Before the results of the Civil Services exams 2017 were out, Anudeep Durishetty decided not to make any more attempts in case he fails to get a good rank. However, when the results were out on Friday evening, he was least prepared to handle his score and also the attention that came with it. The Indian Revenue Service officer, who lives in Hyderabad, emerged the topper.
Currently employed with the central GST in Hyderabad, this was Anudeep’s fifth and the most fruitful attempt.
“I have barely slept since last night,” said Anudeep, who has been constantly attending to a steady stream of visitors, media personnel and congratulatory texts. The UPSC topper lives with roommates in Banjara Hills while his parents are in Metpally town in north Telangana.
What did he do right this time around that resulted in a stroke of good fortune? “I improved on my writing speed. In the last few attempts I had faced difficulty in completing the papers. This time I could do it. I changed my optional subject which also helped me. I chose Anthropology instead of Public Administration this time.”
Anudeep shared that practising meditation helped in staying focus as he juggled work and study. “I watched and played football, too, to unwind,” he said.
Anudeep is aware that this is an immense responsibility. “Wherever I am posted, I will work to the best of my abilities. National development will be the most important area for me,” he said.
Though, he first broke the news to his parents, he could not talk to them for a long time. “I am going to my town to meet my parents. I could not talk to them properly as I was busy with interviews. My immediate plan is to spend some time with them.”
A movie buff, he also wishes to catch up on good movies in the coming days before he heads off for training.