This 26-Yr IITian From Lucknow Left High-Paying Job For Clearing UPSC Examinations

Among India’s most grueling academic challenges, the UPSC Civil Services Examination and the JEE Advanced stand out as tests of not only intelligence but perseverance. Each year, 10 to 12 lakh candidates compete in these exams, with only a handful achieving success. In this landscape of fierce competition, the journey of 26 years old Anushri Sachan shines as a powerful example of determination and grit.

Anushri cracked the JEE Advanced in 2017 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Though her academic path was already distinguished, she envisioned a future in public service. Setting her sights on the UPSC Civil Services Examination, she appeared in 2021 and again in 2023 but did not clear the prelims on either attempt. Undeterred, she continued her preparation, driven by a desire for greater impact.

Her first breakthrough came in 2022 when she secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 633 in the UPSC exam. While it was a commendable achievement, it fell short of her expectations. Encouraged by her family, she made one more attempt and this time, in 2024, she succeeded with an AIR of 220.

Anushri’s journey was filled with sacrifices. After graduating from IIT, she received a research opportunity from the Technical University of Munich in Germany. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made travel impossible. Around the same time, she declined a job offer from a bank, as her passion remained rooted in serving the nation through the civil services.

Learning from her previous setbacks, Anushri focused her preparation strategy on intensive practice. She revisited old question papers, participated in test series and consistently honed her answer-writing skills. In an interview, she emphasised that the key to her improved performance was regular practice. For her, discipline was non-negotiable, even on days she did not feel like studying, she stuck to her routine, dedicating nearly ten hours a day to her preparation.

She credited much of her emotional resilience to a healthy lifestyle and hobbies. She said that playing badminton helped her manage stress and sharpen her focus. When reflecting on her success, she attributed it to three core values- discipline, patience and consistency.

Anushri comes from a supportive family in Lucknow. Her father works as a divisional engineer at BSNL, while her mother is a homemaker. Her younger brother is currently pursuing a B.Tech degree at IIT Guwahati. For her early JEE preparation, Anushri moved to Kota, Rajasthan, a city known for its competitive academic environment. Initially staying in a hostel, she was soon joined by her mother and brother, followed later by her father, creating a strong support system away from home.

Today, Anushri’s story serves as a beacon of hope for aspirants across the country. Her journey — marked by resilience, focus and the courage to try again — demonstrates that success is rarely instant but always possible with unwavering commitment.

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