https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

“My Mother Lived 15 Years in a Single Day,” Navneet Anand’s UPSC Success Story is a Heartwarmer

At 23, Navneet cleared the UPSC CSE on his third attempt. He also serves as an Assistant Commandant in the CISF. These accomplishments brought with them numerous challenges, fostering maturity, learning, and growth
Indian Masterminds Stories

Navneet Anand, a 23-year-old from the small village of Harbhanga in Bihar’s Purnia district, has defied the odds to crack the coveted UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) in his third attempt. His story is one of resilience, grit, and a burning desire to break free from the limitations of his background. Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Naveent cracked UPSC CAPF at the age of 21 and is currently under training as an Assistant Commandant in CISF. 

EARLY LIFE 

Harbhanga, where Navneet’s story begins, is a place where a teacher’s job is considered the pinnacle of achievement. Education, for many, remains a luxury. Yet, Navneet’s parents, despite their farming background, instilled in him the value of academics. This push led him to leave home for boarding school in class 3rd, a pivotal decision that set him on the path to excel.

“After competing in an All India Competition, I secured admission to Sainik School, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. I have spent 8 years there, receiving all my grooming and training at this esteemed institution,” he shared. 

Life, however, wasn’t easy. When Navneet was just in class 7th, tragedy struck. He lost his father in a road accident. The weight of responsibility landed on his young shoulders. He saw his mother struggle financially and face insensitive comments in a society not known for gender sensitivity. It was a turning point, a moment that ignited a fire within him – a fire to achieve something remarkable, something that would not just secure his future but also bring respect to his mother.

Navneet had his sights set on the National Defense Academy (NDA), but his dream was cut short by -2 myopia. Undeterred, he strategized. He decided to prepare for other government exams while pursuing a degree in economics from Ambedkar University, Delhi.

LOVE FOR BASKETBALL, CAPF, CSE 

His preparation journey was a mosaic of dedication and diverse passions. Every day, he carved out 2-3 hours for focused study in the library. But Navneet wasn’t just about books. Basketball and painting served as his therapy, outlets to unwind and recharge. ”Basketball is therapy to me. I am a National level player,” Navneet shared. 

His first two UPSC attempts, in 2021 and 2022, didn’t yield the desired result – clearing the prelims. Yet, he didn’t let setbacks deter him. He used these years strategically. While he couldn’t clear the prelims, he completed the syllabus for the UPSC CSE mains exam and the optional subject. He also cleared other prestigious exams like CDS, UGC NET JRF, and most importantly, the UPSC CAPF, with an impressive rank of 37. This backup plan, a demonstration of his early and consistent efforts, provided him with a safety net.

Assistant Commandant (OT) CISF
Assistant Commandant (OT) CISF

Determined to conquer the prelims in his third attempt, Navneet dedicated eight dedicated months to it. He focused on Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs) over mock tests, a strategy that eventually paid off. Clearing the prelims instilled in him a newfound confidence; he knew the mains, his core area of strength, wouldn’t pose much difficulty. “And I was right. I finally aced the mains and the interview stages, securing an All India Rank of 499, without any coaching,” Navneet shared with Indian Masterminds

MOTHER’S HAPPINESS 

His success story resonates most deeply with his mother. The years of struggle, and the taunts she faced, all seem insignificant compared to the immense pride she feels today. “Seeing this change has brought so much happiness to me,” says Navneet, his voice filled with emotion. He goes on to add, “My mother said, ‘I lived 15 years in a single day.'” His success is as much his as it is hers. 

Navneet Anand with his Mother
Navneet Anand with his Mother

FAILURES AND COMEBACK 

Navneet’s journey wasn’t without its moments of self-doubt. During his initial failures, he would confide in friends, jokingly calling himself “unlucky.” But his belief in his knowledge, honed through years of consistent study, meticulously tracked his study hours. Starting with 90 hours a month, he gradually pushed himself, aiming for a monthly target of 300 hours. While he never quite reached that goal, his dedication was evident, with his highest recorded study month clocking in at 267 hours.

Study Hours
Study Hours

He emphasizes honesty with oneself: “When we are honest with ourselves, we don’t owe anyone anything.”

In his third year, he published a novel on Amazon titled “Richie and Giggs: A Tale of Two Doodles. Additionally, he paints and has received medals for his artwork. These activities served as therapeutic outlets throughout my journey. During my third attempt, I started watching movies in the theatre, a change I consciously brought into my routine. 

A Novel by Navneet Anand
A Novel by Navneet Anand

PRELIMS STRATEGY 

Navneet’s preliminary preparation strategy in his third attempt focused on revision. He recognized that the vast amount of material covered in the UPSC could only be truly mastered through consistent revision. He categorized his study material into “core” and “periphery” lists. The core list, revisited every 2-3 days, included essential NCERT textbooks, M. Laxmikanth’s book on Indian Polity, and Spectrum.” Current affairs and YouTube videos were relegated to the periphery.

Looking back, Navneet emphasizes the importance of revision for UPSC aspirants. He advises focusing on core study materials, meticulously reviewing previous years’ question papers, and maintaining control over social media usage. He also credits his reliance on Google Excel.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Shipping-Corporation-of-India-SCI
Leadership Updates: PESB Recommends Nitin Khamesra as Director (Finance) of Shipping Corporation of India Limited
CQB carbine
Decade of Transformation: Army Signs ₹27,770 Crore Deal for 4.25 Lakh Made-in-India CQB Carbines
Rajaji tiger reserve
Wildlife Adventure Returns: Rajaji Tiger Reserve to Resume Jungle Safari from 15 November 2025 — Online Registration Now Open
Panna police
Panna Police Under Siege: SHO and Constable Injured as Villagers Launch Brutal Attack
MP Police games
Khaki Power on the Podium: MP Police Shine at All India Police Games 2025 with Gold, Yoga & Judo Glory
India Russia R-37M missile talks
India Russia R-37M Missile Talks Advances to Arm Su-30MKI fighters
IAF MRFA project
114 Fighters, One Mission — MoD Pushes for 100% Indian Involvement in IAF MRFA Project
Ias sam rizvi
Hyderabad: Principal Secretary IAS SAM Rizvi Opts for Voluntary Retirement Amid Dispute with Telangana Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Shipping-Corporation-of-India-SCI
Leadership Updates: PESB Recommends Nitin Khamesra as Director (Finance) of Shipping Corporation of India Limited
CQB carbine
Decade of Transformation: Army Signs ₹27,770 Crore Deal for 4.25 Lakh Made-in-India CQB Carbines
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT