There is a moment in every UPSC aspirant’s journey when ambition feels heavier than hope. When preparation is no longer exciting, and the future refuses to offer clarity. For those who would one day secure Rank 1, this moment arrived often – quietly, persistently – testing not intelligence, but endurance.
The examination did not dominate their lives with glamour, but with sacrifice. Sleep was rationed, relationships were placed on hold, and certainty became a luxury they could not afford. Each attempt demanded an answer to uncomfortable questions: Is this still worth it? How much more can I give? The fear of falling short was constant, even as effort intensified.
These were years shaped by restraint and resolve. Careers were paused, salaries declined, and milestones passed without celebration. Failure was not a possibility – it was an experience, one that forced reflection, reinvention, and renewed belief. What sustained them was not confidence in success, but commitment to purpose.
This series looks beyond the final rank to those fragile, formative years when outcomes were unknown and perseverance was the only currency. It captures the discipline built in isolation, the courage to continue after rejection, and the quiet strength that precedes visible success.
In this installment, Indian Masterminds turns its lens to a new generation of UPSC Rank 1 achievers from the late 2010s and early 2020s. Their stories are not just about topping an examination, but about how resilience transforms uncertainty into service—and doubt into leadership.
- Nandini K. R. (UPSC CSE-2016, Rank 1) – Current Posting: Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Karnataka
- Durishetty Anudeep (UPSC CSE-2017, Rank 1) – Current Posting: Collector and District Magistrate, Khammam (Telangana)
- Kanishka Kataria (UPSC CSE-2018, Rank 1) – Current Posting: Commissioner, Bharatpur Development Authority (Rajasthan)
- Pradeep Singh Malik (UPSC CSE-2019, Rank 1) – Current Posting: Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Manesar (Haryana)
- Shubham Kumar (UPSC CSE-2020, Rank 1) – Current Posting: Municipal Commissioner, Bhagalpur (Bihar)
Read Also: From Ordinary to Iconic: The Untold Journeys of India’s UPSC Rank 1 Toppers (1990 – 1995)
Nandini K R
Early Life and Education
IAS Nandini was born on 15 September 1990 in Kolar district, Karnataka, into a humble middle-class family that deeply valued education. Despite limited resources, her parents emphasized discipline, hard work, and learning, which shaped her character from an early age. Nandini completed her schooling at a local government school, where she consistently demonstrated academic excellence and participated actively in extracurricular activities.
She went on to pursue Civil Engineering from M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, further strengthening her analytical and problem-solving abilities. During her undergraduate years, she developed a strong desire to serve society through public administration, firmly setting her goal of becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.
Inspiring Civil Services Journey
Her civil services journey is a powerful example of perseverance and determination. She aspired to become an IAS officer since childhood and remained committed to her goal despite multiple setbacks.
- 2013: Failed to clear the UPSC Preliminary Examination in her first attempt.
- 2014: Secured All India Rank 849 and was allocated to the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise).
- 2015: Could not appear for the Mains examination due to a severe dengue infection.
- 2016: In her fourth attempt, she topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination with All India Rank 1 while undergoing IRS training at the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics, Faridabad.
She scored 1120 marks out of 2025 (927 in Mains and 193 in the Interview), achieving 55.3%, and chose Kannada Literature as her optional subject. Her achievement was remarkable, emerging first among nearly 10 lakh aspirants, with only 180 candidates ultimately securing IAS positions.
Distinguished Administrative Career
Ms Nandini is a 2017-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre. Before joining the IAS, she worked as an Assistant Engineer in the Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD), gaining valuable administrative and field experience.
Following her IAS induction, she served in various capacities, including Assistant Commissioner roles across the state. She later served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zilla Panchayat, Mandya District, where she earned national recognition for her exceptional work in water conservation, for which she was honored by President Droupadi Murmu.
As of late 2025, she is serving as the Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes in Karnataka, continuing to contribute effectively to public administration through integrity, leadership, and a strong commitment to public welfare.
Durishetty Anudeep
Early Life and Education
Mr Anudeep was born on 6 July 1989 in Telangana, India, into a supportive middle-class family. His father, D. Manohar, works as an Assistant Divisional Engineer with the Telangana Northern Power Distribution Company, while his mother, Jyothy, is a homemaker. Anudeep completed his schooling at Sri Suryodaya High School and Sri Chaitanya Junior College, where he showed strong academic aptitude.
He went on to earn a B.Tech in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering from BITS Pilani, Rajasthan, graduating in 2011. It was during his engineering years that he developed a keen interest in civil services and public administration. Outside academics, he enjoys football, reading, and meditation, and is an admirer of Arsenal FC, Lionel Messi, and Roger Federer.
Inspiring Civil Services Journey
IAS Anudeep’s UPSC journey is a testament to resilience, self-reflection, and continuous improvement. He made his first attempt in 2012, clearing the Mains examination but falling short at the Personality Test stage. Subsequently, he worked as a software engineer at Google, balancing a demanding corporate job with UPSC preparation.
In 2013, he was selected for the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise). His attempts in 2014 and 2015 did not yield success, but he continued learning from his mistakes and refining his strategy. Without enrolling in any formal coaching, he relied heavily on online resources and studied mostly on weekends.
In his fifth attempt, while serving as an Assistant Commissioner (Customs & Indirect Taxes) in Hyderabad, he achieved All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017. He chose Anthropology as his optional subject, driven by his interest in the evolution of human society. Anudeep has since shared his preparation strategies and experiences through a personal blog to guide future aspirants.
Distinguished Administrative Career
He is a 2018-batch IAS officer of the Telangana cadre. Before joining the IAS, his tenure in the Indian Revenue Service provided him valuable exposure to government functioning, including firsthand experience during the GST rollout, which he describes as professionally enriching.
As an IAS officer, he has held several key positions, including Additional Collector (Local Bodies), Bhadradri-Kothagudem, beginning in May 2019, where he also completed his district training in a region marked by developmental challenges and Left-Wing Extremism.
As of 2025, he is serving as the Collector and District Magistrate, a high-responsibility role he assumed in July 2023. His work has earned him public recognition, including an award from the Governor of Telangana for exemplary election-related services and a Certificate of Appreciation for initiatives benefiting senior citizens.
Known for his practical administrative philosophy, Anudeep emphasizes achieving “small wins” – resolving long-pending issues and improving grassroots governance – as the true essence of effective public service.
Kanishka Kataria
Early Life and Education
Kanishka Kataria was born on 17 October 1992 in Rajasthan and displayed exceptional academic brilliance from a young age. He completed his schooling at St. Paul Senior Secondary School, Kota, scoring 94% in Class 10 and 96% in Class 12. His strong foundation in academics led him to secure an outstanding All India Rank 44 in the IIT-JEE (2010).
He went on to pursue a B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering from IIT Bombay, one of India’s premier institutions. Later, he further broadened his academic credentials by earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Commercial Law from National Law University, Delhi. His father has been a major influence and role model in shaping his values and aspirations.
Inspiring Civil Services Journey
Mr Kataria’s journey to the civil services is marked by courage, clarity of purpose, and a strong sense of national service. After completing his education, he worked as a Data Scientist and Data Analyst with reputed multinational companies, including Samsung in South Korea and startups in Bengaluru. He was also offered lucrative international opportunities with a salary reportedly exceeding ₹1 crore per annum.
Despite professional success, he chose to leave the private sector in 2017, driven by the realization that he wanted to contribute meaningfully to nation-building rather than pursue wealth alone. With focused preparation, structured planning, and coaching support from Delhi, he studied 8–10 hours daily, increasing to 15 hours a day in the final months.
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2018, Kanishka Kataria achieved All India Rank 1 in his first serious attempt, making him one of the youngest UPSC toppers. He chose Mathematics as his optional subject and later described his top rank as a pleasant surprise. His success story continues to inspire aspirants of both UPSC and IIT-JEE.
Distinguished Administrative Career
IAS Kataria is a 2019-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre. After completing his training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, he has served in several important administrative roles across the state and at the national level. His postings include:
- Assistant Collector, Bikaner
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Ramganj Mandi (Kota)
- SDM, Mount Abu (Sirohi)
- CEO, Zila Parishad, Alwar
- Assistant Secretary, Government of India
- Joint Secretary to Government, Department of Personnel, Rajasthan
Currently, he is serving as the Commissioner, Bharatpur Development Authority, Rajasthan, where he continues to demonstrate efficiency, integrity, and a development-oriented approach to governance. His retirement is scheduled for 31 October 2052.
Outside work, Kanishka Kataria is a passionate follower of cricket and football, reflecting his balanced personality alongside a demanding administrative career.
IAS Pradeep Singh Malik
Early Life and Education
Mr Pradeep was born on 6 July 1991 in Sonipat district, Haryana, into a humble farming family. His father, Sukhbir Singh Malik, is a farmer and a former village Sarpanch, who played a crucial role in shaping Pradeep’s values and aspirations. His mother, Sheela Devi, is a homemaker. He has an elder brother, a mechanical engineer, and a younger sister, a postgraduate in mathematics.
He completed his schooling in Sonipat, attending Shambhu Dayal School for his early education. He later pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering from Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, graduating in 2012. He is proficient in Hindi and credits his father as his primary source of inspiration to serve society through public administration.
Inspiring Civil Services Journey
IAS Pradeep’s UPSC journey reflects persistence, disciplined planning, and unwavering determination. After graduation, he prepared for the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examination and cleared SSC CGL, joining the Income Tax Department in Delhi as an Inspector, where he worked for nearly five years.
His initial two UPSC attempts ended at the preliminary stage. In his third attempt (2018), he secured All India Rank 260 and was allocated to the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes). While undergoing probation at NACIN, Faridabad, he continued his preparation alongside official duties.
In his fourth attempt (2019), he achieved the highest possible success by securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, fulfilling his long-cherished dream of becoming an IAS officer. He chose Public Administration as his optional subject. Throughout this challenging journey, constant encouragement from his father helped him overcome moments of self-doubt and maintain focus on his goal of working for the needy and contributing to national development.
Distinguished Administrative Career
He is a 2020-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre. Following his training, he has served in several key administrative roles across the state, gaining strong grassroots and governance experience.
His postings include:
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Sohna
- SDM, Pataudi
- Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and CEO, District Council, Nuh, where he launched the youth-focused initiative “Khelo Mewat” to promote sports and positive engagement among local youth
- Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Citizen Resources Information Officer
In December 2025, he assumed charge as the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Manesar (MCM). In this role, his priorities include improving public service delivery (such as property ID issuance and birth/death certificates), strengthening sewerage and sanitation infrastructure across villages and new sectors, and ensuring timely execution of civic works.
Before joining the IAS, his extensive experience in taxation and revenue administration – as an Income Tax Inspector and later as an IRS officer – provided him with a strong foundation in government functioning. Today, Pradeep Singh Malik is widely regarded as a role model for aspirants, exemplifying how perseverance and dedication can lead to extraordinary success.
Shubham Kumar
Early Life and Education
Mr Shubham hails from Katihar district, Bihar, and grew up in a family that valued integrity, discipline, and education. His father, a bank manager, played a significant role in shaping his values of honesty, dedication, and continuous learning. Shubham completed his Class 10 education at Vidya Vihar Residential School and Class 12 from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro, where he built a strong academic foundation.
He went on to pursue a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Bombay, one of India’s premier institutions. During his time at IIT, a research internship in the United States exposed him to global standards of development and, more importantly, highlighted the stark socio-economic disparities in India. This experience strengthened his resolve to pursue public service instead of a corporate career.
Inspiring Civil Services Journey
His UPSC journey is a powerful example of perseverance and strategic self-improvement. He made his first attempt in 2018, which did not yield success. In his second attempt (2019), he secured All India Rank 290 and was allocated to the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS). While undergoing training, he reflected deeply on his preparation strategy and refined his approach with greater consistency and self-assessment.
In his third attempt, he achieved the highest possible success by securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020. He chose Anthropology as his optional subject. His motivation throughout the journey was clear—to work for rural development, poverty alleviation, and employment generation, with a strong emphasis on grassroots governance and people-centric administration.
Distinguished Administrative Career
He is a 2021-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre. Known for his grounded administrative philosophy, he believes that effective governance requires a strong “people connect” and responsiveness to local needs.
He is currently serving as the Municipal Commissioner, Bhagalpur, where he is responsible for managing urban administration and civic services. His work reflects a commitment to transparent governance, infrastructure improvement, and inclusive development.
On the personal front, Shubham married IRS officer Priyangi Mehta on 1 June 2025 in a private ceremony held in Patna, Bihar. Priyangi Mehta is herself a distinguished achiever, having topped the 68th BPSC examination and later clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Together, they represent a shared commitment to public service and nation-building.
