“The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches of the classroom.”
These iconic words by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s beloved 11th President, perfectly encapsulate the remarkable journey of IAS officer Anurag Kumar, a boy once considered an underachiever and who not only cracked one of the toughest exams in the world, UPSC Civil Services Examination, but also obtained his service of choice with an AIR 48. In this article by TheHinduzone.com, we will discuss about the Inspiring Journey of IAS Anurag Kumar: From Backbencher to UPSC Topper.
Now, Anurag’s story is not merely that of academic success but, indeed, is a story of endurance, hard work, and never-give-up mentality even after facing repeated failures. This transformation from a backbencher child in a rural school to an officer in one of the most prestigious administrative services of India is an inspiration to thousands of aspirants who constantly wrestle with self-doubt, social pressure, and personal limitations.
Read More: Best IAS Coaching in Delhi
Beginnings and Struggles in School
Anurag Kumar comes from Bihar, a land known for having produced some of the greatest minds of the country. However, Anurag in the very early days of school could not be called a “bright student.” This lad was almost a backbencher, in every sense of the term. His primary education took place in a remote town of Bihar, in a Hindi-medium school where both infrastructure and exposure were lacking.
When he moved to an English-medium school in a new city to study 10th grade, it was probably a sea change in his life. The language barrier made Anurag struggle to understand the lessons, express himself with confidence, and even keep up with his fellows. Slowly, they noticed his marginal performance and began to doubt whether he would pass the examination, let alone top it.
Determination was one thing he had in plenty to overpower obstacles of all kinds, including those posed by language limitations. He refused to give up. Gradually, through great exertions and relentless perseverance, he overcame the language barrier, much to everyone’s shock and his triumph, by scoring over 90% in the 10th board exams!
Facing Failures but Never Giving Up
His struggles did not end in the 10th; 12th-graders had theirs. In his pre-board exams, Anurag suffered a huge setback in Mathematics, which further eroded his already dwindling confidence. This time, too, he chose to confront the situation instead of living with it. Having studied hard and diligently, he went on to clear the final board exams.
College life was no easy ride for him either. He started having back paper; it meant that he had to reappear for a paper in a subject he had failed in earlier. Instead of letting academic failure demotivate his spirit, he used it as fuel to push himself toward doing better and finishing his graduation.
What makes Anurag’s story different isn’t that he failed but that he always got back on his feet after he fell. Every fail was a stepping stone; every struggle was a chance to grow.
The Dream of UPSC
Having graduated from college, he focused all his energy on pursuing a grander dream- clearing the UPSC-Civil Services Examination, the gateway to India’s most prestigious services. The UPSC exam was quite infamous, not only for its syllabus but also for the grit, patience, and emotional balance required to prepare for it. Each year, over 10 lakh candidates apply, and only a few hundred make it to the final merit list.
Having come from a non-English-medium background and with an average scholastic record, Anurag let nothing and no one instil into his psyche a fear of failure. He gave the exam for the very first time in the year 2017 and passed it on the first go with an All India Rank of 677.
For almost all men, that would have been a moment of celebration. And it did mean a celebration for Anurag too, on a very short scale. The rank, however good, did not fetch him his preferred service. He had a dream and was not ready to compromise on it.
The Determination to Try Again
Anurag’s decision to appear for the exam again, even after having cleared it once, speaks volumes about there being some clarity in his objective. Many would have settled for any service under UPSC. Still, Anurag wanted to fulfil his vision of serving this country as an IAS officer – a role laden with heavy responsibilities and the power to create change at the grassroots level.
In 2018, after gaining more experience, analysing things better, and being in better touch with himself, he appeared again and, in his second attempt, tastefully earned an All India Rank 48. The said rank was sufficient to put him into the top 1% of all aspirants, which helped him fulfil his true lifetime goal of becoming an IAS officer.
Lessons for UPSC Aspirants
Anurag’s story offers several valuable lessons for UPSC aspirants and anyone striving to overcome limitations in life:
- Your Past Does Not Define Your Future
Being a backbencher or faltering in academics is just not the ultimate measure of your capability to be great. It is the present that does not decide the future for anybody; rather, events and effort determine one’s destiny. - Language and Background Are Not Barriers
Having had a Hindi-medium background, Anurag had to fight hard to adjust to an English-speaking academic atmosphere. But instead of giving up, he kept up his learning of the language step-by-step and ahead in an examination laden with English-language resources. - Failures Are Stepping Stones
Failing in an exam or having backlogs in college does not make you a failure. What matters is how you bounce back from it. Anurag’s spirit of never giving up, despite having repeated academic failures, is a story of courage. - Success Doesn’t Mean Stop Trying
Somewhat naturally, after having an All India Rank of 677 in the first attempt, Anurag could have chosen to stop. But he knew he could do more, and he was willing to work for it. This unwillingness to accept mediocrity is what sets him apart from others. - Clarity and Consistency Are Crucial in UPSC
UPSC is not merely studying from books but inculcating the ideas, linking them with current affairs, and keeping consistent in the process. Anurag took a very systematic approach, working on his weaknesses, polishing his writing skills, and testing himself through mock examinations regularly. - Aspirants Need to Believe in Themselves
Believe in yourself. This true virtue will be helpful to many, swaying away from self-doubt during times of stiff competition. The story of Anurag proves that believing in oneself and doing something about it will overpower the hardest of difficulties.
Also Read: Top IAS Coaching in India
Conclusion
The story of IAS Anurag Kumar is not simply for cracking UPSC. It is a story of metamorphosis, battling certain limitations – academic, social, mental – and winning. It is a story for every backbencher, every student who has ever been underestimated: You are far more than your marks, more than your language, and more than what anybody thinks of you.
In the end, Anurag says, “The moment I decided, ‘I am going to give the UPSC no matter what it takes,’ was the moment I won.” He further adds, “It doesn’t matter where you start; it’s all about where you set your eyes and how hard you work to get there.” Hence, it is his inspiring journey that continues to motivate thousands across India.
Related Article
Doctor Turned IAS: Dr. Renu Raj’s Journey of Hope for Tribal Communities
Meet IPS Diksha Yadav: Leading the Patna Murder Probe
From Rejections to Rank 39: IAS Ruchi Bindal
Cracked UPSC After Marriage, Now a Fearless IPS in Kashmir!
IPS Eshwar Gurjar’s journey from 10th Failure to UPSC Success
India’s First Blind IAS Pranjal Patil’s Inspiring Story
Shivansh Sharma’s Motivational UPSC Journey
Story of India’s Shortest IAS Arti Dogra
Bus Conductor to IPS Officer: Inspirational Journey of Sivasubramani
Doctor to IAS: Inspiring Story of IAS Tanu Jain
Motivational Story of IAS Anshuman Raj: Cracked UPSC Twice