Cracked UPSC Without Coaching | AIR 107 in Fourth Attempt | 2020 Batch IAS Officer, Madhya Pradesh Cadre
From studying under the dim glow of a lantern in a remote village to trekking through the Himalayas as part of India’s elite civil services training, IAS officer Anshuman Raj’s journey is a powerful story of perseverance, grit, and unshakable ambition.
A 2020-batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Anshuman hails from Buxar district in Bihar. His story is proof that determination and self-belief can overcome even the toughest odds—without the help of coaching institutes or privileged resources.
LBSNAA: More Than Training, It’s Transformation
Reflecting on his experience at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Anshuman describes the training as a life-changing journey.
“The Foundation Course at LBSNAA is not just about academics. It builds your personality, discipline, empathy, and leadership,” he shared in an interview.
Key components of the training include:
A 10-day Himalayan trek to foster endurance, teamwork, and mental resilience
Village immersion programs to understand grassroots governance and rural realities
A demanding 12-hour daily routine, beginning at 6 AM, filled with physical training, academic classes, hobby clubs, and workshops on administration, crisis management, and leadership
Phase II district training, where officers engage directly with real-world challenges in administration
A Journey of Resilience: Four Attempts, One Goal
Anshuman cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam in his fourth attempt, entirely through self-study.
1st Attempt (2016): Cleared Prelims, narrowly missed the Mains cutoff
2nd Attempt: Reached Interview stage, but didn’t make the final selection
3rd Attempt: Got selected for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) — but the dream was always IAS
4th Attempt (2019): Cracked it with AIR 107, and secured the Madhya Pradesh cadre
“Every failure taught me something valuable. I just kept going. Quitting was never an option,” he recalls.
Humble Beginnings: From Rural Bihar to Civil Services
Anshuman’s upbringing was modest, but his aspirations were sky-high. His educational path included:
Schooling: Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Buxar
Higher Secondary: JNV, Ranchi
Graduation: Degree in Marine Engineering
Early Career: Took up a private-sector job, but felt a deeper calling toward public service
It was during his job that the dream of becoming a civil servant took shape. Despite financial constraints, he began preparing for UPSC with zero coaching, relying purely on discipline, self-study, and determination.
Lessons from Anshuman Raj’s Journey
Coaching isn’t everything – With sincerity and strategy, self-study can be just as effective
Failures are stepping stones – Each attempt brings clarity, experience, and resilience
Rural roots can be a strength – A background of struggle can fuel your determination
Training builds character – LBSNAA doesn’t just make officers, it shapes leaders
Inspiring the Next Generation of Aspirants
Today, Anshuman Raj is serving in Madhya Pradesh, working at the grassroots level to drive governance and development. His story continues to motivate thousands of aspirants, especially those from rural or underprivileged backgrounds.
“If I can do it, so can you. Resources help, but your mindset and reason for choosing this path matter the most.”
