Thakur Anjali Ajay, a native of Bihar and resident of Surat, Gujarat, has secured the 43rd rank in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2023, becoming an inspiring example of grit, determination, and perseverance.
Born on May 1, 1987, Anjali comes from a humble background. Her father, a former kabaddi player and coach, now works as an LIC agent. Despite limited financial resources — the family was living in a rented house when the UPSC results were declared — Anjali never lost sight of her dream to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Anjali completed her schooling from Government Senior Secondary School and later graduated from Government Post Graduate College in Nalagarh. She decided early on to pursue a career in civil services and chose sociology as her optional subject, drawn by its relevance and scoring potential.
Her journey to success, however, was far from smooth. She first cleared the prelims and mains in 2021 but did not qualify in the interview round. Undeterred, she reappeared in 2022 and managed to secure a place in the final list, although she remained unsatisfied with her rank. Determined to improve, she appeared again in the 2023 exam and achieved an All India Rank of 43.
Anjali scored a total of 1010 marks — 845 in the written examination and 165 in the interview. She credited her success to consistent hard work, a structured study strategy, and a strong desire to serve society. Her decision to keep attempting the exam until she secured a high enough rank to become a district collector reflects her unwavering commitment.
“Cracking UPSC is not just about intelligence; it’s about endurance, resilience, and a clear vision,” she said in an interview after the results.
Anjali’s success underscores how effective planning, subject interest, and determination can help candidates from modest backgrounds break through one of India’s most competitive exams. She now hopes to inspire other aspirants, especially girls from small towns, to pursue their dreams without fear.
