https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The Real Exam Starts Once in The Service: IAS Anshuman Raj

2020 batch IAS officer Anshuman Raj prepared for civil services exam without the help of any formal coaching He cleared UPSC CSE 2019 with AIR 107 in his fourth attempt He is currently posted as SDM, Narsinghgarh, Madhya Pradesh
Indian Masterminds Stories

Imagine studying by a kerosene lamplight, dreaming of a bigger life. That’s the reality Anshuman Raj faced, growing up in a small village in India. Born and raised amidst humble surroundings, the 2020 batch IAS officer’s journey from Bihar’s Nawanagar to the administrative corridors of Madhya Pradesh’s Narsinghgarh is nothing short of a compelling narrative, marked by determination, perseverance, and a burning desire for change.

Speaking with Indian Masterminds, IAS Anshuman Raj, who is currently posted as SDM, Narsinghgarh, MP, shared about his journey in detail.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Anshuman’s early education at Navodaya Vidyalay and later at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalay, Ranchi, set the stage for his academic prowess. However, it was his pursuit of Marine Engineering at the prestigious Marine Engineering and Research Institute in Kolkata that took him across borders, landing him a position in a Hong Kong-based company.

WHY CIVIL SERVICES?

The seed of civil services germinated during Anshuman’s college days when his voracious reading habits and a deep-seated aspiration for administration took root. Unbeknownst to him, a series of personal encounters, including disheartening experiences with the Directorate General of Shipping in Kolkata, further fuelled his resolve to bring about positive change in the bureaucratic machinery.

“The kind of treatment we received there, inspired me to do something about it,” Anshuman shared with Indian Masterminds.

STUDIED IN KEROSENE LAMPS

Anshuman’s narrative takes an emotional turn as he reminisces about his village’s struggle for electricity, where kerosene lamps served as the only source of light for his studies. “Back in those days, we used to get electricity only for 1-2 hours and that too with a very low voltage. So, kerosene lamps were the only option.”

His parents, economically modest yet rich in support, played a pivotal role in nurturing his dreams. His mother, a para teacher who used to earn only 1,500 monthly, went above and beyond, even starting a beauty parlour – a pioneering endeavour in their village – to financially support the family.

FOUR ATTEMPTS

In his first attempt, he didn’t know much about UPSC, so he simply took the exam. In the second attempt, he prepared diligently and, fortunately, cleared the mains, advancing to the interview round. However, his name didn’t make it to the final list. Undeterred, in his third attempt, he successfully cleared the exam and became an IRS officer. Finally, with a great deal of hard work and patience, he secured All India Rank 107 in his fourth attempt and achieved his dream of becoming an IAS officer.

NO COACHING

The journey was not without its challenges. Anshuman faced financial constraints, compelling him to study in his brother’s rented room in Haldia. He didn’t opt for online coaching, relying on self-preparation and occasional online test series. “For studying, one only requires a quiet room and a library,” he shared.

PREPARATION TIPS

The officer further emphasized the importance of resilience and continuous learning for aspiring civil servants. He discourages the pursuit of shortcuts, advocating instead for a focus on personal strengths. For him, the UPSC journey is not just about clearing exams; it’s a transformative process that shapes one’s entire personality.

WISE ADVICE

His advice to aspirants is rooted in the belief that success doesn’t always come in the first attempt – rather, it’s a learning experience that unfolds over time. “Continue the habit of reading and learning. Becoming a civil servant is not the end, instead, it’s a beginning. Once in the service, the real exam starts,” he said in conclusion.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
NBCC BADMINTON
NBCC Supports Para-Badminton Star Munna Khalid with Specialized Wheelchair to Boost Training & Performance
Private Industry HAL
Private Industry Joins the Cockpit: VEM Technologies Delivers First Centre Fuselage for LCA Tejas Mk1A to HAL
NDA Women Batch
Historic Day at NDA: First-Ever Batch of Female Cadets Passes Out, 17 Female Cadets Graduate From NDA
NBCC
Result: NBCC (India) Q4FY25 Net Profit Jumps 22.5% to Rs 182.6 Cr, Revenue Grows 16.2%; Final Dividend Recommended
Tiger dudhwa
Tigress Tranquilised After Deadly Attacks in Ranthambore; Rajasthan Govt Sets Up Monitoring Committee - Check All Details
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
GRSE Signs Contract for Major Refit of Lightship ‘Indira Point’ - Details Inside
Shri Manohar Lal Lays Foundation Stone for 1000-Seater Auditorium in UP
Manohar Lal Lays Foundation Stone for 1000-Seater Auditorium in Siddharthnagar, Backed by REC’s ₹7.02 Cr CSR Grant
Suspension
Senior IAS Officer Vinay Kumar Choubey Suspended Over Liquor Scam in Jharkhand - Know the Case
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
From Gwalior to the Top 20: What Drove Finance Pro Madhav Agarwal to Crack UPSC CSE 2024 with AIR 16? | Exclusive
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Jogender Sihag
“I Cleared UPSC, But My Grandfather isn’t Here to Hear it,” Jogender Sihag, AIR 521, UPSC CSE 2024
"Life is short; make the most of it, whether in civil service or any other field. Just have a clear vision...
WhatsApp Image 2025-05-28 at 18.56
Didn’t Clear UPSC But Found Something Greater: A Story That Will Change How You See Success
She left a top finance job for UPSC, did not clear but built a thriving wellness brand instead. Veda's...
Mayank Malviya IFS mENTOR
The Amazing Journey of a Failed IFS Aspirant-cum-Mentor Who Has Given More Than 130 Selections in Just 4 Years
From multiple UPSC failures to mentoring 130+ successful aspirants, Mayank Malviya’s Planet Geo empowers...
Social Media
parveen kaswan elephant
Elephant Outsmarts Electric Fence! IFS Parveen Kaswan Shares Incredible Video!
In the now-viral 51-second clip, the intelligent giant approaches a wooden pole supporting high-voltage...
UPSC Latest IAS IPS IFS
UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Tomorrow: ICLS Officer Altap Shaikh Shares Last-Minute Motivation for Aspirants
His five-post thread offers encouragement, practical advice, and emotional support - not just for those...
Anupam Sharma IFS
#BoycottTurkey: IFS Officer Anupam Sharma Sparks Nationalist Call to Action
IFS Sharma urged citizens to avoid Turkish agricultural imports
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
NBCC BADMINTON
NBCC Supports Para-Badminton Star Munna Khalid with Specialized Wheelchair to Boost Training & Performance
Private Industry HAL
Private Industry Joins the Cockpit: VEM Technologies Delivers First Centre Fuselage for LCA Tejas Mk1A to HAL
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT