Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 4: In a country where lakhs of aspirants spend years chasing the coveted dream of cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Ananya Singh’s journey stands out as a story of youthful ambition, clarity of purpose, and sheer discipline. At just 22 years of age, this bright young woman from Prayagraj became one of India’s youngest IAS officers — and that too, on her very first attempt.
What makes Ananya’s journey remarkable is not just her success, but the way she achieved it. With a calm head and unwavering focus, she managed to secure an All-India Rank (AIR) of 51 in the 2019 UPSC Civil Services Examination. A feat many take years to achieve, Ananya accomplished within a year of disciplined preparation — all while completing her graduation.
Rooted in values, soaring in ambition
Born and raised in the spiritual city of Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad), Ananya was always a high achiever in academics. A student of St. Mary’s Convent School, she scored a stellar 96% in her Class 10 board exams and topped the district with 98.25% in Class 12. But beyond the marksheets and medals, there was a dream quietly brewing — to serve the nation as an Indian Administrative Service officer.
That dream only grew stronger as she went on to pursue her Bachelor’s in Economics (Honors) at the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University. By her final year, while most students were busy with placements or further studies, Ananya had already set her eyes on the UPSC.
Discipline over distraction
Despite the pressure and distractions that come with college life, Ananya stuck to a rigorous study routine. She dedicated 7–8 hours daily to her preparation, carefully balancing her college schedule with her UPSC goals. Her preparation was methodical — collecting the right books, aligning her syllabus, and most importantly, making detailed handwritten notes.
In an interview, Ananya shared that note-making helped her not just understand complex topics better but also made revision more efficient. "It wasn’t about how long I studied, but how focused I was during that time," she said.
The result of relentless effort
In 2019, her hard work bore fruit. Cracking one of the world’s toughest competitive exams in the very first go, Ananya’s AIR 51 result was not just a personal milestone — it became a source of inspiration for thousands of young UPSC aspirants across the country.
Even now, as she steps into her role as an IAS officer, Ananya remains grounded. Her story is a reminder that with the right mindset, strong support, and a dash of self-belief, even the biggest dreams can come true — no matter how young or early the start may seem.
From the classrooms of Prayagraj to the corridors of power, Ananya Singh’s journey is not just a success story — it’s a masterclass in clarity, consistency, and courage.