A R Rajah Mohaideen UPSC AIR 7: Biography, Optional Subject and Marks

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the final results for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 on March 6, 2026. 

Among the 958 recommended candidates, A R Rajah Mohaideen has achieved a stellar feat by securing All India Rank (AIR) 7. A doctor by profession, his journey from the medical wards to the top echelons of Indian administration is a masterclass in perseverance and focused preparation.

A R Rajah Mohaideen UPSC Rank 7 Biography

A R Rajah Mohaideen was born on April 12, 1999, in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. He comes from a family deeply rooted in the education sector; both of his parents are teachers. His mother serves as a principal in a government college, while his father heads a government teachers' training college. Rajah's early life in Chennai was marked by academic excellence and a passion for fine arts. 

A R Rajah Mohaideen Educational Background

Rajah completed his schooling at DAV Boys Senior Secondary School, Chennai, where he maintained a perfect 10/10 CGPA in Class 10. He was also an NTSE scholar, a testament to his early intellectual prowess.

Following his passion for science, he pursued an MBBS degree from Rajah Muthiah Medical College (Annamalai University), graduating in 2022. During his medical internship, he realized that he could impact society on a larger scale through administrative services, which led him to pivot toward UPSC preparation.

A R Rajah Mohaideen UPSC Optional Subject

For the Mains examination, Rajah chose Anthropology as his optional subject. While many medical graduates opt for Medical Science, Rajah chose Anthropology due to its scientific nature and overlapping themes with biological sciences, which allowed him to leverage his medical background effectively while exploring social and cultural dimensions.

UPSC Journey and Strategy

Rajah’s success was not overnight. He cleared the examination in his third attempt.

• First Attempt: Failed to clear the Preliminary stage.

• Second Attempt: Continued his preparation, refining his strategy.

• Third Attempt (2025): Secured AIR 7.

He moved to Delhi in 2023 and joined the Jamia Millia Islamia Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), where he spent his final years of preparation. His strategy focused on "fixed goals" rather than a rigid timetable, ensuring he met subject targets every month.

A R Rajah Mohaideen UPSC Marks and Personality Test

While the official marksheet for UPSC CSE 2025 will be released by the commission within 15 days of the result declaration, his rank indicates exceptional scores across General Studies, his optional, and the Personality Test. Rajah appeared for his interview during the final phase (December 2025 – February 2026), where his diverse background as a doctor and a world-record-holding musician likely stood out.

UPSC CSE Top 10 Rank Holders 2025