At just 22, Prayagraj-born Ananya Singh cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt, achieving an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 51. Without any coaching, her disciplined self-study routine and clarity of vision made her one of India’s youngest IAS officers and an inspiration for aspirants nationwide.
Key Highlights: The Journey of a Determined Dreamer
Academic Excellence from the Start: A topper since childhood, Ananya Singh studied at St. Mary’s Convent School, Prayagraj, earning 96% in her Class 10 exams and an extraordinary 98.25% in Class 12. She graduated in Economics (Honours) from Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), maintaining her streak of academic brilliance.
Self-Study Over Coaching: Ananya’s achievement stands out because she cleared one of India’s most challenging exams without any coaching assistance. She relied solely on strategic self-preparation, smart time management, and consistency during her final college year. Her daily 6–8-hour study schedule balanced both prelims and mains preparation seamlessly.
Focused UPSC Strategy: She followed a meticulous study method — reading newspapers daily for current affairs, referring to standard NCERT books, and maintaining handwritten notes for quick revision. She prioritized conceptual understanding over rote learning and practiced essay and answer writing extensively to improve speed and presentation.
Supportive Family Background: Coming from a highly educated family, her father is a former district judge, and her mother, a professor at IERT Prayagraj. Their values of integrity and perseverance deeply shaped her disciplined approach.
Results and Recognition: Ananya secured AIR 51 in UPSC 2019, becoming one of the youngest IAS officers in her batch. She is currently serving in the West Bengal cadre and continues to motivate aspirants through public interactions and social media, where she shares study tips and insights from her journey.
Mantra for Success: Ananya often says, “Consistency beats intensity. Even two focused hours of study every day can redefine your future — if you believe and persist.” Her story proves that strategic focus and self-belief can triumph over limitations.
Ananya Singh’s success reaffirms that perseverance, clarity, and passion remain the foundation of every extraordinary accomplishment.
Sources: Asianet Newsable, Daijiworld, LinkedIn, ExamBinge