Vanaj Vidyan has secured All India Rank 278 in the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, marking a significant milestone in his academic and professional journey. The result, declared on 6 March 2026, places him among the successful candidates recommended for appointment to the country’s premier civil services.
Vidyan achieved the rank in his third attempt at the examination. This was his second appearance in the Civil Services Main Examination and his first time appearing for the personality test stage. He chose Law as his optional subject in the examination.
Coming from a family associated with public service and international professional engagement, Vidyan’s background reflects strong academic and administrative influences. His father, Pankaj Kumar, serves as a Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. His mother is a Japanese language expert who has previously worked with IBM Japan and Maruti Suzuki as a Japanese interpreter.
Vidyan completed his undergraduate legal education at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University in Lucknow between 2018 and 2023, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degree. During his studies, he distinguished himself academically and graduated as a double gold medalist.
The gold medals were awarded by D Y Chandrachud and Yogi Adityanath in recognition of his academic excellence at the university.
Following his undergraduate studies, Vidyan pursued a Master of Laws degree from the University of Delhi, where he once again achieved top academic distinction and received a gold medal. The award was presented by the Vice President of India during the university’s academic ceremony.
Alongside his academic achievements, Vidyan has also been engaged in legal practice at the Supreme Court of India, gaining professional experience in the country’s highest judicial institution.
Preparing for the Civil Services Examination while pursuing academic commitments and professional responsibilities, Vidyan emphasised the importance of maintaining balance during the preparation process. He has often advised aspirants not to completely isolate themselves while preparing for the examination, highlighting the importance of maintaining engagement with broader academic and professional pursuits for mental well being.
Earlier in 2026, Vidyan was nominated as a National Youth Icon and invited to attend the Republic Day At Home ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During the event he was introduced as a youth icon by the President of India.
The recognition followed his participation in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in 2025. Vidyan was selected from nearly 40 lakh participants and emerged as the only participant from Uttar Pradesh to present his ideas directly before Narendra Modi during the programme.
After his presentation at the national dialogue, Narendra Modi designated him a National Youth Icon, recognising his contribution to youth leadership and public discourse.
With his success in the Civil Services Examination, Vidyan now joins the ranks of candidates selected for India’s higher civil services, bringing with him a background in law, academic excellence and youth leadership.
