Anudeep Durishetty, the UPSC 2017 AIR 1, is one of India’s most inspiring civil servants. His journey from a simple background to topping the toughest exam in the country showcases resilience, discipline, and unwavering dedication. Today, IAS Anudeep Durishetty continues to motivate lakhs of aspirants through his work, strategies, and powerful example of hard-earned success.
Quick Facts Summary at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Durishetty Anudeep |
| Popular As | Anudeep Durishetty IAS |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1989 |
| Age | 36 years (as of December 2025) |
| Birthplace | Metpally, Jagityal District, Telangana, India |
| Current Posting | District Collector, Hyderabad, Telangana |
| UPSC Rank | All India Rank 1 (UPSC CSE 2017) |
| UPSC Batch | 2018 Batch IAS |
| Service | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Cadre | Telangana State |
| Optional Subject | Anthropology |
| Attempt Number | 5th Attempt (2017) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse Name | Madhavi |
| Children | One son (born November 2021) |
Personal Information: Complete Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Durishetty Anudeep |
| Nickname | Anu, Duri |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1989 |
| Age | 36 years (as of December 2025) |
| Birth Place | Metpally town, Jagityal District, Telangana |
| Hometown | Metpally, Telangana |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste/Community | OBC (Other Backward Class) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse Name | Madhavi |
| Children | One son (born November 2021 at Government Hospital, Bhadrachalam) |
| Languages Known | Telugu, English, Hindi |
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm approx.) |
| Weight | Approximately 75 kg |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Build | Athletic |
| Distinctive Features | Warm smile, professional appearance |
Family Background & Personal Life
Parents & Family
| Relation | Name | Occupation/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Durishetty Manohar | Assistant Divisional Engineer, Telangana Northern Power Distribution Company (TS Transco) |
| Mother | Jyothi | Homemaker |
| Family Background | Middle-class Telugu family from Telangana |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anudeep Durishetty |
| Birthplace | Metpally, Telangana |
| Family Background | Middle-class supportive family |
| Father | Assistant Divisional Engineer at Telangana Northern Power Distribution Company |
| Mother | Homemaker |
| Spouse | Madhavi |
| Marriage Highlights | Wedding reception attended by prominent leaders, including then Minister K. T. Rama Rao |
| Children | Son (born November 2021) |
| Notable Decision | Chose Government Area Hospital, Bhadrachalam, Kothagudem district, for my son’s birth while serving as Kothagudem District Collector |
| Medical Details | – Caesarean section performed by Dr. Surapaneni Srikranti & Dr. Bhargavi (Gynaecologists) and Dr. Devika (Anesthesiologist) – Newborn examined by Paediatrician Dr. Y. Rajasekhar Reddy |
| Government Appreciation | – Health Minister T. Harish Rao congratulated the couple – Transport Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar extended greetings |
| Significance of Decision | Demonstrated confidence in Telangana government healthcare and showcased improved infrastructure comparable to private facilities |
| UPSC Journey | Cleared after five attempts |
| Role of Family in Success | Family provided emotional and financial support throughout the UPSC journey; credited for patience, encouragement, and belief in him |
Educational Background: Academic Journey
Complete Educational Timeline
| Level | Institution | Location | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary & Secondary | Sri Suryodaya High School | Metpally, Telangana | – | Basic education with excellent academic performance |
| Intermediate (Class XI-XII) | Sri Chaitanya Junior College | Hyderabad, Telangana | – | Pre-university science education |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani | Rajasthan | 2011 | B.Tech in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering |
Educational Achievements
Anudeep Durishetty was a bright student from childhood, excelling both academically and in sports. His educational journey reflects consistent excellence:
- Primary Education: Completed at Sri Suryodaya High School in Metpally, where he developed strong fundamentals and was known as both a bright student and athlete.
- Intermediate Education: Attended the prestigious Sri Chaitanya Junior College in Hyderabad, one of India’s leading institutions for competitive exam preparation.
- Engineering Degree: Graduated from BITS Pilani, one of India’s most premier engineering institutions, with a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering in 2011.
Development of Civil Services Interest
During his engineering years at BITS Pilani, Anudeep Durishetty developed a keen interest in civil services. He was fascinated by history and politics, and considered Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, as his role model and inspiration. This interest eventually led him to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination despite having lucrative career opportunities in the technology sector.
Career Timeline & UPSC Journey
The Five-Attempt Journey to All India Rank 1
Anudeep Durishetty is a testament to persistence and determination. His journey to becoming the UPSC CSE 2017 topper took five attempts, making him one of the most inspiring success stories in UPSC history.
| Year | Attempt | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1st Attempt | Failed Interview | Cleared UPSC Prelims and Mains examinations successfully, but could not clear the Personality Test (Interview). This was his first encounter with failure. |
| 2013 | 2nd Attempt | Selected for IRS (AIR 790) | Secured All India Rank 790 and was allotted Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Joined as an Assistant Commissioner but continued aspiring for the IAS. |
| 2014 | 3rd Attempt | Not Qualified | Continued preparation while working full-time at the IRS in Hyderabad. Failed to clear this attempt. |
| 2015 | 4th Attempt | Not Qualified | Another setback. Persisted with determination despite failures. Had almost decided to quit after this attempt. |
| 2017 | 5th Attempt | AIR 1 | Topped UPSC CSE 2017 with 1,126 marks out of 2,025 – the highest marks in UPSC history at that time (55.60%) |
Professional Experience Before IAS
| Period | Organization | Position | Location | Experience Gained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-2012 | Google India | Software Engineer | Hyderabad | Technology sector experience, software development, corporate culture |
| 2014-2018 | Indian Revenue Service (IRS) | Assistant Commissioner (Customs & Central Excise) | Hyderabad | Government functioning, revenue administration, field experience |
IAS Administrative Postings Timeline
| Period | Position | District/Department | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2020 | Training Officer | LBSNAA, Mussoorie & Field Training | Foundation course, district training, learning administrative procedures |
| 2020-2023 | Sub-Collector & Additional Collector | Kothagudem District, Telangana | Administrative roles, COVID-19 pandemic management, revenue administration |
| 2023-Present | District Collector & District Magistrate | Hyderabad District, Telangana | One of the most challenging and high-profile district postings in Telangana |
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017: Anudeep Durishetty Marksheet Analysis
Overall Record-Breaking Performance
Anudeep Durishetty scored the highest total marks in UPSC Civil Services Examination history at that time. His comprehensive preparation, crisp answer writing strategy, and consistent performance across all papers resulted in exceptional scores.
Anudeep Durishetty UPSC Marksheet: Complete Breakdown
| Component | Marks Obtained | Maximum Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination (Mains) | 950 | 1,750 | 54.29% |
| Personality Test (Interview) | 176 | 275 | 64.00% |
| Total | 1,126 | 2,025 | 55.60% |
UPSC Prelims 2017 Score
| Component | Marks | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims Total | 250.34 out of 400 marks | Cleared with a comfortable margin |
UPSC Mains 2017: Anudeep Durishetty Answer Sheet Performance
Anudeep Durishetty demonstrated remarkable consistency across all nine papers in the UPSC Mains examination:
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language (Telugu) | 300 | Qualifying paper |
| Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 300 | Qualifying paper |
| Essay | Essay Writing | 250 | Excellent score |
| GS Paper I | Indian Heritage, History, Society, Geography | 250 | Good score |
| GS Paper II | Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice | 250 | Good score |
| GS Paper III | Technology, Economy, Environment, Security, Disaster Management | 250 | Good score |
| GS Paper IV | Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude | 250 | Good score |
| Optional Paper I | Anthropology | 250 | High score |
| Optional Paper II | Anthropology | 250 | High score |
Interview/Personality Test Performance
- Marks: 176 out of 275 (64%)
- Duration: Approximately 35 minutes
- Interview Board: Asked questions on diverse topics including Aryan migration, hate crimes, meditation, Artificial Intelligence, Swachh Bharat
- Performance: Well-prepared and confident, handled questions effectively
Comparative Analysis: CSE 2015 vs CSE 2017 (Anudeep Durishetty Essay Copy & Answer Copy Comparison)
Anudeep Durishetty publicly shared his marksheets from both CSE 2015 (failed attempt) and CSE 2017 (AIR 1) on his blog, providing invaluable insights into what changed. This transparency has helped thousands of UPSC aspirants understand the importance of answer writing quality.
Key Improvements Observed:
- Answer Structure: Clear introduction, well-organized body with subheadings, conclusive ending
- Presentation: Better handwriting, proper spacing, use of diagrams and flowcharts
- Content Quality: Multidimensional analysis, linking with current affairs
- Use of Data: More facts, figures, and report references (Economic Survey, committee reports, SC judgments)
- Diagram Usage: Effective use of visual elements, especially India maps
- Balanced Approach: Presenting both sides of arguments before conclusion
This comparison demonstrated that crisp, well-structured answers significantly improve scores even if the content knowledge remains similar.
Optional Subject: Anthropology Strategy
Why Anudeep Durishetty Chose Anthropology
Anudeep Durishetty selected Anthropology as his optional subject based on:
- Personal Interest: Fascination with human evolution, society, and cultural diversity
- Scoring Potential: Scope for diagrams in Physical Anthropology
- Manageable Syllabus: Relatively static syllabus compared to other subjects
- Holistic Understanding: Provides comprehensive understanding of human behavior and society
- Current Affairs Integration: Easy to link with contemporary social issues
- Scientific Approach: Systematic and methodical study of humanity
Anthropology Preparation Strategy by Anudeep Durishetty
Key Recommendations:
- For Beginners: Start with Ember and Ember for strong conceptual clarity
- Conceptual Understanding: Prioritize understanding over quick completion
- Physical Anthropology: Attempt maximum questions with detailed diagrams
- Scholarly Approach: Include anthropologists’ names, their works (with years), and critical analysis
- Practice Diagrams: Master drawing skeletal structures, evolutionary charts, genetic diagrams
- Cultural Anthropology: Focus on Indian tribal communities and social structures
- Applied Anthropology: Link theoretical knowledge with current social issues
Anudeep Durishetty Notes on Anthropology:
- Emphasizes making concise notes from multiple sources
- Creating flowcharts for understanding theories and their evolution
- Regular revision of concepts with focus on names, dates, and criticisms
- Practicing answer writing with diagrams
Preparation Strategy & Study Approach: Complete Guide
Anudeep Durishetty Booklist: Recommended Reading Material
Anudeep Durishetty firmly believes in quality over quantity. His philosophy: “For the same topic, do not refer to more than one material.”
General Studies Booklist
| Subject | Recommended Books | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient History | Old NCERT by RS Sharma | Complete reading |
| Medieval History | Old NCERT by Satish Chandra | Selective reading |
| Modern History | Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir, Bipan Chandra’s “India’s Struggle for Independence” | Spectrum – complete; Bipan Chandra – selective for topics not in Spectrum |
| Art and Culture | Fine Arts Book – Class XI NCERT, CCRT material, Living Craft Traditions of India – NCERT | Complete reading |
| Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth (Indian Polity) | Must read cover to cover |
| Geography | Class XI & XII NCERTs, Certificate Physical and Human Geography by GC Leong, PMFIAS website | NCERTs – complete; GC Leong – selective |
| Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh (Indian Economy), Economic Survey | Ramesh Singh – complete; Economic Survey – selective reading |
| Environment | Shankar IAS Environment Book, NIOS Material | Complete reading |
| Science & Technology | Class IX & X NCERTs, Current Affairs from The Hindu | NCERTs for basics, newspaper for updates |
| Ethics (GS-4) | 2nd ARC Reports (Ethics in Governance, Citizen-centric Administration), Vajiram notes | ARC – complete recommendations; Vajiram – for moral thinkers |
| Government Schemes | Civils Daily compilations | Regular updates |
Newspapers & Magazines
| Resource | Purpose | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| The Hindu | Daily current affairs, editorials | Daily mandatory reading |
| Indian Express | Editorial analysis, different perspectives | Regular reading |
| Yojana | Government schemes, policy analysis | Monthly reading |
| Kurukshetra | Rural development, agriculture | Monthly reading |
| Economic & Political Weekly (EPW) | In-depth analysis on various topics | Selective reading |
Major Achievements & Recognition
Awards and Honors Timeline
| Year | Award/Recognition | Organization/Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | All India Rank 1 | UPSC Civil Services Examination – Topped among lakhs of aspirants |
| 2017 | Highest Total Marks in UPSC History | Scored 1,126 out of 2,025 marks (55.60%) – Record at that time |
| 2013 | Indian Revenue Service Selection | AIR 790 in UPSC CSE 2013 – Joined IRS |
| 2018 | Amazon Bestseller Author | “Fundamentals of Essay and Answer Writing” became bestseller |
| 2021 | Public Healthcare Advocate | Recognized for choosing government hospital for son’s birth |
| 2023 | Hyderabad Collector | Appointed to one of Telangana’s most important districts |
Record-Breaking Performance
Anudeep Durishetty set several benchmarks with his UPSC CSE 2017 performance:
- Highest Total Marks: 1,126 marks – highest by any topper in recent UPSC history (at that time)
- Fifth Attempt Success: Rare achievement – proved that persistence and continuous improvement matter more than first-attempt success
- Self-Study Champion: Achieved AIR 1 primarily through self-preparation using internet resources, proving coaching is not mandatory
- Working Professional Success: Balanced full-time IRS job with UPSC preparation, showing it’s possible to work and prepare simultaneously
- Transparent Guidance: First topper to share detailed marksheet comparison (2015 failed attempt vs 2017 AIR 1) publicly
Motivation for Civil Service Aspirants
Anudeep Durishetty’s message to aspirants:
“If your recent Mains scores have been terrible, do not become despondent. I secured top rank in my fifth attempt after facing multiple failures. Focus on improving answer quality, presentation, and conceptual clarity. Success is possible with right approach and consistent effort.”
Conclusion
The journey of Anudeep Durishetty is a testament to perseverance and purpose. Rising from a small town to securing AIR 1 in UPSC, his story proves that determination, discipline, and self-belief can overcome any setback. Today, ias Anudeep Durishetty continues to inspire millions through his work, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to public service. His life reminds every aspirant that success is not about never failing—it’s about never giving up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Anudeep Durishetty’s current posting?
A: As of June 2025, Anudeep Durishetty is posted as District Collector and District Magistrate of Khammam District, Telangana. He previously served as Hyderabad Collector from July 2023 to June 2025.
Q2: Is Anudeep Durishetty married?
A: Yes, Anudeep Durishetty is married to Madhavi. The couple has a son born in November 2021 at the Government Hospital, Bhadrachalam.
Q3: What was Anudeep Durishetty’s UPSC rank?
A: Anudeep Durishetty secured All India Rank 1 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017.
Q4: In which attempt did Anudeep Durishetty clear UPSC?
A: He cleared UPSC and achieved AIR 1 in his fifth attempt in 2017.
Q5: What was Anudeep Durishetty’s optional subject?
A: Anudeep Durishetty chose Anthropology as his optional subject for UPSC CSE.
Q6: Did Anudeep Durishetty take coaching?
A: Anudeep Durishetty took coaching from Vajiram & Ravi for his first attempt in 2013. However, for his successful fifth attempt in 2017, he primarily relied on self-study using internet resources, YouTube, and standard books.
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Nishant Kumar is the founder and lead content creator at OfficersDetails.com, a platform dedicated to delivering accurate, verified information about officers in government, corporate, and legal sectors. With a strong background in public administration and data research, Nishant is passionate about transparency, governance, and simplifying access to essential leadership profiles.