'Marriage fixed in Class 10, failed UPSC three times': How a Madhya Pradesh farmer's daughter became an IFS officer with AIR 9

Cracking the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination is no easy feat, especially for candidates from rural India who often face limited resources and opportunities. But for Anjali Sondhiya, the challenges extended far beyond academics.

Born into a farming family in the remote village of Chandrapura in Madhya Pradesh, Anjali was forced to battle social expectations, family pressures, personal tragedy and repeated setbacks on her journey to success.

At an age when most teenagers are focused on school examinations, Anjali was preparing for something entirely different — marriage.


The daughter of farmers, Anjali was just 15 years old and studying in Class 10 when her marriage was fixed. Wedding discussions had already begun, relatives were making plans, and her future seemed all but decided.

But while others saw a bride-to-be, Anjali envisioned something else: a future shaped by education and self-determination.

Years later, that determination helped her achieve what few can. Anjali secured All India Rank (AIR) 9 in the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2024, transforming herself from a village girl facing an early marriage into one of India's newest civil servants.

Her inspiring story has since been widely reported by several media organisations.

The district topper whose marriage was fixed at 15

Anjali grew up in Chandrapura village in Madhya Pradesh, where early marriages for girls were not uncommon. Her parents worked as farmers and, like many families in the region, believed marriage should happen early.

Ironically, the same year Anjali emerged as the district topper in her Class 10 board examinations, her marriage was arranged.

"So much so that my marriage was fixed when I was still in Class 10. I was 15 at the time. My family had decided early on that I should be married off as soon as possible," she was quoted as saying.

For many girls, such a decision would have marked the end of their educational journey. For Anjali, it became the beginning of a fight for her dreams.

Choosing UPSC over societal expectations

After completing Class 12, Anjali moved to Indore to pursue higher education and began preparing for the UPSC examination.

She had seen many girls around her discontinue their studies because of marriage. Determined not to let that happen to her, she remained focused on her goal despite constant pressure.

"My journey has been full of ups and downs, with many unexpected turns. But I remained adamant about my dedication, and my focus never shifted from UPSC. I think that single-minded determination is the real reason behind my success," she told Indian Masterminds.

Three failures and mounting pressure

Success did not come immediately.

Anjali had planned her first UPSC attempt in 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted those plans. When she finally appeared for the Civil Services Examination in 2021, she failed to clear the preliminary stage.

The same result followed in 2022.

Then again in 2023.

Three consecutive failures brought disappointment and renewed pressure from those who believed it was time for her to abandon her ambitions and get married.

The toughest year of her life

The year 2023 proved especially difficult.

Not only did she fail the UPSC prelims for the third time, but she also suffered a devastating personal loss when her father passed away.

Back home, her mother and brother were left to manage the family's farming responsibilities. Amid grief and uncertainty, the pressure to marry became stronger than ever.

Yet just when it seemed her dream might slip away, one person stepped in and changed everything.

The mother who stood between her daughter and the world

Anjali credits her success to her mother's courage.

As relatives questioned her choices and society pushed for marriage, her mother took a stand and supported her daughter's aspirations.

"My mother stood like a wall between me and the world," Anjali said.

According to Anjali, her mother broke the engagement and assured her that she would not be forced into marriage.

"Now you will study, and you will not get married until you choose to," her mother told her.

That decision became the turning point in Anjali's life.

The fourth attempt that changed everything

After three unsuccessful attempts, many aspirants would have moved on. Anjali chose to try once more.

In her fourth attempt, she appeared for both the Civil Services Examination and the Indian Forest Service Examination.

This time, years of hard work, setbacks and perseverance finally paid off.

Anjali secured All India Rank 9 in the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2024, achieving the dream she had fought for since her teenage years.

Looking back on her journey, she reflected on how far she had come:

"They tried to write my destiny when I was just 15. But I rewrote it, with courage in my heart, tears in my eyes, and books in my hands."

Today, Anjali Sondhiya's story stands as a powerful reminder that determination can overcome even the strongest social pressures — and that sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to stand by your side to change the course of a life.