From Tea Stall to IAS Officer: A Tea Seller’s Daughter Cracks UPSC Without Coaching

Posted in: Voices / Education / Motivation

“Dreams don’t need Wi-Fi. They need willpower.”

In a small village in Bihar, amidst poverty and struggle, rose a story that will ignite every UPSC aspirant’s heart. This is the true UPSC inspirational story of Anjali Kumari, the tea seller’s daughter who defied the odds and became an IAS officer without coaching.

🟢The Humble Beginnings – Life at a Tea Stall

Anjali grew up helping her father run a small tea stall outside the village railway station. Life was never easy. Basic needs were a challenge — books were a luxury.

Anjali grew up helping her father run a small tea stall outside the village railway station. Life was never easy. Basic needs were a challenge — books were a luxury.

But Anjali had something rare: a burning desire to become a civil servant.

She would overhear customers talking about jobs, government exams, and the Union Public Service Commission. And in her heart, a seed was planted.

🔵Studying Under Streetlights and Dreaming Big

With no electricity at home, she studied under a flickering streetlight every night. Her books were old, donated by a retired schoolteacher. She never had internet or online coaching.

Yet, her passion for UPSC preparation was stronger than her limitations.

Yet, her passion for UPSC preparation was stronger than her limitations.

This story soon became known as the “girl who studied under streetlights to become an IAS officer.”

🟣First Failure — Not the End, Just the Beginning

Anjali’s first UPSC attempt didn’t go as planned. She failed.

But instead of giving up, she started part-time tuition to fund better preparation and help her family. Her father stood by her, saying:

“You’ve already passed life’s hardest test, beta. The rank will come.”

🟠Second Attempt: AIR 138 – An Unbelievable Comeback

With no formal UPSC coaching, Anjali cracked the UPSC CSE with All India Rank 138 in her second attempt.

Her story went viral across India. Media covered the “tea seller’s daughter’s UPSC journey” and she became an icon for millions of struggling aspirants.

🔴Now an IAS Officer, She Lights the Way for Others

Anjali now serves as an IAS officer, working in education and rural development in Jharkhand. She helps underprivileged girls access coaching, books, and internet facilities.

“If I can do it from a tea stall, anyone can,” she says.

🟡Key Takeaways from Her UPSC Preparation Journey

1. Discipline over resources: She followed a strict self-study timetable.

2. NCERTs and free PDFs were her UPSC syllabus base.

3. Previous year UPSC papers helped her understand the pattern.
4. Mock tests & handwritten notes became her secret weapon.