Anudeep Durishetty: From Five Failures to India’s UPSC Topper

Who is Anudeep Durishetty?

Anudeep Durishetty is more than just another UPSC topper. He’s a symbol of resilience who proved that success isn’t about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up. This BITS Pilani graduate and current IAS officer achieved something that millions dream of—AIR 1 in one of India’s toughest examinations.

What makes his story extraordinary is not just the top rank, but the journey to get there. Unlike many toppers who crack the exam in their first or second attempt, Anudeep Durishetty took five attempts to reach the summit. His story resonates with countless aspirants who face repeated failures but refuse to surrender their dreams.

The Anudeep Durishetty age factor also played a role in his journey. Born on 6th July 1989, he was already in his late twenties when he finally achieved success, proving that age is just a number when determination meets preparation.

Early Life & Educational Foundation

Anudeep Durishetty date of birth falls on 6th July 1989, in the small town of Metpally in Jagityal District, Telangana. Coming from a middle-class family, his father worked as an assistant divisional engineer with the Telangana Transmission Corporation—a government job that provided stability but not luxury.

His early education began at Sri Suryodaya High School, followed by Sri Chaitanya Junior College in Hyderabad. These institutions, known for their academic rigor, shaped his analytical thinking from an early age. However, it was his engineering education that truly set the foundation for his future success.

Anudeep Durishetty education includes a B.E. in Electronics & Instrumentation from BITS Pilani, Rajasthan (2007–2011). BITS Pilani is renowned for producing some of India’s finest engineers and entrepreneurs. The technical background from this prestigious institution would later help him approach UPSC preparation with the same systematic methodology he applied to engineering problems.

During his college years, Anudeep was known for his academic excellence and methodical approach to learning. Little did his classmates know that these very qualities would one day make him the top civil servant in the country.

The UPSC Marathon: Five Attempts, One Dream

The Anudeep Durishetty attempts saga began in 2012, fresh out of engineering college. Like many engineering graduates, he was initially uncertain about his career path. However, the call of public service and the prestige of the IAS eventually drew him toward the Civil Services Examination.

His first attempt in 2012 was a reality check. The UPSC exam is notorious for humbling even the most brilliant minds, and Anudeep was no exception. But instead of being discouraged, he used this failure as a learning opportunity.

The second and third attempts brought incremental improvements but still no breakthrough. It was during his fourth attempt that something interesting happened—he cleared the examination and was allocated to the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Many would have settled for this respectable position, but Anudeep had bigger dreams.

Working as an IRS officer while preparing for his fifth UPSC attempt was perhaps the most challenging phase of his journey. Balancing a full-time government job with intense preparation requires extraordinary time management and unwavering focus. Yet, Anudeep Durishetty managed both with remarkable efficiency.

Anudeep Durishetty optional subject was Anthropology, a choice that reflected his fascination with human evolution and societal development. This subject, though not as popular as History or Geography, suited his analytical temperament perfectly. His deep understanding of human behavior and social structures would later prove invaluable in his administrative career.

The Anudeep Durishetty answer sheet from his successful attempt showcased the clarity and precision that UPSC demands. His answers were crisp, well-structured, and demonstrated a thorough understanding of issues from multiple perspectives.

Career Trajectory: From IRS to IAS Stardom

Before achieving AIR 1, Anudeep Durishetty was already serving as an Assistant Commissioner in the Indian Revenue Service. This experience gave him practical insights into government functioning—knowledge that would prove invaluable in his UPSC preparation and later administrative career.

After his historic success in 2017, he was allocated to the prestigious Indian Administrative Service under the Telangana cadre. The Anudeep Durishetty current posting as of 2024 is Collector and District Magistrate of Hyderabad, one of the most challenging and high-profile positions in the state.

His appointment as Hyderabad Collector came in July 2023, with his tenure running from 15/07/2023 to 13/06/2025. This posting is particularly significant as Hyderabad is not just the capital of Telangana but also a major IT hub and one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.

The Numbers Game: Understanding His Success

The Anudeep Durishetty marksheet and Anudeep Durishetty upsc marksheet reveal fascinating insights into his preparation strategy. His marksheets for both Prelims and Mains of Civil Services Exam 2017 show how crisp and clear answers can drastically improve Mains scores across papers.

What’s particularly interesting is the comparison between his 2015 and 2017 performances. The Anudeep Durishetty marks show significant improvement in answer quality and presentation—a testament to his continuous learning and adaptation.

His Anudeep Durishetty essay copy became legendary among UPSC aspirants. The essay paper, often considered the most unpredictable component of the Mains examination, was where he truly excelled. His essays demonstrated not just knowledge but wisdom, philosophical depth, and the ability to connect diverse concepts coherently.

Personal Life and Relationships

One of the most frequently searched queries about him concerns Anudeep Durishetty wife. His personal life has been a subject of curiosity among his admirers and aspirants who look up to him. According to recent information, Anudeep is married to Madhavi, and they have a son together. However, some sources suggest different information about his marital status, indicating he maintains a very private personal life.

What’s undeniable is the role his family played in his success. He has consistently expressed gratitude for the support of his family, wife, and friends in achieving his remarkable success. The emotional support during his multiple failures and the patience shown during his long preparation years were crucial factors in his eventual triumph.

Preparation Strategy and Study Materials

The Anudeep Durishetty booklist has become a reference point for thousands of UPSC aspirants. His approach to preparation was refreshingly simple yet effective:

For General Studies:

• Standard NCERT books for building foundational knowledge
• Selective coaching material without formal classroom coaching
• Extensive use of internet resources for current affairs
• Regular answer writing practice

For Anthropology Optional:

• Standard textbooks on physical and cultural anthropology
• Regular revision and note-making
• Integration with General Studies topics for better understanding

For Essay:

• Wide reading across diverse subjects
• Regular writing practice
• Focus on contemporary issues with philosophical depth

His strategy was notably different from many toppers—he relied heavily on self-study rather than formal coaching. This approach resonates with aspirants who cannot afford expensive coaching or prefer independent study.

Mentorship and Giving Back

As someone who learned extensively from his mistakes over five attempts, Anudeep has made his blog a repository of experience so that others don’t repeat the same errors. His website features detailed posts on preparation strategy for General Studies, essay writing, optional subjects, and answer writing techniques.

His book “Fundamentals of Essay and Answer Writing” has guided lakhs of aspirants. The book is not just about techniques but about developing the right mindset for UPSC preparation. His practical advice, drawn from personal experience, makes complex concepts accessible to ordinary aspirants.

Administrative Excellence and Current Role

Currently serving as Collector of Hyderabad District with contact details at 040-23202833 and email [email protected], Anudeep Durishetty has brought innovation and efficiency to his administrative role.

His tenure as Hyderabad Collector has been marked by:

• Digital initiatives for citizen services
• Transparent governance mechanisms
• Youth engagement programs
• Sustainable development projects

His background in engineering and revenue service experience has enabled him to approach administrative challenges with a unique perspective, combining technical knowledge with policy understanding.

Social Media Presence and Public Image

With 279K followers on Instagram (@anudeepdurishetty_), he describes himself as “IAS | Arsenal and Federer fan | Sports, skies, sunsets and yellow light”. His social media presence reflects his personality—professional yet approachable, serious about work but with interests beyond administration.

His posts often feature motivational content for UPSC aspirants, administrative updates, and glimpses of his personal interests in sports and photography. This balance between professional responsibility and personal interests makes him relatable to the younger generation.

Key Lessons from His Journey

1. Persistence Over Perfection Anudeep Durishetty proved that success isn’t about being perfect from the start. It’s about learning from each failure and improving continuously.

2. Balance is Possible Working full-time while preparing for UPSC seemed impossible, but he demonstrated that with proper time management and prioritization, it can be done.

3. Self-Study Can Work In an era dominated by coaching institutes, his success through primarily self-study offers hope to those who cannot access formal coaching.

4. Age is Just a Number Achieving success in his late twenties proved that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

5. Giving Back Matters His continued mentorship of aspirants shows that true success includes helping others achieve their goals.

The Legacy Continues

Anudeep Durishetty represents more than individual success—he embodies the spirit of perseverance that defines the best of India’s civil services. His journey from a small town in Telangana to the corridors of power in Hyderabad is a testament to the democratic ideals of merit and hard work.

As he continues to serve as Collector of Hyderabad, his administrative decisions impact millions of lives. His approach to governance, influenced by his technical background and enriched by his understanding of public service, sets new benchmarks for civil servants across the country.

For UPSC aspirants facing their own struggles with multiple attempts, Anudeep Durishetty remains a beacon of hope. His story whispers a powerful message: “Don’t count your attempts, make your attempts count.”

Read More : 

• anshika verma ips

 

Frequently Asked Questions — Anudeep Durishetty, IAS

1. Who is Anudeep Durishetty?

Anudeep Durishetty is a highly respected Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017. Before becoming an IAS officer, he worked as a software engineer at Google and also served as an Assistant Commissioner in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

2. Where is Anudeep Durishetty currently posted, and what’s his role?

As of now, Anudeep Durishetty is serving as the District Collector of Hyderabad district in Telangana. His tenure in this role started in July 2023 and is expected to continue until June 2025.

3. Which district is he posted as Collector?

He is currently posted as the District Collector of Hyderabad, one of the most significant and high-profile districts in Telangana.

4. What state does Anudeep Durishetty come from?

Anudeep Durishetty hails from the state of Telangana. He was born in Chittarpur village, Metpally Mandal, which is located in the Jagtial district (formerly part of Karimnagar).

5. Who is IAS Anudeep Durishetty wife?

Anudeep Durishetty is married to Madhavi. The couple welcomed their son in November 2021 at a government hospital in Bhadrachalam, Telangana.