At an age when most are still figuring out their path, Ishitva Anand has already arrived. Not by chance, not by luck—but through clarity, consistency, and quiet conviction. His journey is not just about securing All India Rank 50 in UPSC CSE 2025. It is about understanding the process early, making mistakes quickly, and growing faster than most.
EARLY ROOTS, QUIET BEGINNINGS
Ishitva was born in Patna. Like many aspirants, his story did not begin with a grand dream of becoming an IAS officer. It evolved slowly.
He moved to Delhi at a young age and later joined a residential school in Mussoorie. Those years, he says, planted the first seeds of civil services in his mind. Not through pressure, but through exposure.
Living in an environment where discipline and public service were valued, he began to observe and absorb. But even then, the idea was not fully formed.
It was only later, during his college days at Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College, that the aspiration took shape.
COLLEGE YEARS: WHERE CLARITY FOUND HIM
Pursuing Geography Honours, Ishitva found himself in an environment that naturally aligned with UPSC preparation. The department, the peer group, and the academic culture played a big role.
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But what set him apart was not just the environment—it was his decision to act early.
While still in college, he decided to give his first attempt in 2024.
He knew he might fail. In fact, he expected to.
“I knew somewhere I would make mistakes. So I wanted to fail early and learn early,” he said while speaking to a media platform.
That first attempt became his biggest teacher.
THE FIRST FAILURE THAT BUILT SUCCESS
In his first attempt, Ishitva cleared the prelims but could not clear the mains. For many, this would have been discouraging. For him, it was a turning point.
He realized that UPSC is not just about knowledge. It is about perspective, answer writing, and clarity of thought.
“Prelims is about books. But mains is beyond books. It is about your opinion, your understanding,” he explained.
Instead of feeling defeated, he used the experience to recalibrate. He understood where he lacked and what needed improvement.
This phase shaped his strategy for the next attempt.
THE SECOND ATTEMPT: SMART WORK OVER HARD WORK
In 2025, when he appeared for his second attempt, things were different.
He was calmer. More focused. More aware.
He did not increase his study hours drastically. Instead, he improved the quality of his preparation.
He focused on answer writing. He worked on structuring his thoughts. He practiced articulation.
“This time I knew what to study and from where. That clarity made all the difference,” he shared.
This shift—from uncertainty to clarity—became the foundation of his success.
BALANCING COLLEGE AND UPSC
One of the most striking aspects of his journey is that he prepared alongside college.
He did not isolate himself. He did not give up on college life.
Instead, he balanced both.
He studied 3–4 hours daily during initial phases. He attended college. He maintained friendships. He participated in activities.
He planned his time carefully—even months in advance.
He knew when exams, fieldwork, and academic commitments would come. He adjusted his UPSC preparation accordingly.
This practical planning helped him avoid stress.
HANDLING DISTRACTIONS THE RIGHT WAY
In today’s world, distractions are everywhere. Social media is often seen as the biggest enemy of preparation.
But Ishitva took a different approach.
He did not quit social media. He controlled it.
He followed useful pages, government sources, and current affairs platforms. He used it as a tool, not a distraction.
He also emphasized the importance of peer group.
Being around positive and motivated people helped him stay focused.
THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF SUCCESS
Behind the rank and the result lies a deeply emotional journey.
Ishitva openly admits that there were moments of self-doubt.
There were times when he felt he could not do it.
There were days when pressure built up.
But he kept going.
“Even before mains, I felt I was not able to do it. I even cried. But you have to keep improving,” he said honestly.
That honesty reflects the reality of UPSC preparation—a mix of confidence and doubt.
THE MOMENT OF RESULT
When the final result came and he saw his name with Rank 50, the feeling was overwhelming.
He had hoped to clear the exam. But such a high rank was beyond expectation.
“I just wanted my name in the list. I never imagined Rank 50,” he said.
The moment was filled with joy, relief, and emotion. Years of effort had finally paid off.
HIS MESSAGE TO ASPIRANTS
Ishitva’s journey carries a clear message.
Start when you are ready. Not too early, not too late.
Stay consistent.
Focus on the process, not just the result.
And most importantly, compete with yourself.
He believes motivation should not come from the glamour of the services. It should come from within.
From the desire to improve. From the urge to reach one’s potential.
A JOURNEY STILL BEGINNING
At just 22–23 years of age, Ishitva Anand has achieved what many dream of.
But for him, this is not the end. It is just the beginning.
His story is not just about cracking UPSC. It is about understanding life early, making smart choices, and staying grounded.
In a world of shortcuts and distractions, his journey stands as a reminder—
Success is not about doing everything.
It is about doing the right things, at the right time, with the right mindset.
