Anju Bhatt, daughter of an Army Subedar, has emerged as a beacon of determination and perseverance by securing the 312th rank in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 — and that too without any formal coaching.
Hailing from Silwal village in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Anju’s journey to success was far from easy. Her father, Kishori Lal Bhatt, is serving as a Subedar in the Assam Rifles in Nagaland, while her mother, Indu Bhatt, is a homemaker. Anju spent her early years in Barotiwala village, Vikasnagar, where she completed her schooling up to Class 12. Later, she pursued a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from a private university in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Multiple Failures, Unwavering Spirit
Anju decided to pursue a career in civil services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing multiple failures, her resolve remained unshaken. She appeared for the UPSC exam for the first time in 2021 but couldn’t clear the prelims. Her second attempt in 2022 also ended in disappointment. In 2023, she successfully cleared the prelims and mains but fell short in the interview stage.
However, Anju’s indomitable spirit saw her return stronger in 2024. In her fourth attempt, she successfully cleared all three stages — prelims, mains, and interview — securing an all-India rank of 312.
Inspiration from Family
Speaking to News18, Anju shared that her journey was fueled by the discipline instilled by her father and the unwavering dedication of her mother. “I was heartbroken many times, but my family never let my courage break,” she said.
Anju’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and family support. Without the aid of expensive coaching classes, she demonstrated that consistency, hard work, and a strong support system can pave the way to success even in one of the toughest examinations in the country.
Her achievement not only makes her family proud but also serves as an inspiration for countless aspirants across the country who are preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.