The Kohli Code: Discipline, Cricket, and a UPSC Triumph

For Donuru Ananya Reddy, a 22-year-old from Telangana, cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam in her first attempt wasn’t just about hard work—it was about discipline. Inspired by Virat Kohli’s unwavering commitment to fitness and performance, she structured her preparation with the same rigor that defines the cricketing icon.  

 

Ananya, an alumna of Miranda House, Delhi, studied up to 14 hours a day, balancing intense study sessions with breaks spent watching cricket and reading novels. She credits Kohli’s work ethic and mental resilience as key motivators, helping her stay focused and push through moments of self-doubt.  

 

Her approach was simple yet effective—consistency over intensity. She avoided burnout by maintaining a structured routine, ensuring that her preparation was sustainable rather than overwhelming. With Anthropology as her optional subject, she tailored her study plan to her strengths, refining her strategy with expert guidance.  

 

The result? AIR 3 in her very first attempt, making her the highest-ranking female candidate of UPSC 2023. Her journey proves that discipline, when paired with passion, can turn dreams into reality.  

 

Sources: Economic Times, DNA India, NDTV Sports, MSN News