Dr Anjali Garg’s journey into the Indian Administrative Service is not a story of inherited ambition or early fascination with power and policy. Instead, it is a thoughtfully evolved transition—from hospital wards to the corridors of governance—driven by lived experience, empathy, and a desire to create impact at scale.
Born and raised in Chandigarh in a business family, Dr Garg had no immediate exposure to civil services while growing up. Education, however, was always a priority. Encouraged by her parents to pursue medicine, she worked with focus and discipline, securing high ranks in competitive exams such as AIIMS and NEET UG. These early academic successes built her confidence and led her naturally into MBBS, where she immersed herself in clinical training.
At that stage, becoming a civil servant was not part of her plan. The turning point came not from coaching classrooms or inspirational speeches, but from what she witnessed during her medical education.
When Medicine Raised Deeper Questions
During her MBBS, Dr Garg encountered the realities of India’s public healthcare system firsthand. Beyond diagnosis and treatment, she observed persistent challenges—shortage of staff, inadequate infrastructure, and operational limitations—that directly affected patient outcomes. These systemic gaps made her question how much change could be achieved at the treatment level alone.
More impactful were the social realities she confronted, particularly cases involving women’s health, abuse, and sexual violence. Treating survivors of such incidents left a lasting impression on her. She began to realise that by the time victims reached hospitals, irreversible damage had often already been done.
Over time, this understanding led her to a larger conclusion: meaningful change needed to begin before crisis points—through policy, administration, and governance.
“I felt I could contribute more through governance and work for larger societal change, especially women’s empowerment,” she has said.
Balancing COVID Duties and UPSC Preparation
Dr Garg’s first attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when medical professionals were under unprecedented pressure. Managing hospital duties alongside preparation demanded discipline, resilience, and strict time management.
Her study routine was built around consistency rather than long hours. After night shifts, she would rest briefly and attend coaching sessions. Though her first attempt did not result in selection, it gave her clarity and experience.
In her second attempt in 2022, Dr Anjali Garg secured All India Rank 79, earning her place in the IAS (2023 batch, Himachal Pradesh cadre). She also emerged as the topper in Medical Science optional, scoring an impressive 134 marks.
A Grounded Message for Aspirants
Drawing from her own experience, Dr Garg offers practical advice to UPSC aspirants—especially those contemplating a career shift. She believes preparation should stem from genuine intent, not social pressure, and strongly advocates for balance.
“If you truly want to pursue UPSC, you should definitely try—but always keep a plan B,” she advises.
She also emphasises the importance of physical and mental health, urging aspirants not to view the examination as a do-or-die battle.
“UPSC should never be treated as the sole measure of your worth,” she has often stressed.
Carrying Medical Values into Administration
Today, as an IAS officer, Dr Garg finds her medical background deeply relevant to her administrative role. Years of patient interaction have shaped her approach to governance—making her more empathetic, patient, and solution-oriented.
She believes qualities nurtured through medicine—compassion, attentiveness, and calm decision-making—are equally vital in public administration. These values guide her interactions with citizens and inform how she approaches complex public issues.
Dr Anjali Garg’s journey from medicine to the IAS is not about abandoning one profession for another. It is about expanding the scope of service—using experience from one field to create impact in another. Her story stands as a reminder that leadership rooted in empathy can transform governance at its core.
