. 

  • It was after completing his degree that Anuj made the decision to pursue an administrative career. 

  • He was able to clear the Union Territories Civil Services (UTCS) examination in the first attempt in 2023. He is currently serving the probation period as an SDM in Delhi.

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UPSC Journey of Anuj Agnihotri

UPSC Journey of Anuj Agnihotri

  • Anuj Agnihotri said in an interview with Hindustan Times that after completing his MBBS degree, he was unsure about his career path ahead. But he was sure he wanted to impact large sections of society. He also wanted to serve the people through his work.

  • He realised that bringing about real change in society required having a position of power and authority. 

  • While being on probation as an SDM, the 25 year-old Anuj Agnihotri continued to prepare for UPSC exams. 

  • In his third attempt, he successfully secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC CSE 2025 Exams. His success, after many attempts, shows the perseverance and planning needed to pass one of India’s toughest exams.

  • In media interviews, Anuj says his mother inspires him to serve people and bring change to society.

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Optional Subject chosen by Anuj Agnihotri

Optional Subject chosen by Anuj Agnihotri

  • UPSC Topper Anuj Agnihotri chose Medical Sciences as his optional subject in the UPSC Mains Examination.

  • Medical Sciences is considered to be a specialized optional subject in UPSC CSE Exam which is more often chosen by the candidates who have a medical degree.

  • As he had completed his MBBS from a top-ranking institute (AIIMS Jodhpur) , it was the most strategic choice for his optional subject as evident by his top rank in the UPSC Final Result 2025. His background provided him with solid foundational knowledge and conceptual clarity in Medical Sciences.

Anuj Agnihotri: UPSC AIR 1 Marksheet

Anuj Agnihotri’s marksheet shows his hard work and deep knowledge. The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination has nine papers in total. However, the board only uses seven of these papers to decide the final rank.

These seven papers include:

  • One Essay paper

  • Four General Studies papers

  • Two Optional Subject papers

Each of these papers is worth 250 marks. According to the 2024 UPSC Examination Rules, these scores determine a candidate's success.

Download Anuj Agnihotri Marksheet UPSC AIR 1 PDF

Here is the overview of Anuj Agnihotri's marksheet in the UPSC CSE 2025 that helped him secure AIR 1:

Component

Maximum Marks

Marks Obtained by Anuj Agnihotri

Written Examination (Mains)

1750

867

Personality Test (Interview)

275

204

Final Total

2025

1071

For a deeper analysis we can also look at UPSC Topper Anuj Agnihotri's subject-wise breakdown of marks:

Subject

Marks

Essay (Paper-I)

108

General Studies-I (Paper-II)

111

General Studies-II (Paper-III)

127

General Studies-III (Paper-IV)

103

General Studies-IV (Paper-V)

126

Optional-I (Medical Science) (Paper-VI)

142

Optional-II (Medical Science) (Paper-VII)

150

Written Total

867

Personality Test

204

Final Total

1071

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UPSC Preparation Strategy and Insights

UPSC Preparation Strategy and Insights

  • Anuj Agnihotri was able to prepare for UPSC Civil Services Examination while juggling his professional commitments as SDM. This shows the importance of time and stress management during UPSC Preparation.

  • His educational background in medical sciences not only helped him in his optional subject but also honed his critical thinking and communication skills which are essential for the UPSC Interview Round.

  • According to his father, his rigorous study routine of 13 hours daily paid off and his dedication towards serving the people drove him to sincerely self-study for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.  Aspirants should dedicate a fixed amount of hours daily to study for UPSC.

  • Anuj Agnohotri’s journey is unique but there are some common strategies that UPSC Toppers follow which helps them succeed in the selection process:

  1. Before analyzing advanced concepts, make sure to focus on core topics in the General Studies. This makes the more technical concepts easier to grasp.

  2. Choose your optional subjects wisely, and ensure that you have a thorough knowledge of the subject. 

  3. Read newspapers like The Hindu and The Indian Express in order to stay informed about current affairs. Moreover, go through government reports and updates about global developments. 

  4. Make sure that you have a structured daily routine that you follow throughout your UPSC Preparation Journey. 

  5. Do not confuse yourself by referring to too many sources for studying concepts. While studying for the UPSC Exam, stick to standard study material like the NCERT Books and revise from them.

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Conclusion

Conclusion

  • The path to becoming UPSC Topper and securing AIR 1 is paved with disciplined focus, a strict routine and sheer hard work.

  • The UPSC CSE Exam is a difficult and competitive exam. To secure the highest rank in this examination is not an easy feat when most candidates struggle to qualify it.

  •  It requires a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge, analytical skills as well as communication skills. 

  • Anuj Agnihotri demonstrated all these qualities as well as the mental capacity to withstand the pressure of UPSC Preparation, becoming a role model for the youth who hope to serve the country.

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KEY HIGHLIGHT

  • Shift in exam pattern: UPSC Prelims 2026 required multi-step elimination over rote memorization

  • Question type:  88% of questions were long statement-based.

  • Cognitive & Reading Load: Aspirants face severe time pressure with a 40% to 60% increase in reading load, necessitating a strict 75-second-per-question solving speed.

  • Change in Subject Weightage: Traditional trends failed as Environment dropped to just 10-12 questions, while History and Art & Culture unexpectedly spiked to 18-20 questions.

  • Higher difficulty level in polity: Testing precise granular facts, Polity featured 8 to 12 questions that mandate reading the bare Constitution text over standard reference books.

  • CSAT analysis: CSAT Reading Comprehension dominated with 30 to 32 questions, utilizing complex, academic passages expanded to 600-900 words.

  • Mains-Level Depth in Prelims: 3 full Ethics and Integrity case-study questions into the objective GS Paper 1.

  • Historically Low Cut-Offs: General category cut-off is expected to fall to a historical decade: range of 81 to 94 marks.

This UPSC Exam Analysis 2026 is the first detailed review of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination held on 24 May 2026.

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KEY HIGHLIGHT

  • Shift in exam pattern: UPSC Prelims 2026 required multi-step elimination over rote memorization

  • Question type:  88% of questions were long statement-based.

  • Cognitive & Reading Load: Aspirants face severe time pressure with a 40% to 60% increase in reading load, necessitating a strict 75-second-per-question solving speed.

  • Change in Subject Weightage: Traditional trends failed as Environment dropped to just 10-12 questions, while History and Art & Culture unexpectedly spiked to 18-20 questions.

  • Higher difficulty level in polity: Testing precise granular facts, Polity featured 8 to 12 questions that mandate reading the bare Constitution text over standard reference books.

  • CSAT analysis: CSAT Reading Comprehension dominated with 30 to 32 questions, utilizing complex, academic passages expanded to 600-900 words.

  • Mains-Level Depth in Prelims: 3 full Ethics and Integrity case-study questions into the objective GS Paper 1.

  • Historically Low Cut-Offs: General category cut-off is expected to fall to a historical decade: range of 81 to 94 marks.

This UPSC Exam Analysis 2026 is the first detailed review of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination held on 24 May 2026.

This strategy includes analysis of GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2, offering subject-wise breakdowns, difficulty ratings, and year-on-year question trends.

Whether you appeared in this exam or are planning for UPSC 2027, adopting this strategy by PadhAI experts will help you understand exactly where the UPSC exam pattern is heading.

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The UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2026 covers GS Paper 1 and CSAT Paper 2 held on 24 May 2026. This page gives you the subject-wise question breakdown, difficulty rating, answer key status, and year-wise trends to sharpen your prep for UPSC 2027.

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Key highlights:

  • UPSC Prelims Exam Date: May 24, 2026

  • Polity topics include Constitutional Framework, specifically Fundamental Rights and the legislative powers of Parliament.

  • Economy topics include things like targeting inflation, using monetary policy tools like Repo and CRR, and the external sector (Balance of Payments).

  • Geography topics include mapping and physical systems, like India's drainage systems and how El Niño and La Niña affect the Indian Monsoon.

  • Topics about the environment include tracking Protected Areas & Conventions, connecting new Ramsar sites and updates to Wildlife Sanctuaries to their specific ecological importance.

  • History topics include Modern Freedom Movements (1857–1947) and the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism in Ancient History.

  • Science & Tech topics include space missions (ISRO), biotechnology (gene editing), and artificial intelligence.

  • Key Concepts in CSAT:  Number Systems and Permutations has become a major elimination factor in recent years.

UPSC Preliminary examination is a two-paper objective exam to select candidates for IAS, IPS, IFS, and 18 other services. UPSC 2026 Prelims date is May 24, 2026. GS Paper 1 carries 200 marks across 100 questions. Your final rank depends entirely on GS Paper 1; CSAT (Paper 2) is qualifying at 33%.

This blog covers the highest-priority topics from UPSC Prelims syllabus 2026, ranked by a 5-year UPSC Prelims PYQ analysis (2021-2025), so you know exactly what to study, in what order, and for how long.

150+ Important Topics UPSC Prelims 2026: Subject-Wise Guide
To clear the UPSC Prelims on May 24, 2026, your strategy must shift from broad reading to targeted high-weightage themes. Based on recent 5-year trends, Polity, Economy, Environment, History account for over 50% of the paper.

150+ Important Topics UPSC Prelims 2026: Subject-Wise Guide

Key highlights:

  • UPSC Prelims Exam Date: May 24, 2026

  • Polity topics include Constitutional Framework, specifically Fundamental Rights and the legislative powers of Parliament.

  • Economy topics include things like targeting inflation, using monetary policy tools like Repo and CRR, and the external sector (Balance of Payments).

  • Geography topics include mapping and physical systems, like India's drainage systems and how El Niño and La Niña affect the Indian Monsoon.

  • Topics about the environment include tracking Protected Areas & Conventions, connecting new Ramsar sites and updates to Wildlife Sanctuaries to their specific ecological importance.

  • History topics include Modern Freedom Movements (1857–1947) and the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism in Ancient History.

  • Science & Tech topics include space missions (ISRO), biotechnology (gene editing), and artificial intelligence.

  • Key Concepts in CSAT:  Number Systems and Permutations has become a major elimination factor in recent years.

UPSC Preliminary examination is a two-paper objective exam to select candidates for IAS, IPS, IFS, and 18 other services. UPSC 2026 Prelims date is May 24, 2026. GS Paper 1 carries 200 marks across 100 questions. Your final rank depends entirely on GS Paper 1; CSAT (Paper 2) is qualifying at 33%.

This blog covers the highest-priority topics from UPSC Prelims syllabus 2026, ranked by a 5-year UPSC Prelims PYQ analysis (2021-2025), so you know exactly what to study, in what order, and for how long.

150+ Important Topics UPSC Prelims 2026: Subject-Wise Guide
To clear the UPSC Prelims on May 24, 2026, your strategy must shift from broad reading to targeted high-weightage themes. Based on recent 5-year trends, Polity, Economy, Environment, History account for over 50% of the paper.

UPSC 2025 AIR 3 Akansh Dhull: Attempts, Marksheet & Journey

Key Highlights:

  • Rank secured by Akansh Dhull: AIR 3

  • Number of Attempts: 4

  • Optional Subject: Commerce & Accountancy 

  • Educational Background: B.Com from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi (DU)

  • Among the 958 candidates recommended by the Union Public Service Commission in the UPSC Final Result 2025, Akansh Dhull has secured All India Rank 3 in the civil services examination. 

  • The UPSC CSE result 2025 was released on 6th March 2026 and securing the first place in the UPSC Toppers list 2025 is Anuj Agnihotri. Rajeshwari Suve M secured AIR 2, with Akansh Dhull at AIR 3 and Raghav Jhunjhunwala at AIR 4.

  • Akansh Dhull emerged as the second-highest ranked male candidate in one of the toughest exams in India which is a rare and hard earned achievement. 

  • This blog traces the UPSC journey of Akansh Dhull providing insights into his background, attempts, marksheet and UPSC preparation strategy.

Akansh Dhull AIR 3 2025
Explore the journey of Akansh Dhull AIR 3 UPSC CSE 2025, his background, SRCC education, optional subject, 4 attempts, & preparation insights.

UPSC 2025 AIR 3 Akansh Dhull: Attempts, Marksheet & Journey

Key Highlights:

  • Rank secured by Akansh Dhull: AIR 3

  • Number of Attempts: 4

  • Optional Subject: Commerce & Accountancy 

  • Educational Background: B.Com from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi (DU)

  • Among the 958 candidates recommended by the Union Public Service Commission in the UPSC Final Result 2025, Akansh Dhull has secured All India Rank 3 in the civil services examination. 

  • The UPSC CSE result 2025 was released on 6th March 2026 and securing the first place in the UPSC Toppers list 2025 is Anuj Agnihotri. Rajeshwari Suve M secured AIR 2, with Akansh Dhull at AIR 3 and Raghav Jhunjhunwala at AIR 4.

  • Akansh Dhull emerged as the second-highest ranked male candidate in one of the toughest exams in India which is a rare and hard earned achievement. 

  • This blog traces the UPSC journey of Akansh Dhull providing insights into his background, attempts, marksheet and UPSC preparation strategy.

Akansh Dhull AIR 3 2025
Explore the journey of Akansh Dhull AIR 3 UPSC CSE 2025, his background, SRCC education, optional subject, 4 attempts, & preparation insights.

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Kartikey Mishra

Growth | FTE| Full-time Sigeek
Kartikey blends strategic growth expertise with a deep understanding of the UPSC ecosystem, shaping how aspirants learn and prepare in the digital age. With over eight years of experience in ed-tech, he leverages data-driven insights, student behaviour patterns, and content distribution strategies to make high-quality UPSC guidance accessible at scale. His work focuses on simplifying preparation journeys, improving learning efficiency, and helping aspirants stay consistent through AI-powered tools and intuitive content design. Kartikey’s intersection of EdTech innovation and UPSC-specific audience understanding allows him to create impactful solutions that directly support aspirants across all stages of their preparation.
a close up of a cell phone with a blurry background

About Author

Kartikey Mishra

Growth | FTE| Full-time Sigeek

Kartikey blends strategic growth expertise with a deep understanding of the UPSC ecosystem, shaping how aspirants learn and prepare in the digital age. With over eight years of experience in ed-tech, he leverages data-driven insights, student behaviour patterns, and content distribution strategies to make high-quality UPSC guidance accessible at scale. His work focuses on simplifying preparation journeys, improving learning efficiency, and helping aspirants stay consistent through AI-powered tools and intuitive content design. Kartikey’s intersection of EdTech innovation and UPSC-specific audience understanding allows him to create impactful solutions that directly support aspirants across all stages of their preparation.

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

The final list of selected candidates for UPSC CSE 2025 is now available.
Check the category-wise cut-off marks for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.
The official schedule for UPSC examinations in 2026 has been released on 15 May 2025.
The results of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 have been officially released.
Check the updated and latest syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026.
The official notification for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 was released on 22 January 2025.
Access the UPSC Prelims 2025 question paper along with the unofficial answer key.

UPSC Exam Dates 2026

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be held on 24 May 2026, and UPSC Mains 2026 will begin on 21 August 2026.

UPSC Selection Process

The UPSC Civil Services selection process consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 & Marksheet

The UPSC Civil Services Result 2024 has been released along with the official marksheet.

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

The final list of selected candidates for UPSC CSE 2025 is now available.
Check the category-wise cut-off marks for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.
The official schedule for UPSC examinations in 2026 has been released on 15 May 2025.
The results of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 have been officially released.
Check the updated and latest syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026.
The official notification for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 was released on 22 January 2025.
Access the UPSC Prelims 2025 question paper along with the unofficial answer key.

UPSC Exam Dates 2026

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be held on 24 May 2026, and UPSC Mains 2026 will begin on 21 August 2026.

UPSC Selection Process

The UPSC Civil Services selection process consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 & Marksheet

The UPSC Civil Services Result 2024 has been released along with the official marksheet.

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Play Duel UPSC quizzes with fellow aspirants

PadhAI UPSC App

We're PadhAI - a free UPSC prep app built by IITians, AI PhDs & top UPSC experts.

Why choose PadhAI?

Read daily top news (TH & IE) & Solve Current Affairs MCQs

Topic-wise search of 30+ yrs PYQs

24×7 AI tutor for doubt resolution

Practice 30k+ MCQs & full GS + CSAT mocks

Play Duel UPSC quizzes with fellow aspirants

PadhAI UPSC App

We're PadhAI - a free UPSC prep app built by IITians, AI PhDs & top UPSC experts.
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