“Cracking UPSC in the last attempt isn’t luck – it’s the victory of patience, persistence, and the quiet strength to keep going when most would have stopped.”
His journey has been long, filled with challenges, and marked by immense personal growth. Over the years, much has changed – even the nature of the UPSC exam itself – but one thing that remained constant was his unwavering determination and willpower.
Anubhav Singh from Uttar Pradesh secured an All India Rank of 3 in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam, a monumental achievement that stands as an inspiration to every UPSC aspirant. His path was anything but smooth. He faced repeated failures and moments of deep disappointment. Yet, what set him apart was his refusal to give up.
Instead of dwelling on setbacks, he sought solutions. When continuous failures threatened his morale, he secured a job by cracking another competitive exam, using that phase to regroup and rebuild. Eventually, he returned to his true goal – and with a refined strategy and relentless execution, he gave it everything he had.
His story is more than just a success story; it’s a life lesson. It teaches us that if you truly desire something, no obstacle is insurmountable. All it takes is willpower, dedication, and the courage to try again.
Indian Masterminds had the privilege of speaking with Anubhav Singh to learn more about his extraordinary and inspiring journey.
JOURNEY SO FAR: RELENTLESS PERSEVERANCE
He began his UPSC journey in 2016, resigning from his secure PSU job to chase a dream that would test his resilience at every step. His first attempt at the Civil Services Examination (CSE) came the same year, but he couldn’t clear the prelims. Yet, that initial setback only fueled his determination. From his second attempt onwards, he consistently cleared the prelims stage – a feat in itself.
In UPSC CSE 2017, his second attempt, Anubhav couldn’t clear the mains. Interestingly, during his first two attempts, he only focused on the Civil Services Examination and didn’t opt for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam.
Over the years, his journey unfolded across multiple attempts-
- CSE 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022: He cleared the prelims each time. In 2018, he reached the interview stage but couldn’t make it to the final list. In the others, he fell short at the mains level.
- CSE 2021: He chose not to appear due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the IFS exam–
- 2018 and 2022: He cleared the prelims but couldn’t crack the mains.
- 2019 and 2020: He couldn’t clear the prelims.
- 2023: Despite immense effort, he again fell short at the prelims stage.
Throughout these years of perseverance and near-misses, Anubhav didn’t let failure define him. While preparing for UPSC, he also broadened his scope and cracked the UPSC EPFO Exam in 2023, securing a position as an Accounts Officer, where he continues to work today.
And then came UPSC IFS 2024 – his final attempt.
With no more chances left, he pushed himself harder than ever before, balancing full-time work with rigorous preparation. This time, everything aligned. Anubhav Singh not only cleared the exam – he soared to an exceptional All India Rank of 3. A dream nearly a decade in the making had finally come true.
Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “My journey has been very long. This was my last attempt, so I had no choice. I gave it everything I had – while working – to make it to the final list. Finally, it happened. Now, it feels like I’ve redeemed myself.”
BACKGROUND: ROOTS, EDUCATION & THE LEAP INTO UPSC
Anubhav hails originally from the historic city of Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, though his family now resides in Greater Noida. His upbringing was grounded in strong values – his mother, a retired teacher, and his father, who served in the Ministry of Home Affairs before retiring, played a significant role in shaping his disciplined approach to life.
He completed his schooling up to Class 12 in Banaras, laying the academic foundation that would eventually support his ambitions. In 2014, he graduated with a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Durgapur, West Bengal, one of the premier engineering institutions in the country.
After graduation, Anubhav joined Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) as a Sales Officer. For two years, he worked diligently in the corporate sector. But in 2016, driven by a higher calling and a deep desire to serve the nation, he made a bold decision – he resigned from his stable job and stepped into the demanding world of UPSC preparation.
Despite his best efforts and unwavering dedication, success in the Civil Services remained elusive for several years. Over five rigorous attempts, Anubhav wrote five mains examinations and reached the interview stage once, yet he narrowly missed final selection each time.
But failure didn’t break him – it built him. And eventually, it became the foundation for a triumph that would inspire countless others.
UPSC PREPARATION: THE REAL CHALLENGE LIES IN EXCUTION
Reflecting on his long and intense journey, Anubhav noted that the nature of the UPSC exam has evolved significantly over the years, especially at the preliminary stage. He observed that the exam has become more analytical and applied in nature, requiring aspirants to think critically rather than rely solely on rote memorization.
“Even if you’ve studied well, you still need to apply your mind sharply in the exam,” he said. “It’s no longer just about what you know, but how well you can apply that knowledge under pressure.”
However, despite these changes in approach and question patterns, Anubhav pointed out that the core static syllabus has largely remained the same. Standard recommended books still form the foundation of preparation – especially for prelims – along with a strong focus on current affairs.
He emphasized that there are no secret strategies when it comes to cracking the exam.
“The basic strategy is known to everyone,” he said. “The real problem lies in execution. This exam demands true dedication and consistent hard work. Many aspirants fall into the trap of procrastination or lose focus along the way.”
Anubhav candidly shared one of the mental challenges he faced during his preparation: what he called the “Perfectionist Trap.”
“I struggled with this for a long time. I kept thinking I would give my absolute best one day, better than everyone else. But in chasing this idea of a perfect day, I kept waiting – and it never came. It’s a mental trap that delays progress.”
He advises aspirants to start slow and build momentum gradually, warning against the common pitfall of jumping in with an unrealistic approach.
“Most people begin their preparation with high intensity, thinking they’ll master everything in just a few months. But when reality hits, they burn out early and can’t sustain the pace. The key is consistency, not speed.”
In terms of subjects, his optionals were Geology and Forestry for the Indian Forest Service, while he chose Public Administration for the Civil Services Examination.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: A GLIMPSE INTO GRILLING
Anubhav shared that his IFS interview went well and was largely DAF-based (Detailed Application Form), with the panel drawing questions from his background, current affairs, and professional experience.
Given the ongoing India-Pakistan geopolitical issues, the panel asked questions related to the situation, testing his awareness and ability to analyze current developments with a balanced perspective.
As he is currently serving in EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation), the board took the opportunity to delve into questions related to pension schemes and comparative pension systems, evaluating his grasp of public administration and policy implementation.
One board member explored his hobbies, while another tested his domain knowledge with questions on wildlife management – a key area considering his IFS optional subjects.
“One of the most interesting questions,” Anubhav recalled, “was about the role of tribal communities in traditional ecological and conservation knowledge. It was a deep and thoughtful question, reflecting the panel’s intent to assess not just factual knowledge, but also my understanding of ground realities and cultural dimensions.”
The variety and depth of the questions highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the UPSC interview, where candidates are evaluated not just for what they know, but for how they think, respond under pressure, and connect different fields of knowledge.
SUGGESTIONS: FOCUS, STRATEGY & PERSEVERANCE
Sharing his valuable insights, Anubhav emphasized the importance of long-term focus and dedication, especially after clearing the prelims stage.
“This exam demands intense and sustained concentration over the long haul,” he said. “My advice to aspirants is to try to clear the exam within the first few attempts. It makes the entire journey easier, and life becomes more fulfilling.”
He cautioned that without a strong start, aspirants often face multiple challenges along the way.
“Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus right from the start. Analyze everything carefully, and then put in consistent hard work and dedication. These elements are crucial for success.”
Additionally, Anubhav recommended that joining a job while preparing can be beneficial.
“Balancing a job alongside preparation can actually make the journey smoother. It provides stability and helps you manage your time and priorities better.”
Anubhav’s story is more than just one of success – it is a beacon of hope for every aspirant who has faced failure. It proves that the path may be long, but with grit, adaptability, and unwavering will, even the most distant dreams can become reality.
