Hey everyone! Welcome back to the blog. Today, I have a story that is going to leave you feeling incredibly inspired, completely amazed, and honestly, a little bit hungry.

When we hear about people cracking the Civil Services Examination (UPSC) which is known to be one of the absolute toughest exams in the entire country, if not the world we usually picture a very serious, strict, and intense lifestyle. We imagine them celebrating with fancy dinners, grand parties, or massive events. But what if I told you that one of the top rankers of UPSC 2025 celebrates his biggest life victories with a simple, spicy, and mouth-watering plate of street food?

Yes, you read that right. UPSC 2025 topper Anuj Agnihotri recently shared his incredible journey, and amidst all the talk of hard work, sacrifices, and long study hours, he revealed that his absolute favorite way to celebrate success is with a good old plate of aloo chaat.

I loved reading about his journey because it feels so real, so human, and so relatable. I just had to share his story with all of you. So, grab a cup of tea (or maybe some chaat if you have it!), and let’s dive into the amazing, heart-warming story of Anuj Agnihotri.

The Unbelievable Moment of Truth

Imagine working day and night for years, pouring your heart into your books, and dreaming of seeing your name on that final selection list. How would you want to find out that you made it? For Anuj, the news arrived in the most unexpected way possible.

He didn't find out by refreshing the UPSC website a hundred times. Instead, he learned about his massive success from a batchmate and friend who called him up before Anuj had even checked the result PDF himself!

When he finally saw the result with his own eyes, he simply could not believe it. Like many true aspirants who know how unpredictable the exam can be, he didn't immediately jump up and start screaming with joy. He just smiled. Recalling that life-changing moment, he said, "I took time and went through the results again because only luck could bring such results."

His parents, Krish Bihari Agnihotri and Manju Agnihotri, were right there with him. The three of them just sat together, trying to absorb the heavy, wonderful reality of what had just happened. "It takes time to process," Anuj mentioned, adding beautifully that they were still slowly processing the magic of the moment. He humbly described his success as a perfect mixture of hard work and pure fortune, thanking God and acknowledging that while effort forms the foundation, luck is often what finally opens the door.

From a Stethoscope to Civil Services

Anuj’s path to the top rank was definitely not a straight or easy line. Before he started dominating the UPSC exams, he was studying medicine. He actually completed his MBBS from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jodhpur.

Now, we all know how insanely tough medical studies are. Balancing medical training with UPSC preparation sounds almost impossible, right? But Anuj managed to pull it off. However, he is quick to give credit where it is due. He admitted that the support he received from his seniors and colleagues made a world of difference. During his demanding medical internship, his peers actually helped share his workload so that he could squeeze out some precious time to prepare for his civil services dream. It just goes to show how important a supportive work environment can be.

The Magic of the Third Attempt

If you think Anuj got it perfectly right on his very first try, think again. Success is a marathon, not a quick sprint, and Anuj’s journey is the perfect proof of that. It took him three attempts to finally secure his top rank.

During his first attempt, he was deeply disciplined. He built his strong fundamentals during this time. He used to wake up sharp at 6:00 in the morning, study for a solid eight to nine hours a day, and go to sleep by 11:00 or 11:30 at night. However, despite this military-level discipline, it did not bring him the final selection.

His second attempt also passed without success. But did he give up? Absolutely not.

By the time his third attempt came around, Anuj had figured out the secret ingredient: balance. He admitted that life became a bit more varied in the later phases of his preparation. He started allowing some social activities back into his life. "The third attempt had some balance," he said, proving that intense discipline and normal humanity can actually co-exist. He realized that long exams test your patience just as much as they test your textbook knowledge. Breakdowns will happen, but they do not have to define your final outcome.

There’s more to life than simply increasing its speed.

By Udaipur Freelancer

Family Time and Captain Cool

Anuj comes from a beautifully modest background. He hails from Rawatbhata, a quiet town near Kota. His father works in the nuclear power sector, and his loving mother manages the household.

During his preparation days, Anuj spent long periods studying at home, and he valued this time deeply. He beautifully pointed out, "Once we leave college and join work, we rarely get such time with parents. I am very thankful for that." He had to leave behind friends and social media during the most intense periods of his study, but he never looked at it as a misery. It was simply a sacrifice for a bigger goal.

When it comes to handling the immense pressure of the exams, Anuj takes inspiration from none other than the legendary MS Dhoni! He is a massive fan of the cricketer. He loves Dhoni’s famous calmness under pressure, noting that this quality is highly relevant not just in sports, but also in administration and running a country. To de-stress, Anuj listens to music, does physical activities, and loves talking to people to learn new ideas.

The Aloo Chaat Celebration!

Now, let's talk about the best part the food! When asked about his personal interests and food, Anuj’s face completely lit up. With an instant smile, he declared, 'Aloo chaat!'

For Anuj, this simple, delicious, tangy street food is his absolute favorite thing to eat. More importantly, he mentioned that a plate of aloo chaat is his go-to way to celebrate any success in life. He even laughed about his love for aloo chaat and happily sang a small line from a famous song he had kept in his mind after seeing his results: "Mujhko bhi to lift kara de."

Isn't that just the best? A doctor from a small town works incredibly hard, faces multiple setbacks, reaches the absolute top of the country, and celebrates with his family and a plate of chaat. It is the purest, most heartwarming image ever.

Dreams Beyond the Exam

Cracking the UPSC is a massive achievement, but for Anuj, the exam is not the end of his ambition, it is just the beginning. Coming from a strong medical background, he has a clear vision for his future. He wants to use the civil services as a platform to bring real change, specifically focusing on public health initiatives and creating better opportunities for the youth.

He strongly believes that many people want to contribute to society but lack the resources or authority to do so, and he hopes administration will help bridge that gap.

Before signing off, he left a beautiful message for those who did not succeed this time. He acknowledged that failure is deeply painful, but reminded everyone that it is never final. Setbacks build your character and resilience. As he said, "If I had not succeeded today, I would have prepared for the next attempt."

Anuj Agnihotri’s story is a beautiful reminder that discipline matters, but so does hope. The path to your goals might twist and turn, but with effort, patience, and a little bit of balance, extraordinary things are within your reach. And hey, when you finally achieve those goals, don't forget to treat yourself to a delicious plate of your favorite food!

What is your favorite food to celebrate a big win? Let me know in the comments below!