KKN Gurugram Desk | Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is considered one of the most challenging feats in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the exam, but only a few make it to the final merit list — and an even smaller number clear it in their first attempt. Among this elite group is IAS officer Anju Sharma, whose story is not only inspiring but also a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above failure.

What makes her journey truly remarkable is that Anju Sharma once failed in both her 10th and 12th standard exams, yet went on to clear the UPSC exam on her very first attempt — a dream few dare to achieve.

Early Life and Background: Humble Beginnings in Bharatpur, Rajasthan

Anju Sharma was born in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, into a supportive and progressive family. Despite early academic setbacks, her parents, especially her mother, remained her strongest pillars of support, encouraging her to keep moving forward.

She openly shares her past failures, emphasizing that society prepares us for success, but rarely teaches us how to handle failure.

School Struggles: From Academic Failures to Emotional Breakdown

In multiple interviews, Anju has candidly recalled her failures in school, including:

• Failing in Chemistry during 10th pre-board exams

• Failing in Economics in 12th standard

She remembers how devastated she was after her 12th Economics paper.

“That evening, I cried uncontrollably. I knew I wasn’t prepared, and panic had taken over. I couldn’t sleep. The fear of failure was crushing.”

These moments of emotional vulnerability, however, became turning points in her academic journey.

Lessons Learnt: Discipline Over Last-Minute Hustle

After these setbacks, Anju made a critical shift in her academic approach. She realized that last-minute cramming was a recipe for disaster, and that consistent preparation throughout the year was key.

This shift in mindset helped her perform excellently in other subjects and eventually led to her graduating with distinction.

She pursued a BSc and an MBA from Jaipur, where she emerged as a Gold Medalist — a clear sign that failure had only fueled her resolve.

UPSC Preparation: One Attempt, One Strategy, One Goal

While preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Anju Sharma adopted a focused and structured strategy:

• She completed the syllabus well in advance

• Made handwritten notes and revised regularly

• Treated UPSC not as a mountain but just another exam

• Avoided distractions and maintained self-discipline

She recalls that by the time the exam date approached, she was so confident and relaxed that she was able to take long walks while her peers were stressed out.

“I had prepared with so much dedication that on the night before the exam, I felt free. That calmness helped me perform well.”

Success in First Attempt: A Moment of Shock for Others, but Not for Her

When the UPSC CSE results were announced, Anju Sharma’s name featured in the top ranks, shocking many — but not herself.

Her calm, determined approach had paid off.
She began her career as an Assistant Collector in Rajkot in 1991, embarking on a journey that would eventually take her to some of the highest offices in the Indian bureaucracy.

A Glorious Career: From Collector to Additional Chief Secretary

Over the years, Anju Sharma has held multiple key administrative positions, including:

• District Collector of Gandhinagar

• District Development Officer (DDO) in Baroda

• Roles in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India

She was promoted to the positions of:

• Special Secretary

• Principal Secretary

• Additional Chief Secretary

Her administrative acumen, people-first approach, and deep understanding of policy have made her a respected name in Indian bureaucracy.

Family Support: The Silent Force Behind Her Success

Anju often credits her mother’s unwavering support during her difficult school years as a cornerstone of her eventual success.

“When I failed, my mother didn’t scold me. She hugged me, encouraged me, and told me failure is not the end. That moment changed my life.”

Her story emphasizes the importance of emotional strength, mental well-being, and parental guidance in a student’s journey.

Advice to UPSC Aspirants: Believe in Your Process

To aspirants of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Anju Sharma offers practical and powerful advice:

Key UPSC Preparation Tips from IAS Anju Sharma:

• Don’t rely on last-minute studies

• Finish the syllabus early

• Make time for self-revision and mock tests

• Treat the exam not as a burden but an opportunity

• Keep calm before and during the exam

• Take care of your mental and physical health

She strongly believes that success comes from smart work, consistency, and inner resilience, not from pressure and panic.

From Failure to Topper: A Symbol of Perseverance

Anju Sharma’s story is proof that academic failure is not a permanent label — it is merely a phase.

• She failed in school, but topped in life.

• She broke societal myths about failure and success.

• She showed that with the right mindset, anyone can clear UPSC — even in the first attempt.

The journey of IAS Anju Sharma is not just about clearing UPSC; it’s about defeating self-doubt, transforming weaknesses into strengths, and rising after every fall.

In a world obsessed with perfect grades and quick success, her story serves as a reminder that it’s okay to fail — as long as you refuse to quit.