Born on March 25, 1997, in the Khirhar village of Bihar’s Harlakhi block, Utsav Anand spent his early years away from the spotlight, in the calm town of Deoghar, Jharkhand. His childhood wasn’t spent chasing power or status; it revolved around books, ideas, and quiet ambition. His father, Shyam Sundar Kamat, and mother, Mala Kumari, both valued education deeply and passed on the same to their son. That foundation led him to one of the most competitive engineering colleges in the country, IIT Bombay.
At IIT, Utsav pursued Computer Science, a branch known to open doors to global tech careers. And yet, even with a clear path to a comfortable life, he paused and asked himself a different question—what could he do for the country that shaped him?
A LEAP OF FAITH DURING LOCKDOWN
For Utsav, the turning point came during the COVID-19 lockdown. While most of the world was adjusting to Zoom calls and remote work, Utsav was quietly rethinking his path. The solitude made space for introspection, and a new goal took shape. He decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
No coaching. No classroom hustle. Just him, his books, and a strategy.
He relied entirely on self-study, structured his day, took online classes, and built his preparation around understanding the UPSC syllabus deeply. The optional subject he chose? Mathematics – demanding, precise, and entirely his own strength.
In his very first attempt in 2021, Utsav cracked the exam with an All India Rank of 26.
A SCORE THAT SPOKE VOLUMES
His final score read 1013 out of 2025 – 834 in the written exam and 179 in the interview. But beyond the numbers, it was his calm and clarity that stood out. While most aspirants spend years grappling with the exam, Utsav showed it was possible to do it smartly, in one go, and from the comfort of home.
For many, his story instantly became more than just another success; it became relatable.
SERVING WHERE IT MATTERS MOST
After completing his training, Utsav was posted as Assistant Collector in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. A first posting always comes with a mix of excitement and pressure. But for Utsav, it was also a chance to do real groundwork in a state known for its complex governance challenges.
Despite hailing from Jharkhand and originally being part of the UP cadre, Utsav applied for an inter-cadre transfer to Haryana after marrying fellow IAS officer Anjali Shrotriya from the same batch. The government approved their transfer under the rules for officers married to each other. But as of now, Utsav continues his posting in Saharanpur, a frontline district where every decision can directly touch lives.
THE POWER COUPLE WITH A SHARED PURPOSE
Utsav and Anjali’s story has quietly captured the public imagination. Two brilliant minds, one commitment – to serve. Both belong to the 2022 IAS batch, and both have chosen the road less glamorous but deeply impactful.
Their partnership goes beyond personal life; it’s also about shared values, shared goals, and a future that is tied to making governance work better for people.
STRAIGHT TALK WITH ASPIRANTS
What makes Utsav truly admired among UPSC aspirants is his openness. In interviews and interactions, he has consistently told students that the real difference lies not in expensive coaching but in focused planning. He recommends understanding the syllabus line by line, analysing previous years’ questions to decode patterns, and testing oneself regularly with mock papers.
He didn’t romanticize the struggle. He broke it down into practical, doable steps.
One habit he swears by? Picking editorials from newspapers and practicing answer writing every single day.
A MIND FOR NUMBERS, A HEART FOR SERVICE
Not many combine technical brilliance with public sensitivity the way Utsav does. As an IIT graduate with Math as his optional subject, he brought a structured approach to an otherwise unpredictable exam. And now, in the field, that same clarity helps him work better with data, planning, and policy.
He once said he chose Uttar Pradesh initially because of its size and challenges. That speaks volumes – he didn’t just want a comfortable post; he wanted the kind of work that tests and teaches in equal measure.
WHAT’S NEXT? THE JOURNEY HAS JUST BEGUN
At 28, Utsav Anand’s story is still in its early chapters. As he continues to grow through the ranks, what’s certain is this: whether it’s education, governance, or inspiring the next generation of dreamers, he’s here for the long haul.
Not with grandstanding. But with quiet purpose.
