UPSC Success Story: Meet Dr Anjali Who Skipped MD Dream To Become An IAS Officer
At 28, this young doctor from Chandigarh proved that with grit and purpose, no dream is too big.
UPSC Success Story: Imagine qualifying for one of the toughest exams in India—NEET. Now imagine going a step further and cracking another one—UPSC. This is the extraordinary journey of Dr Anjali Garg, a remarkable woman who didn't stop after becoming a doctor. After battling through hospital shifts, emergency duties, patient care and sleepless nights, she returned home not to rest, but to prepare for yet another formidable challenge: the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
That's exactly what Dr. Anjali Garg did. At 28, this young doctor from Chandigarh proved that with grit and purpose, no dream is too big. Her story is a testament to determination, perseverance and hard work.
Anjali Garg was born on September 14, 1996, in Chandigarh. From a young age, she aspired to become a doctor. Coming from a business-oriented family, her career choice was her own and driven entirely by passion. She scored an impressive 96% in her Class 12 board exams, which laid the foundation for her NEET preparation.
From MBBS Intern to UPSC Aspirant
After clearing NEET, Anjali moved to Delhi to pursue her MBBS at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital. It was during her medical education that she began to observe the gaps in the healthcare system, not just inside hospitals but at the policy level.
This exposure sparked a deeper purpose. While most of her peers were preparing for postgraduate medical entrance exams, Anjali made a bold choice. She dropped her plans for an MD and decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination instead.
Hard Work Paid Off
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Anjali worked full-time as a medical intern while simultaneously preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Despite long 12-hour hospital shifts, she managed to take coaching classes at Karol Bagh, study during breaks, after midnight, and in whatever moments she could steal. Her dedication paid off when she secured an impressive All India Rank of 79 in the 2022 UPSC CSE.
From scoring 96% in her Class 12 exams to letting go of her MD plans midway, and even facing failure in her first UPSC attempt during the chaos of the pandemic, Dr. Anjali Garg's journey shows how determination, consistency and time management can help overcome the toughest challenges. Now, as she steps into her new role as an IAS officer, Anjali's story is one of consistent effort and quiet resilience.
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education UPSC
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Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 20, 2025, 11:59 IST
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