The Personality Test (Interview) is the final and most decisive stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. For Anuj Agnihotri, who secured All India Rank (AIR) 1 in 2025, the interview was a 30-minute masterclass in poise, professional expertise, and administrative vision. Having already served as a DANICS probationer, Anuj brought a unique blend of medical precision and ground-level governance experience to the table.
Below is a reconstructed transcript based on his actual interview experiences, DAF (Detailed Application Form) details, and the questions that defined his path to the top.
UPSC Interview Transcript: Dr. Anuj Agnihotri (AIR 1)
Board Chairperson: “Good morning, Anuj. Please take a seat. I see you are an MBBS graduate from AIIMS Jodhpur and currently serving in the DANICS cadre. You’ve moved from the operation theater to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office. Tell us, why should the state lose a doctor to gain an administrator?”
Anuj Agnihotri: “Thank you, sir. While a doctor treats an individual patient, an administrator can treat the system. In clinical practice, I realized that many ailments are symptoms of socio-economic factors—poor sanitation, lack of nutrition, or inadequate policy implementation. By joining the IAS, I aim to perform ‘systemic surgery’—targeting the root causes of these issues at a scale that clinical medicine simply cannot reach.”
Member 1: Professional Background & Medical Ethics
Member 1: “Anuj, you mentioned ‘systemic surgery.’ In that case, what would be your surgical instruments as a District Magistrate?”
Anuj Agnihotri: “Sir, my primary scalpel would be Transparency. Most systemic rot occurs in shadows. My second instrument would be Technology (e-Governance) to ensure direct delivery of services. Finally, I would use Community Participation as the sutures to ensure that any reform I implement is sustainable and owned by the people.”
Member 1: “There was a recent controversy regarding Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in cough syrups. As a doctor and a future policymaker, how do you view India’s regulatory framework for pharmaceuticals?”
Anuj Agnihotri: “The DEG incidents were tragic and highlights gaps in our quality control chain. While the CDSCO does a commendable job, we need to strengthen State Drug Control units and implement a ‘track and trace’ mechanism for exports to maintain our reputation as the ‘Pharmacy of the World’.”
Member 2: Home State & Cultural Heritage
Member 2: “You belong to Rawatbhata, Rajasthan. It is famous for the Nuclear Power Plant. Your father works there. Tell me, is the public fear of nuclear radiation justified, or is it a hurdle to our energy security?”
Anuj Agnihotri: “Ma’am, fear often stems from a lack of communication. Growing up in a nuclear township, I’ve seen that with rigorous safety protocols, nuclear energy is one of the cleanest and safest baseload power sources. The hurdle is not the technology, but social acceptance. We need more transparent public hearings and localized benefit-sharing to turn nuclear sites into ‘growth hubs’ rather than ‘fear zones’.”
Member 3: Contemporary Issues & “The Stumper”
Member 3: “Anuj, let’s talk about modern medicine. What is your take on Precision Medicine? Is it viable for a developing nation like India?”
Anuj Agnihotri: “Sir, while I can infer that Precision Medicine involves tailoring treatment to an individual’s genetic profile, I must admit I am not familiar with the specific technical details of its current implementation in the Indian market. However, from a policy lens, I believe that while it offers breakthroughs for chronic diseases, India’s immediate priority must remain Universal Health Coverage and preventive care to maximize the impact of our limited healthcare budget.”
Member 4: Administrative Situations
Member 4: “If you are the DM of a district with a falling Total Fertility Rate (TFR)—like what we see in parts of South India—what specific policy shift would you recommend?”
Anuj Agnihotri: “Sir, a TFR below replacement level (2.1) leads to a ‘Silvering Population.’ My focus would shift from ‘population control’ to ‘population management.’ I would propose infrastructure for geriatric care and social security for the elderly, while also incentivizing female labor-force participation to ensure the shrinking workforce remains productive.”
Member 4: “One final question. Name one health intervention you would implement as a DM tomorrow.”
Anuj Agnihotri: “I would implement mandatory annual health screenings for all citizens above 40 for NCDs like hypertension and diabetes. Detecting these early saves billions in curative costs later and significantly improves the quality of life.”
The Winning Approach: Why Anuj Scored 204/275
Anuj Agnihotri’s performance was characterized by what experts call “The 30-Second Mantra.” He kept his answers concise, allowing the board to engage more deeply.
- Honesty over Bluffing: When asked about “Precision Medicine,” a topic that has stumped many, he gracefully admitted his lack of depth while pivoting back to a policy perspective.
- Leveraging DAF: He used his background in the DANICS cadre to provide realistic, administrative answers rather than theoretical ones.
- Balance: Whether discussing nuclear power or tribal rights in the Great Nicobar project, he avoided taking extreme stances, showcasing the “middle path” required of a civil servant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What was the most difficult question asked to Anuj Agnihotri?
According to post-interview reports, the technical question on Precision Medicine was the most challenging for him, which he handled by prioritizing honesty over speculation.
Q2. How did his medical background help in the interview?
It allowed him to answer technical questions on drug regulation, public health spending (2.5% of GDP goal), and pandemic management with high authority.
Q3. What was his score in the UPSC Personality Test?
Anuj secured an impressive 204 out of 275 marks in the interview, which played a crucial role in catapulting him to AIR 1.
Q4. Does being in service (DANICS) help during the interview?
Yes, it gave Anuj a “real-world” perspective. His answers on the Andaman and Nicobar infrastructure projects were grounded in his exposure as a DANICS probationer.
Q5. What was his advice for the UPSC interview?
Anuj emphasizes knowing your DAF (Detailed Application Form) inside out. Every word written there—from your hobbies to your hometown—is a potential question.
I am Reena Sharma, a dedicated educator and mentor at PWIAS (Public Welfare IAS), where my mission is to simplify the journey to the civil services for aspirants across India. With a deep-rooted passion for public service and academic excellence, I specialize in crafting high-impact educational content and strategic roadmaps for UPSC and State PSC candidates.