From CA to IAS Aspirant: Bhopal Candidate Cracks UPSC 2025 with AIR 274

Aspirants across India often dream of cracking the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination, but achieving success on the first attempt is rare. In an inspiring journey from Bhopal, a determined candidate, Anjani Mishra, secured All India Rank (AIR) 274 in the 2025 examination after beginning preparation only in 2024.

The aspirant, who is a qualified Chartered Accountant, made the bold decision to leave a stable job and dedicate full-time efforts to civil services preparation. With a disciplined routine that combined online coaching and self-study, the candidate successfully cleared all three stages of the exam: Prelims, Mains and Interview in the very first attempt.

Preparation Journey

The journey began in 2024 in Bhopal, where the aspirant relied heavily on online learning platforms along with structured self-study. After clearing the Preliminary examination in 2025, the focus shifted toward intensive preparation for the Mains examination and subsequently the personality test (interview).

Despite the success, the journey was far from easy. The aspirant revealed that the long preparation period brought significant physical and mental stress, along with constant uncertainty about the final outcome.

Challenges During Preparation

Preparing for the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination often involves sacrifices. In this case, the aspirant had to step away from a promising career as a Chartered Accountant to pursue the dream of becoming a civil servant.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by CAclubindia (@caclubindia)

The pressure intensified as peers continued progressing in their professional careers, while the aspirant remained focused on exam preparation. Managing mental health and staying motivated during uncertain times became one of the biggest challenges.

Role of Family and Mentors

The aspirant credited family support as a major pillar behind the success. The happiness and pride of parents and relatives after the results were announced made the difficult journey worthwhile.

Mentors also played a crucial role. Guidance from family members, including an uncle who assisted during the interview stage, along with support from mentors and groups such as the MP Officers Association, helped maintain motivation throughout the process.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

This inspiring UPSC journey highlights several important lessons:

• Consistent preparation and discipline are essential for success.
• Mental health management is crucial during long exam cycles.
• Strong support systems from family and mentors can boost morale.
• Career sacrifices and determination often become part of the journey toward competitive exams.

Conclusion

The story of this Bhopal aspirant shows how determination, strategic preparation and strong support networks can turn a dream into reality. From leaving a Chartered Accountant career to achieving AIR 274 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, the journey stands as a motivating example for thousands of UPSC aspirants across India.