Latest news with #CivilServices
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Haj panel to restart UPSC coaching centre, 20% seats for other minorities
Over a year after shutting down its residential coaching facility for Muslim Civil Services aspirants, the Haj Committee of India (HCI) has announced the reopening of its Mumbai-based training centre. The revamped programme will now reserve 20% of its seats for candidates from other minority communities, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). While non-Muslim candidates were informally provided accommodation support during the exam period earlier, this is the first time that the HCI has officially included seats for other minorities in its selection process. 'This decision was taken by the committee last year to make the institute more inclusive. It is also expected to encourage a competitive atmosphere and healthy learning environment for Civil Services aspirants,' said HCI CEO Shanavas C. An official notification was issued on May 22, inviting applications for the upcoming batch aimed at preparing aspirants for the 2026 Civil Services Examination. An entrance test will be held on July 13, simultaneously across 21 centres in India. This will be followed by an essay-writing round and personal interviews to select 100 candidates. The coaching programme will commence from August 11. The notification specified that 80 seats would be reserved for Muslim candidates, while the remaining 20 seats would be allocated to other minority groups, SCs, STs and OBCs. Funded by donations that the HCI receives from people going for Haj, the Haj House Residential Coaching Institute — the only one of its kind run by the HCI — was established in 2009 to provide affordable residential coaching to Muslim students. Since then, sources said, about 1,500 students have undergone coaching, with 25 getting selected for the Civil Services. Following a cut in student intake that led to protests in 2022, and an admissions cycle delayed by the pandemic, the institute was closed in December 2023. The HCI had said it was a temporary suspension, and assured that it would restart soon. Several meetings were held in preparation for the new academic cycle, said sources. 'The (minority affairs) ministry has expressed its support. In fact, we are considering starting similar centres in other states where the necessary infrastructure is ready,' said Shanavas C. While accommodation and coaching will be provided free of cost, food will be subsidised. 'We are currently working on formalising a policy for food-related expenses,' said Deputy CEO Sadafat Ali. The age limit for applicants has been capped at 30 years, although the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) allows age relaxation up to 35 years for OBCs and 37 years for SCs and STs. The HCI said the age limit has been set to support younger aspirants.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Over 35 pc candidates skip civil services prelims 2025 in Lucknow
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Civil Services Prelims Examination in two shifts at 91 centres in Lucknow on Sunday. A total of 40,026 candidates were registered to appear in the exam, Lucknow district magistrate Vishak G said in a statement. For the peaceful and copying-free examination, 33 sector magistrates and 91 static magistrates were deployed, the DM said. Also, UPSC had given supervisory responsibility to 5 senior officers. During the examination, the DM visited the examination control room and the CCTV control room. He also inspected various examination centres and observed all the arrangements. Out of 40,026 candidates who had registered for the exam in Lucknow, 14,125 (35.29%) skipped the exam in first shift. A total of 25,902 (64.71%) candidates appeared for the preliminary exam. In the second shift, 14,270 (35.67%) candidates skipped the exam. A total of 25,756 (64.33%) candidates appeared for the preliminary exam, a district administration official said. In 2024, of the 40,030 candidates who were registered to appear in the exam at Lucknow centres, 16,326 candidates were absent in the first shift while 16,508 skipped the test in the second shift. In 2023, nearly 43% candidates skipped the Civil Services prelims exam in Lucknow.
Economic Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
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.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
How Virat Kohli's discipline inspired a 22-year-old to crack UPSC with AIR 3 in her first attempt
Donuru Ananya Reddy, a 22-year-old from Telangana, cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam in her first attempt, securing AIR 3. Inspired by Virat Kohli's discipline, she studied up to 14 hours a day with breaks spent watching cricket and reading. Her personalized, balanced approach and strong family support made her the highest-ranking female candidate in UPSC 2023. 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. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Dream, A Discipline, and a Delhi Hostel Room Cricket, Novels, and the Kohli Connection Beating the Odds, Breaking the Norms Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads With 2 years of preparation, Ananya cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her very first attempt The Legacy She Leaves Behind 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Mint
25-05-2025
- General
- Mint
UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2025 today: Last-minute tips for aspirants
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is conducting the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025 today, May 25. Meanwhile, to assist candidates appearing for the exam, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) started the services on select lines earlier than usual today, PTI reported. Metro services from terminal stations on Line-7 (Pink Line), Line-8 (Magenta Line), and Line-9 (Grey Line) started at 6 a.m. instead of the regular 7 a.m. Sunday schedule. 1. Admit card (print multiple copies). 2. Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) 3. Two black ballpoint pens. 4. A simple (non-digital) wristwatch – smartwatches or digital watches are not allowed. Meanwhile, the Haryana State Transport Department has decided to run special buses from all districts of the state to the exam centres in Gurugram and Faridabad on May 25 to help students appearing in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) preliminary examination. Buses will be operated from all districts depending on demand and the number of passengers, and will run one day before the exam and on the day of the exam, an official statement said here on Friday. (This is a developing story)
