Beyond Luxuries, Beyond Technology—IPS Anil Kumar Rai's Success Story

February 27, 2024

3 Minutes

Introduction

Hardships are an indispensable part of journeys like UPSC; however, hard work and determination can truly move mountains, as they did in the case of Retd. IPS officer Anil Kumar Rai. He was selected as a PPS officer in 1986 and was later inducted into the Indian Police Service ( IPS) in 2002. He belongs to a lower-middle-class family and comes from a time where smartphones and the internet had no place.

Early Education

Anil Kumar did his primary education at a school in his village. Later on, he completed his studies until the 8th grade at the junior high school of the same village. These schools were completely different from the ones we have today. They had no tables or chairs. Students used to go to the school, clean it, and then study.

In 9th grade, Anil Kumar had no guardian. His father used to stay far away from him, and this hampered his studies. He didn’t study much and spent most of his time watching films. Anil was a film lover and used to watch the first show of every newly released movie. As a result, he passed high school in the 3rd division. In the 11th grade, he got his father’s guidance, and he passed the intermediate level of his schooling with the 2nd division.

A Major Turning Point

Anil lived in a joint family where no one wanted to send him away for his studies. His family members used to think that sending him away for further education was futile. Against all these odds, his father got him enrolled at Allahabad University. He cleared the entrance and did his graduation there, solely on his father’s trust. While dropping him off at the railway station, his father told him how he is sending him away for his studies against the wishes of the whole family, and he has a lot of faith in his son. This incident marked a major turning point in Anil’s life.

Days at Allahabad University and a Major Setback

Anil did his graduation at Allahabad University and scored 71%. He remained a few marks away from being a topper. The words of faith that his father told him were still echoing in his head, and as a result, he became the gold medalist and topped the university in post-graduation.

Anil wanted to pursue research, and he gave his name as PHd. He was even allotted a research area or topic for the same, but his family’s financial situation was very bad. Therefore, he applied for a UGC scholarship; however, he didn’t get it. At the same time, second- and third-place finishers managed to get the scholarship. The reason provided was that he secured the 3rd division in high school. However, the real reason was that he was not from an influential family. There, he started his UPSC journey.

Also read: IFS Arushi Mishra’s Journey of Resilience: A Saga of UPSC and IFS Glory

Father’s Sudden Demise and an IPS officer

In 1984, Anil applied for civil services and scored 73% in the written exam. He was sure he would clear the exam. He topped the list and was recommended on the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. He secured 6th place in the General category in whole Uttar Pradesh. He decided to leave it for UPSC; however, his father passed away all of a sudden. Therefore, he was forced to join as a DSP. Finally, in 2002, he was inducted into the decorated Indian Police Services. Rai went on to work on high posts, including Deputy Inspector General of Police and Inspector General of Police.

Anil’s Advice to Aspirants

Anil Kumar lays emphasis on the positive use of technology. He speaks highly of how a mobile is a good servant but a bad master. As per him, the aspirants should use the internet and mobile phones positively for the preparation of the UPSC.

Furthermore, he says that it is important to be diligent rather than intelligent. Hard work is the only key to success, and we should do it step by step. Anil’s journey is a testament to how, in times when no technology existed and hardships were in abundance, his grit and hard work paid off.

Know more about IPS Anil Kumar Rai here.