Long duty hours, night shifts but she still cracked UPSC. Meet doctor-turned-IAS office Dr Anjali Garg, from Delhi Safdarjung Hospital

The story of Dr. Anjali Garg reflects how passion and resilience can alter the course of a life. Once a practicing doctor working long hospital shifts, she stepped away from a stable medical profession to attempt one of the most challenging examinations in the country—the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Her journey demonstrates that with consistent effort and determination, it is possible to transform even the most ambitious goals into reality.

From Medicine to Civil Services

Every year, lakhs of aspirants prepare tirelessly for the UPSC examination, but only a select few achieve success. While many candidates spend years making repeated attempts, Anjali’s case stands out because she had already built a secure identity as a doctor before choosing to pursue governance. She initially cleared the NEET examination, went on to complete her MBBS, and later, in her second attempt at UPSC, earned an All India Rank of 79. This achievement eventually led her to join the Indian Administrative Service.

Early Life and Academic Journey

Anjali Garg was born on September 14, 1996, in Chandigarh, into a family engaged in business. With no immediate exposure to civil services, she had to chart her own way into the world of governance. Her academic record reflected brilliance from the beginning. In school, she achieved a flawless 10 CGPA in Class 10 and scored 96 percent in Class 12 with the medical stream. Driven by her interest in science and healthcare, she cleared the competitive NEET examination and gained admission to VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, regarded as one of the country’s premier medical institutions.

Why She Chose to Switch Paths

During her years in medical college, Anjali became aware of the stark gaps in healthcare delivery across the country. She realized that while treating patients individually was rewarding, the scale of systemic change required strong policy interventions. This thought planted the idea of preparing for UPSC. Leaving medicine was not a simple choice, as she was stepping away from a steady and respected career into a field filled with uncertainty. Yet, she chose to follow her conviction, determined to make a larger difference as a civil servant.

The Struggles of UPSC Preparation

Balancing medical duties with UPSC preparation was far from easy. Anjali often worked 12-hour night shifts at Safdarjung Hospital, carrying her books to work and revising during brief breaks. The strain of managing both study and duty took a toll on her health, leading to frequent illnesses and joint pain. Her first attempt at the exam coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when her parents also fell ill. That setback could have discouraged her, but instead, it strengthened her resolve.

Triumph in the Second Attempt

In her second attempt in 2022, Anjali secured AIR 79. She also stood out by scoring 134 in her optional subject, medical science, emerging as the subject topper. Her success was a testament to her persistence and belief in her purpose.

Life Today

Currently, Dr. Anjali Garg is serving as an Assistant Commissioner in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Her journey continues to inspire countless aspirants who look up to her as proof that dedication and courage can reshape even the most certain paths.

What Is The Civil Service Exam?

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a nationwide competitive test in India organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for the country’s top administrative positions. These include appointments to the All India Services as well as various Central Civil Services, primarily within Group A and select Group B roles.

This examination is structured into three distinct stages. The first stage is the Preliminary Examination, which comprises two multiple-choice papers. The first paper evaluates knowledge in General Studies, while the second paper, officially termed the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), measures reasoning, analytical skills, and comprehension abilities.

Candidates who clear the prelims advance to the Main Examination, which is designed to be more descriptive in nature. This phase consists of nine traditional written papers. Out of these, two papers serve a qualifying purpose, while the scores from the remaining seven papers are taken into account for the final ranking.

The last stage of the process is the Personality Assessment, commonly known as the Interview, where aspirants are tested on their decision-making ability, presence of mind, and suitability for public service roles.

Overall, a candidate who goes through the entire selection procedure ends up writing examinations for nearly 32 hours in total, with the complete cycle stretching over approximately one year.