The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on March 6 announced the results of the Civil Services Examination, with 958 candidates qualifying for the prestigious All India Group-A services. 

Anuj Agnihotri secured All India Rank (AIR) 1, emerging as the top performer in one of the country’s most competitive examinations.

Agnihotri hails from Rawatbhata, a small town near Kota in Rajasthan. He completed his early schooling in the town before moving to Jodhpur to pursue medical studies. 

He went on to earn an MBBS degree from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur and completed his compulsory internship in 2023. After finishing his medical training, he decided to prepare for the Civil Services Examination.

Speaking during a mock interview conducted by Delhi-based coaching institute Vajiram & Ravi, Agnihotri said the civil services attracted him because of their “dynamic and diverse nature.”

 While describing medicine as a fulfilling profession, he noted that a career in the civil services would allow him to engage with a broader range of governance and public policy challenges.

During the interview discussion, Agnihotri also addressed several policy issues, particularly those related to public health. Drawing on his medical background, he spoke about the importance of effective communication with citizens during health crises, strengthening hospital preparedness, and ensuring adequate medical infrastructure. 

He also discussed the functioning of health insurance initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Apart from academics, Agnihotri maintained an active role during his time at AIIMS Jodhpur. He served as the batch representative for five years, coordinating communication between faculty and students, organising cultural and academic events, and fostering unity among his peers.

Outside his studies and professional pursuits, the UPSC topper says he enjoys stand-up comedy and is an avid follower of cricket, offering a glimpse into the personal side of the country’s newest civil services topper.