New Delhi. Cracking the civil services examination, widely regarded as one of the toughest tests in the country, is a dream shared by lakhs of young aspirants every year. Success in this grueling journey belongs only to those who refuse to lose heart during difficult times. One such inspiring topper is Anuj Agnihotri, who achieved remarkable success in the examination through sheer dedication and a positive mindset. His journey to the top is not merely a tale of being buried under heavy textbooks, but one that involved immense patience and a healthy dose of music.
How A 1997 Track Lifted His Spirits During Lows
During a recent discussion, IAS Anuj Agnihotri shared that the long and draining preparation cycle for the civil services often left him feeling overwhelmed or low. In such testing times, a specific song served as his greatest pillar of strength. That track was the famous 1997 hit by Adnan Sami, Mujhko Bhi To Lift Kara De. Agnihotri believed that the lively lyrics of the song touched his heart and gave him the renewed vigor and motivation needed to march toward his destination with double the energy.
Beating Exam Stress When Morale Dips
The path of civil services preparation is notoriously long and fraught with unrelenting stress. After months of continuous studying, fear and uncertainty often creep into the minds of aspirants. IAS Anuj Agnihotri experienced similar phases. He recounted that whenever he felt like his hard work was not yielding results or when exhaustion took over, he would listen to music. For him, the lines of the song were not just a tune, but a personal prayer and a powerful source of motivation.
Learning From Mistakes Instead Of Seeking Shortcuts
Securing Rank 1 in the UPSC 2025 examination, Anuj Agnihotri firmly believes that there are no secret shortcuts to clearing this exam. Throughout his preparation, he encountered several turns where things did not go as planned. Instead of giving up or admitting defeat, he chose to learn from his mistakes. He continuously identified his weaknesses and gradually refined his strategy over time. This positive approach helped him overcome every setback and climb to the pinnacle of success.
Focusing On Basics And Consistent Study Habits
Discussing the specifics of his preparation strategy, Anuj Agnihotri emphasized that he always relied heavily on basic textbooks and regular revision. He never indulged in the race of gathering an overwhelming number of reference books; instead, he thoroughly revised whatever he studied multiple times. Furthermore, rigorous answer writing practice and maintaining mental fitness formed the strongest pillars of his success. He maintains that consistent, honest study carried out in small daily amounts makes all the difference in the end.
An Inspiring Message For Future Aspirants
Offering advice to lakhs of aspirants preparing for the civil services examination, IAS Anuj Agnihotri advises them never to let stress overpower their minds. Alongside rigorous studying, he recommends making time for activities that bring peace to the mind, whether it is listening to music, going for a walk, or catching up with friends. Agnihotri's remarkable journey proves that if you possess genuine passion and remain true to your destination, no obstacle can ever hold you back.


















