BETTIAH, March 7 -- Brimming with vim and vigour, 25-yr-old Raghav Jhunjhunwala, who secured the fourth rank in the Civil Services Examination 2026 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on Friday, said the result came as a surprise as he had not expected to qualify this year and was already planning to resume preparation for the next preliminary examination. Talking to Hindustan Times over phone, Raghav said he found it difficult to believe that he had qualified with the fourth rank in one of the country's toughest examinations. "To be honest I wasn't hopeful this time. I was just planning to restart my preparation strategy for the next preliminary exam," said Raghav, who cleared his matriculation from a private school in Muzaffarpur in 2017, which wound up its operation recently. A resident of Pankaj Market area in Muzaffarpur, Raghav, son of late Ashok Jhunjhunwala did his Intermediate in commerce from a college in Muzaffarpur in 2019. "He was among toppers of the state," said Arun Chamariya, Raghav's maternal uncle who supported his family after the early demise of his father. After his Intermediate, he got enrolled at Sri Ram of Commerce in Delhi University where he notched up a gold medal in 2022. Raghav said his success was the result of consistent hard work, disciplined study and unwavering support from his family and mentors. He added that focusing on the basics, regular revision and maintaining faith in the preparation process played a key role in achieving the feat. "This was my third attempt. In the second attempt I qualified for interview but failed to make it," said Jhunjhunwala who opted for economics as an optional subject in UPSC. He said his mother Anju Jhunjhunwala and uncle Arun Chamariya were his sourceof inspiration. Meanwhile, posted as ACP in South Delhi, Apoorva Verma, from Narkatiaganj in West Champaran, secured 42nd rank in the examination. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Verma said she was hopeful of her success this year, which also happened to be her last attempt. "Basically, I am from West Champaran but obtained my education in Bokaro, where my father was associated with SAIL," said Verma, who completed her Class 12 in 2014. She went on to pursue BTech from MIT, Manipur. "I had opted for political science as my optional subject in the UPSC examination," said Verma, who had also qualified UPPSC. Verma said consistent preparation and maintaining discipline in studies played a key role in her success. She said balancing her professional responsibilities along with UPSC preparation was challenging, but she remained focused on her goal and continued to work hard to improve her performance. Dr Deepali Mahto from Samastipur secured All India Rank 36, drawing praise and celebration in her hometown. Dr Deepali Mahto, a resident of Katharbanni locality in Rosera town of Samastipur district, improved her performance significantly this year. After securing Rank 105 in the previous attempt and undergoing training, she reappeared for the examination and climbed to Rank 36 this year. Daughter of Sanjay Mahto and Sulekha Mahto, Deepali comes from a family with a strong educational background. Her father, Sanjay Mahto, served in administrative services before retiring from the revenue department. Deepali completed her higher education in Mumbai and pursued dentistry, working as a dental surgeon before continuing her preparation for the civil services. Her achievement has triggered celebrations not only in Rosera but across Samastipur district, with residents and well-wishers congratulating the family for the remarkable feat....