This IAS Officer Failed 12th Pre-Boards & Graduation; Cleared UPSC Twice Without Coaching

The story of how IAS Anurag Kumar despite failing during his pre board and graduation proved that success was the only way forward! Read on to know more about him.

5 mins read

This IAS Officer Failed 12th Pre-Boards & Graduation; Cleared UPSC Twice Without Coaching

Some consciously or unconsciously waste their gifted potential and talents without even trying to achieve something worthwhile. The story we are about to indulge you with will surely shake you from your deep slumber to become a better version of yourself instantly.

IAS Anurag Kumar in a relaxing mood with his pet dog

It is the story of IAS Anurag Kumar that relates the stupendous journey of how he became the best version of himself- an exemplary IAS officer today.

Who Is Anurag Kumar, The Man Of Our Story?

Anurag Kumar hails from Katihar district of Bihar. His initial education started at a Hindi-medium school. When he was in class 8, he changed his school to an English-medium school. Imagine how hard and challenging it might have been for a young boy to learn a new language for further study. Initially, he was just an average student.

IAS Anurag Kumar in the midst of nature

Gradually, Anurag's resolute determination not to fall for challenges smoothened the way for his impressive transformation.

A Once Pre-Board Failed Student

Anurag knew well that he was just another average student. Nevertheless, he also knew that he alone had the capacity to achieve excellence. With this mentality in place, he gave his heart and soul to preparing for his 10th board examination. The result was amazing as he secured an impressive 90% mark in it.

A couple of years into his study, during his 12th pre-board exam, he failed in mathematics. Anurag was not ready to be bowed down by this failure. He worked even harder in earnest which eventually led him to score another impressive score of 90% above in the board examination!

This impressive board score provided him the opportunity to get himself enrolled at the prestigious Delhi University`s Lady Shri Ram College of Commerce.

A Once Graduate-Failed Student

Anurag Kumar's academic journey was smooth sailing until he failed in his graduation. According to him, he started to lose focus on his studies during graduation due to excessive indulgence in fun and partying with friends. Consequently, he failed in multiple subjects at his graduation.

However, he buckled up and managed to pass his graduation. This graduation failure became a beautiful life lesson for him. He started improving himself in every way possible to be the man he was destined to become.

IAS Anurag Kumar feeling nostalgic about his friends

Having completed his graduation, he decided to pursue further studies. So, he took admission for a postgraduate course. It was during this period, that the desire to be an IAS officer began to dawn on him passionately. Therefore, setting his priority right, he started preparing for UPSC CSE diligently.

Consistent hard work and a disciplined approach throughout the preparation became his ultimate habit- a thoroughly changed version of himself!

How IAS Anurag Kumar Cracked UPSC Twice Without Coaching

Anurag Kumar attempted his 1st UPSC in 2017 and secured AIR 677. He was not content with this result since his passion was set on becoming an IAS officer. He eventually made up his mind to surely achieve it in his second attempt. With this passion, he once more started to prepare for the UPSC CSE again.

IAS Anurag Kumar with friends in nature`s lap

By dint of hard work, Anurag Kumar improved his rank in the second attempt to be enlisted in the top 50 by securing AIR 48 in CSE 2018. Thus he was recommended to the coveted IAS officers list.

IAS Anurag Kumar served as a District Development Council officer in Bhagalpur during his initial posting. He has recently been promoted to the position of Joint Secretary in Bihar.

Takeaways For UPSC CSE Aspirants

There are moments in life when you will feel that everything is smooth sailing until you realize that the direction you are fond of going is not the right direction for you anymore.
Let that self-realization fuel you to change yourself for the better like IAS Anurag Kumar did!
He too lost his focus during his graduation and failed in multiple subjects but he bounced back to prove the man he was destined to become.
Life in its actual sense of the word provides enough opportunities for all; it's on you to seize the right opportunities and prove your worth.
No one can change you for the better until you decide to change yourself.
Many success stories and motivational talks will come your way; it is up to you to extract what strikes you to the core and start your journey to achieve your dream career, be it as an IAS officer, an IPS officer, or an entrepreneur.

You are another IAS Anurag Kumar in the making. Work hard with the right approach so that someday someone can get inspiration from your success story like IAS Anurag did for you!

All the best Aspirants!