How Virat Kohli's discipline inspired a 22-year-old to crack UPSC with AIR 3 in her first attempt
Ananya Reddy, an alumna of Miranda House, Delhi, turned her UPSC dream into reality by securing AIR 3 in her first try. Drawing motivation from cricket icon Virat Kohli, she managed stress with sports and novels, proving that consistency, not just hard work, defines success.
In a nation where millions dream of donning the coveted UPSC cap, only a few make it to the finish line—fewer still in their first attempt. And when someone does it at just 22, clinching the All India Rank 3, the feat isn't just impressive—it's extraordinary. Meet Donuru Ananya Reddy, a name that has suddenly become synonymous with grit, balance, and unwavering ambition. Hailing from Mahabubnagar in Telangana, Ananya Reddy's journey to UPSC success began soon after she completed her undergraduate degree in Geography from Delhi's Miranda House. With a minor in Economics, her academic foundation was strong, but the Civil Services demanded more than just classroom knowledge. It required commitment, sacrifice, and a strategy tailored to her own strengths—and that's exactly what she crafted.
She shifted to Delhi, rented a modest room near her coaching institute, and immersed herself in a lifestyle of purposeful study. Not one to blindly chase popular study routines, Ananya created a flexible yet focused approach. Study hours slowly increased—from scattered sessions to a disciplined 12-14 hour daily regime—but never at the cost of her mental well-being. While most UPSC aspirants fear burnout, Ananya understood the value of breaks. Her stress-buster? Cricket. Her hero? Virat Kohli. Not just for his runs on the pitch, but for the sheer discipline, resilience, and 'never-say-die' attitude he embodies. 'His work ethic and mental strength have been my biggest learnings,' Ananya shared in an interview with The Indian Express . Her leisure hours were filled with test matches and novels—each a mini-escape that kept her grounded amid the pressure. In 2023, with just two years of preparation, Ananya cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her very first attempt. She not only secured AIR 3 overall but emerged as the highest-ranking female candidate of the year. Her final score? A staggering 1065, including a remarkable 190 in the Personality Test.
Her chosen optional was Anthropology—a subject she meticulously mastered with the help of coaching and extensive self-study. But beyond marks and ranks, it was her vision for public service that stood out. 'No matter where I'm posted,' she said, 'I want to bring the administration closer to the people.'
With the UPSC 2025 prelims underway and over 13 lakh aspirants vying for a spot, stories like Ananya's shine like beacons. Her success isn't merely about long hours or academic brilliance—it's about clarity of purpose, mental discipline, and a refusal to give up. — jsuryareddy (@jsuryareddy) From a small town in Telangana to the UPSC merit list's top three, Ananya Reddy has proved that success doesn't always need a rigid schedule—it needs consistency, courage, and a bit of cricket when things get tough. For every young dreamer preparing to face their own version of the UPSC pitch, Ananya's story is a reminder: Believe like Kohli. Prepare like Reddy. And never stop playing to win.
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