From Google to IAS Topper: Story of a Google engineer who became an IAS officer

Meet Anudeep Durishetty

Anudeep's story did not begin in a grand office, but in a small town in Telangana. He was a bright student who went on to study engineering at a top college. Like many of his friends, he landed a dream job at Google, with a salary worth lakhs of rupees each month. To most, this was the ultimate success. But for Anudeep, a quiet dreaedm from his younger days still flickered inside him: the dream of serving his country as an IAS officer.

This dream pushed him to try for the UPSC exam, often called the world’s toughest. In his first attempt in 2012, he did not make it. Instead of giving up, he chose a harder path. He decided to keep his demanding job at Google while preparing for the exam at night. He studied after work, often when others were resting, balancing spreadsheets by day and study notes by night.

His hard work paid off. In his next attempt in 2013, he cleared the exam with a good rank and joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). For many, this would have been a proud finale. But for Anudeep, his original goal was still ahead. He continued to serve as an IRS officer while preparing once more for the IAS.

In 2017, he sat for the exam again. This time, when the results were announced, his name was at the very top of the list. Anudeep Durishetty had become the UPSC All India Rank 1 topper.

His journey shows us a few simple truths. First, that failure is not the end—it is just a step. He failed once but kept going. Second, that comfort and a big salary are not what drive everyone; a deeper purpose can be far more powerful. And finally, that you can hold on to your current responsibilities while patiently working toward a bigger goal. He didn’t quit his job to study; he managed both with discipline.

Anudeep didn’t use fancy coaching classes. He relied on his own smart planning, self-study, and an unwavering belief in his dream. His story is a reminder that the highest achievements are not about where you start or what you already have. They are about listening to that quiet voice inside you, and having the courage to follow it—step by step, night after night—until you reach your destination.