Every year, the UPSC Civil Services Examination highlights extraordinary individuals who embody determination and dedication. Among them, Ankita Agarwal stands out for her inspiring journey. Securing AIR-2 in UPSC CSE 2021, she is now part of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Her story reflects not only academic brilliance but also resilience, family support, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
Ankita Agarwal UPSC Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ankita Agarwal |
| Date of Birth | 1 August 1999 |
| Age | 26 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Family Roots | Bihar |
| Father | Businessman (hardware store in Burrabazar, Kolkata) |
| Mother | Homemaker |
| Sibling | One brother (pursuing MBA in Delhi) |
| Education | DPS Ruby Park (Kolkata), B.A. Economics – St. Stephen’s College, DU |
| UPSC Attempt History | AIR-236 (2019, IRS), AIR-2 (2021, IAS) |
| Current Posting | Assistant Secretary, NITI Aayog |
| Service | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Age at UPSC Success | 22 (when results declared in 2022) |
Early Life and Family
Ankita Agarwal was born on 1st August 1999. She is 26 years old (as of 2025). Though her family has roots in Bihar, she grew up in Kolkata, West Bengal, where she spent most of her childhood.
She was raised in an extended family environment under the guidance of her grandparents, uncles, and aunts. Her father runs a hardware store in Burrabazar, while her mother is a homemaker. Ankita also has a brother who is pursuing an MBA in Delhi. She often acknowledges that her family played a crucial role in her journey by giving her complete freedom and never pressuring her with expectations.
Education Background
Ankita completed her schooling at DPS Ruby Park, Kolkata, where she built a strong academic foundation. She later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University — one of India’s most prestigious institutions.
After graduation, Ankita briefly worked in the corporate sector, but her passion for governance and nation-building pushed her towards the civil services. This decision became the turning point of her life.
UPSC Journey
Ankita Agarwal’s UPSC journey is a testimony to perseverance:
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2019 (First Attempt): She cleared UPSC with an All India Rank of 236, securing a post in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).
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Second Attempt: Despite already being in a respected service, she continued preparing with a bigger dream — the IAS.
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2021 (Third Attempt): Her hard work paid off when she secured AIR-2 and earned her place in the Indian Administrative Service.
Her choice of public service over corporate life reflects her vision of contributing directly to India’s development.
Current Posting
As of now, Ankita Agarwal is serving as an Assistant Secretary at NITI Aayog, Government of India. This role allows her to contribute towards policy-making and development strategies at the national level.
Personality and Values
Ankita is often described as disciplined, humble, and deeply focused. She credits her family for allowing her to pursue her dream on her own terms. Her success is a mix of hard work, clarity of purpose, and the strong value system she was brought up with.
FAQs
Q: Who is Ankita Agarwal?
A: Ankita Agarwal is an IAS officer who secured AIR-2 in UPSC CSE 2021.
Q: What is Ankita Agarwal’s date of birth?
A: She was born on 1st August 1999.
Q: How old is Ankita Agarwal?
A: She is 26 years old (in 2025).
Q: What was her educational background?
A: She studied at DPS Ruby Park, Kolkata, and graduated in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University.
Q: Did she clear UPSC in her first attempt?
A: Yes, in 2019 she secured AIR-236 and joined IRS, but she continued her preparation and achieved AIR-2 in 2021.
Q: What is her current posting?
A: Ankita Agarwal is serving as Assistant Secretary at NITI Aayog.
Conclusion
Ankita Agarwal’s story proves that consistent effort, family support, and self-belief can make even the toughest goals achievable. From a student in Kolkata to an IAS officer ranked second in the nation, she has shown how determination can turn aspirations into reality. Today, as part of NITI Aayog, she continues to work for the betterment of India, inspiring countless UPSC aspirants along the way.
