Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav, an accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is a shining example of determination, resilience, and dedication. With an All India Rank (AIR) of 16 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021, she transitioned from a medical career to one of the most prestigious administrative roles in India. Hailing from Munger, Bihar, her journey from being an MBBS graduate to an IAS officer in the Rajasthan cadre is both inspiring and motivational.
Early Life and Background
Born on April 1, 1993, in Munger, Bihar, Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav grew up in a family deeply rooted in education. Her father, Shailendra Kumar Shailendra, serves as the principal of Sandalpur Girls’ Middle School in Munger, while her mother is a homemaker. Both her grandparents were educators, and her extended family includes uncles and aunts in government service, fostering an environment of discipline and public service. Her maternal uncle, Naresh Singh Yadav, is a senior leader in the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Munger, adding a political dimension to her family’s influence.
Anshu’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work and perseverance. Growing up in a joint family, she was surrounded by role models who emphasized the importance of education and social responsibility. Her childhood in Munger, a district known for its historical and cultural significance, instilled in her a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to society.
Education and Medical Career
Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav’s academic journey is marked by excellence. She completed her schooling at Notre Dame Academy in Munger, where she displayed a keen interest in science. To pursue her ambition of becoming a doctor, she moved to Kota, Rajasthan, a hub for competitive exam preparation, to prepare for medical entrance exams. Her dedication paid off when she secured admission to the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Patna.
Anshu graduated with an MBBS degree from AIIMS Patna in January 2019. Following her graduation, she worked as a resident doctor at AIIMS Patna and practiced in various hospitals and healthcare centers. Her experience in the medical field exposed her to the challenges faced by underserved communities, igniting a passion for broader social impact. This realization prompted her to pivot her career toward civil services, where she believed she could effect systemic change.
UPSC Journey: From Aspiration to Achievement
Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav’s transition from medicine to civil services was not without challenges. She began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2019, moving to New Delhi to immerse herself in the competitive environment. Her first attempt in 2019 was unsuccessful, as she failed to clear the Preliminary stage. Undeterred, she attempted the exam again in 2020 but faced another setback. However, her third attempt in 2021 proved to be a turning point.
Anshu’s preparation strategy was meticulous and strategic. As an MBBS graduate, she chose Medical Science as her optional subject, leveraging her academic background to score high marks in the Mains examination. She scored an impressive 1022 out of 2025 marks, with 818 in the written Mains and an exceptional 204 in the Personality Test (interview), making her one of the highest scorers in the interview among the top 50 candidates in UPSC CSE 2021.
Her preparation included:
- General Studies (GS): She emphasized reading newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express (especially the Explained page) daily, taking digital screenshots of important articles for revision. She also followed one current affairs magazine to supplement her knowledge.
- Optional Subject (Medical Science): Anshu relied on her MBBS textbooks and reference materials, supplemented by test series from UPSC Medico.
- Coaching and Test Series: She enrolled in a one-year GS course at Vajiram & Ravi, joined Vision IAS for Mains test series, and sought essay mentorship from Vikas Ranjan at Triumph IAS. She also participated in mock interviews to refine her presentation skills.
- NCERTs and Standard Books: Anshu referred to NCERTs for history, geography, polity, and biology, alongside standard UPSC preparation books. She also made concise notes from YouTube videos and free PDFs shared by coaching institutes.
- Previous Year Questions (PYQs): She analyzed PYQs from the last eight years to identify recurring themes, such as flora and fauna in environment, Ashokan inscriptions, and Jainism/Buddhism, which helped her prioritize her study topics.
Anshu’s advice to aspirants is to avoid financial strain from expensive coaching, focus on test series for feedback, and maintain consistency in preparation. Her journey underscores the importance of learning from failures and adapting strategies to achieve success.
IAS Career and Current Role
After clearing UPSC CSE 2021, Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav was allocated the Rajasthan cadre. She began her career as an Assistant Collector (Trainee) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where she underwent training to understand administrative responsibilities. Her first posting in Jodhpur marked the beginning of her contributions to public administration. As of the latest available information, she continues to serve in the Rajasthan cadre, handling various administrative duties with a focus on public welfare and governance.
Anshu’s medical background has likely influenced her approach to administration, particularly in areas like healthcare and social development. Her role involves addressing public grievances, implementing government schemes, and ensuring efficient district-level governance. Her participation in administrative jansunwai (public hearings) in Jodhpur reflects her commitment to resolving citizens’ issues promptly.
Personal Profile and Values
Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav is not just an IAS officer but also a symbol of resilience and social service. Her decision to leave a stable medical career for the uncertainties of UPSC preparation highlights her courage and conviction. She draws inspiration from her family’s legacy of education and public service, aiming to create a lasting impact on society.
Anshu’s personal values include empathy, discipline, and a commitment to uplifting marginalized communities. Her experience as a doctor exposed her to the healthcare challenges faced by rural populations, which she now addresses through her administrative role. She is known for her approachable demeanor and dedication to public service, qualities that have earned her respect among peers and the public.
Achievements and Recognition
- UPSC CSE 2021 AIR 16: Secured an All India Rank of 16 in her third attempt, scoring 1022/2025 marks.
- Highest Interview Marks: Among the top 50 candidates in UPSC CSE 2021, Anshu scored the highest marks (204/275) in the Personality Test.
- Bihar Government Incentive: She was among the five women candidates who received cash incentives under Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Civil Seva Protsahan Yojana for clearing UPSC CSE 2021.
- Inspiration for Aspirants: Her success story has been featured in multiple media outlets, including DNA India, Zee News, and Indian Masterminds, inspiring countless UPSC aspirants.
Challenges and Resilience
Anshu’s journey was fraught with challenges, including two failed UPSC attempts and the pressure of transitioning from a medical career. She faced self-doubt and the intense competition of the UPSC exam, which is considered one of India’s toughest. However, her ability to analyze her weaknesses, refine her strategy, and stay motivated set her apart. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of learning from setbacks.
Advice for UPSC Aspirants
Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav’s insights are invaluable for UPSC aspirants. Some of her key tips include:
- Read Newspapers Daily: Focus on The Hindu and Indian Express for current affairs, and maintain digital notes for revision.
- Leverage Your Strengths: Choose an optional subject you’re comfortable with, as it can significantly boost your Mains score.
- Test Series Are Crucial: Join test series for Mains to improve answer writing and receive feedback.
- Avoid Financial Strain: Opt for affordable or free resources like YouTube videos, NCERTs, and shared PDFs instead of expensive coaching.
- Analyze PYQs: Study previous years’ questions to identify high-yield topics and prioritize preparation.
Conclusion
Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav’s journey from a doctor to an IAS officer is a remarkable story of grit, determination, and purpose. Her academic excellence, strategic UPSC preparation, and commitment to public service make her a role model for aspirants and young professionals. As she continues to serve in the Rajasthan cadre, her contributions to governance and social welfare are poised to leave a lasting impact. Her story reminds us that with perseverance and the right strategy, even the toughest goals are achievable.
FAQs About Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav, IAS
- Who is Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav?
Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav is an IAS officer of the 2021 batch, Rajasthan cadre, who secured AIR 16 in UPSC CSE 2021. She is an MBBS graduate from AIIMS Patna and transitioned from a medical career to civil services. - What was Anshu Priya’s optional subject in UPSC?
She chose Medical Science as her optional subject, leveraging her MBBS background to score high marks in the Mains. - How many attempts did Anshu Priya take to clear UPSC?
She cleared the UPSC CSE in her third attempt in 2021, after failing to qualify in 2019 and 2020. - Where is Dr. Anshu Priya Yadav currently posted?
As of the latest information, she is serving as an Assistant Collector (Trainee) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. - What is Anshu Priya’s educational background?
She completed her schooling at Notre Dame Academy, Munger, and earned an MBBS degree from AIIMS Patna in 2019. - What are some tips from Anshu Priya for UPSC aspirants?
She advises reading newspapers daily, choosing a strong optional subject, joining test series, analyzing previous years’ questions, and avoiding expensive coaching.
Sources:
- IAS Anshu Priya Biography, UPSC Booklist, Optional, Marksheet, Education (AIR 16) – Study925
- Meet Dr. Anshu Priya, AIR 16, Who Scored Highest Marks in Interview Among the Top 50 of CSE 2021 – Indian Masterminds
- Meet Anshu Priya, doctor-turned-IAS officer who got AIR 16 after two unsuccessful UPSC attempts – DNA India
- IAS Anshu Priya: Success story, first posting in Jodhpur, Rajasthan – Zee News
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