She Cleared Neet, Worked 12-Hour Shifts And Then Cracked UPSC. Today, She Is IAS Officer
Doctor-turned-IAS officer Anjali Garg cracked UPSC with AIR 79 while working 12-hour night shifts at Safdarjung Hospital.
Meet the woman who left her medical career to become an IAS officer. Despite working long night shifts as a doctor, she managed to crack one of the toughest exams in India, the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Her journey is proof that with hard work and determination, even the toughest dreams can come true.
Every year, lakhs of candidates prepare for UPSC, but only a handful succeed. Some take years and multiple attempts to clear it. But Dr. Anjali Garg's story stands out because she had already built a successful career in medicine before deciding to chase a completely different path. She first cleared the NEET exam to become a doctor, and later, in her second attempt, secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 79 in UPSC, eventually joining the prestigious IAS.
Who is IAS Anjali Garg?
Anjali Garg was born on September 14, 1996, in Chandigarh. She comes from a business family and had no background in civil services, yet she carved her way. A bright student since childhood, she scored a perfect 10 CGPA in Class 10 and 96 per cent in Class 12 (medical stream).
After cracking NEET, she studied MBBS at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, one of the country's top medical colleges.
Why She Left Medicine for UPSC
During her MBBS journey, Anjali often noticed the lack of proper healthcare facilities in different parts of the country. This made her realise that systemic change was needed beyond just treating patients individually. She felt that becoming an IAS officer would allow her to bring larger reforms and help more people. It wasn't an easy decision, as she had to step away from a secure medical career to enter a highly competitive exam where success is never guaranteed.
Her UPSC Struggle and Success
Preparing for UPSC was anything but smooth. Anjali worked 12-hour night shifts at Safdarjung Hospital while also studying for the exam. She often carried her books to work and revised during breaks. The tough schedule affected her health too, leading to joint pains and frequent illness. But she refused to give up.
Her first attempt coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, when her parents also fell sick. That attempt did not go her way. But instead of losing hope, she came back stronger.
In her second attempt in 2022, she secured AIR 79 and emerged as the medical science topper with 134 marks in the optional subject. Her success showed that determination can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Current Posting
Today, Dr. Anjali Garg is serving as an Assistant Commissioner in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
From wearing a doctor's coat to taking charge as an IAS officer, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. She proved that changing careers is possible if you are truly passionate and ready to work hard.
For thousands of young aspirants, her story is a reminder that perseverance and dedication can make any dream a reality.
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First Published:
August 20, 2025, 10:31 IST
News viral She Cleared Neet, Worked 12-Hour Shifts And Then Cracked UPSC. Today, She Is IAS Officer
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