Anupama Anjali, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2018 batch, is a name synonymous with resilience, dedication, and inspiration. With an All India Rank (AIR) of 386 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2017, she has carved a niche for herself in the competitive world of civil services. Born and raised in Delhi, Anupama’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is a testament to her unwavering determination, strategic preparation, and the influence of her family’s legacy in public service.
Early Life and Family Background
Anupama Anjali was born in Delhi, India, into a family with a strong legacy of civil service. Her father is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer with over 37 years of service, currently posted in Bhopal. Her grandfather, too, was a civil servant, making public service a deeply ingrained value in her upbringing. Growing up, Anupama was inspired by the dedication and impact her father and grandfather had on society. In an interview, she shared, “I grew up interacting with my father and grandfather, both civil servants. I realized how they could help people and make significant decisions. It became a motivation for me to pursue a career in UPSC.”
This familial influence played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations. From a young age, Anupama was exposed to the responsibilities and rewards of serving the nation, which fueled her ambition to join the prestigious Indian Administrative Service.
Education: A Foundation in Mechanical Engineering
Anupama Anjali completed her schooling in Delhi, where she excelled academically. Her intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She graduated from a reputed institution, equipping herself with a strong technical foundation. While engineering provided her with analytical skills, her heart was set on a career that allowed her to contribute directly to societal development.
After completing her graduation, Anupama decided to shift her focus toward the UPSC examination, one of the toughest competitive exams in India. Her engineering background gave her a disciplined approach to studying, which she later applied to her UPSC preparation.
UPSC Journey: From Failure to Triumph
The path to becoming an IAS officer is fraught with challenges, and Anupama’s journey was no exception. She appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination for the first time after completing her graduation but did not succeed. This initial setback could have deterred her, but Anupama’s resilience shone through. Instead of giving up, she doubled her efforts, refined her strategy, and prepared for her second attempt with renewed vigor.
In 2017, her hard work paid off when she cleared the UPSC CSE with an impressive AIR of 386. This achievement marked her entry into the 2018 IAS batch, a moment of pride for her and her family. Anupama’s success in her second attempt highlights her perseverance and ability to learn from failure—qualities that continue to define her career.
UPSC Preparation Strategy
Anupama Anjali’s preparation strategy is a goldmine of insights for UPSC aspirants. She emphasized a focused and streamlined approach rather than overwhelming herself with excessive resources. Here are the key elements of her strategy:
- Understanding the Syllabus: Anupama began by thoroughly analyzing the UPSC syllabus. She believed that comprehending the exam’s requirements was the first step to effective preparation.
- One Book Per Subject: Instead of juggling multiple books, she focused on mastering one comprehensive resource per subject. She made detailed notes from these books and updated them regularly with new information.
- Holistic Answers: Anupama stressed the importance of presenting well-rounded answers in the Mains examination. She advised aspirants to consider multiple perspectives—historical, political, ethical, and social—while answering questions to stand out from other candidates.
- Mental and Physical Health: Recognizing the toll of UPSC preparation, she prioritized her well-being. She incorporated meditation, self-motivation, and a 20-minute daily walk into her routine to stay refreshed and focused.
- Avoiding Distractions: Anupama advocated minimizing distractions, such as social events or excessive socializing, to maintain focus during preparation. She believed that discipline was key to success in such a demanding exam.
Her optional subject for the UPSC exam was Anthropology, which she chose for its theoretical nature and relevance to understanding human societies—a subject she found both manageable and interesting.
Career as an IAS Officer
After clearing the UPSC exam, Anupama underwent training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Upon completion, she was allotted the Andhra Pradesh cadre, where she began her career as a civil servant. Her first significant posting was as the Joint Collector of Housing in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. In this role, she worked on various developmental projects, showcasing her commitment to public welfare.
Later, she served as the Sub-Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Rajamahendravaram in the East Godavari district. Her tenure in Andhra Pradesh was marked by her proactive approach to governance and her ability to address local issues effectively.
In 2023, following her marriage to Harshit Kumar, an IAS officer from the 2020 batch of the Haryana cadre, Anupama’s cadre was transferred from Andhra Pradesh to Haryana. This inter-cadre transfer was approved by the Government of India, aligning with the tradition of assigning married IAS officers to the same cadre. She currently serves as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in Bhiwani, Haryana, where she continues to contribute to administrative and developmental initiatives.
Personal Life: Marriage to Harshit Kumar
Anupama Anjali’s personal life garnered significant attention when she married Harshit Kumar in 2023. Harshit, an IAS officer from the 2020 batch, belongs to the Haryana cadre. Their wedding, celebrated with both North Indian and South Indian traditions, became a social media sensation, with pictures of the couple receiving widespread admiration. The union of two IAS officers symbolized a partnership rooted in shared values of public service and dedication.
Following their marriage, Anupama’s cadre transfer to Haryana allowed the couple to work in proximity, balancing their personal and professional lives. Their story is an inspiration to many, showcasing how ambition and love can coexist harmoniously.
Contributions Beyond Administration
Anupama Anjali is not just an administrator but also a social worker with a passion for education. Before her IAS career, she established an NGO focused on educational initiatives, reflecting her belief that structural transformation in society can be achieved through government service. Her experiences as a social worker enriched her perspective as a civil servant, enabling her to address grassroots issues with empathy and insight.
Anupama Anjali’s Success Mantra
Anupama’s journey offers valuable lessons for UPSC aspirants and young professionals alike. Her success mantra revolves around three pillars:
- Perseverance: Failure in her first attempt did not deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to succeed.
- Balance: She emphasized maintaining mental and physical health alongside rigorous study schedules.
- Focus: By avoiding distractions and sticking to a streamlined preparation plan, she maximized her efficiency.
In her own words, “Success can be achieved by continuously preparing with a positive attitude.” Her advice to aspirants is to refresh themselves periodically, stay motivated, and approach the exam with a clear mind.
Legacy and Inspiration
Anupama Anjali’s story resonates with thousands of UPSC aspirants across India. As the daughter of an IPS officer, wife of an IAS officer, and a civil servant herself, she embodies the spirit of service and resilience. Her journey from a mechanical engineering graduate to an IAS officer, overcoming failure along the way, serves as a beacon of hope for those striving to achieve their dreams.
Her current role as ADC in Bhiwani, Haryana, is just the beginning of what promises to be a distinguished career in public administration. With her family’s legacy behind her and her own achievements ahead, Anupama continues to inspire a new generation of civil servants.
Top FAQs About Anupama Anjali, IAS
- Who is Anupama Anjali?
Anupama Anjali is an IAS officer from the 2018 batch who secured AIR 386 in the UPSC CSE 2017. She hails from Delhi and is currently posted as ADC in Bhiwani, Haryana. - What is Anupama Anjali’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from a reputed institution in Delhi. - What was Anupama Anjali’s optional subject in UPSC?
Her optional subject was Anthropology, chosen for its theoretical nature and relevance to human societies. - How many attempts did Anupama Anjali take to clear UPSC?
She cleared the UPSC exam in her second attempt after failing in her first. - Who is Anupama Anjali’s husband?
She is married to Harshit Kumar, an IAS officer from the 2020 batch of the Haryana cadre. - What is Anupama Anjali’s current posting?
As of March 27, 2025, she serves as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in Bhiwani, Haryana. - What is Anupama Anjali’s family background?
Her father is an IPS officer posted in Bhopal, and her grandfather was also a civil servant. - What is Anupama Anjali’s UPSC preparation strategy?
She focused on one book per subject, avoided distractions, maintained mental and physical health, and emphasized understanding the syllabus. - Why did Anupama Anjali’s cadre change from Andhra Pradesh to Haryana?
Her cadre was transferred to Haryana after her marriage to Harshit Kumar, aligning with IAS cadre rules for married officers. - What inspires Anupama Anjali’s work?
She draws inspiration from her father and grandfather’s civil service careers and her desire to bring structural change through governance.
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