Ankesh Nehara’s UPSC journey is a testament to academic excellence and a high-achieving professional trajectory. An alumnus of IIT Kanpur , Ankesh transitioned from a high-impact corporate role as an Assistant Vice President at Deutsche Bank to the prestigious UPSC CSE 2025 Interview stage. His profile seamlessly blends technical prowess in Electrical Engineering with the socio-cultural depth of Anthropology, making him a candidate with both analytical rigour and a grounded understanding of Indian society.
Reaching the Personality Test in 2025 marks a significant milestone in a journey characterized by resilience.
With a B.Tech. from IIT Kanpur and years of experience at Samsung R&D and Deutsche Bank, Ankesh brings a highly developed analytical framework to his preparation. His professional background in software engineering and finance suggests a structured approach to problem-solving and a deep familiarity with digital and economic landscapes.
Despite his deep roots in Engineering, Ankesh chose Anthropology as his optional subject. This choice indicates an intellectual curiosity regarding human development and social structures, providing a vital counterbalance to his technical background and enriching his perspective on governance.
Ankesh’s path was one of persistence. After three previous attempts at the Preliminary stage, his breakthrough in the 2025 cycle demonstrates an ability to learn from past experiences, refine his strategy, and maintain the discipline required to clear both the Prelims and the rigorous Mains examination.
Professional Discipline Applied the work ethic of an Assistant Vice President—managing complex information and high-pressure environments—to the vast UPSC syllabus.
Social Awareness through Extra-curriculars His involvement in a Research Project on Urban Health Mission Service Delivery in Slums with the Rakshak Foundation shows a long-standing interest in public policy and social welfare.
Leadership and Teamwork Experience as a Volleyball Captain at IIT Kanpur and winning "Man of the Series" in a cricket tournament in Samsung Premier League Cricket Tournament, South Korea highlight his leadership and collaborative skills.
Interdisciplinary Synthesis Leveraged the logic of Electrical Engineering and the human-centric lens of Anthropology to provide balanced views in GS papers.
Why leave a role as an Assistant Vice President at a global bank for the Civil Services?
The application of Electrical Engineering and Software experience in "Digital India" and governance.
Deep knowledge of Rajasthan's socio-economic issues, given his roots in Sikar.
Applying anthropological theories to rural development and health service delivery.
Insights gained from motorcycling, urban exploration, and trekking.
Ankesh Nehara’s profile reflects a rare blend of high-level corporate experience, top-tier technical education, and a genuine commitment to social issues. His journey from the labs of IIT Kanpur and the boardrooms of Mumbai to the UPSC Interview stage showcases a candidate who is adaptable, persistent, and possesses a mature, multi-faceted worldview.
With his background in engineering and finance, coupled with a sensitive understanding of human society, he embodies the qualities of a modern, efficient, and empathetic administrator.
