Growing up, Anil Kumar Rai had a great passion for watching films and would always attend the first show on the first day. He showed little interest in his studies. His father had dreams of him becoming a successful officer. Due to his father’s pressure, he went to school and completed class 8 at the junior high school in his village. When his father went away for work, Anil indulged in his interests rather than focusing on studies as there was no one to stop him. This lack of supervision resulted in him passing class 10 with a third division. 

Background

Looking at Anil’s unseriousness towards his studies, his relatives doubted his ability to pursue further education and began taunting him. However, his father had unwavering faith in his son’s potential. He guided Anil and explained that education was the key to changing his life. Taking this advice, he diligently studied for his class 12 and passed with a second division. This marked a turning point in his life. 

Education

After Anil completed his school studies, his father encouraged him to pursue higher education and enrolled him at Allahabad University. On his first day, his father dropped him to college and emotionally urged him to work hard. Remarkably, Anil achieved 71 percent marks in his graduation. He went on to top the university in his post-graduation and earned a gold medal. After that he aspired to pursue PhD, but due to family circumstances, he had to abandon his plans. He applied for a UGC scholarship but was unsuccessful as his marks in class 10 were too low. 

Becoming an IPS officer 

During this time, Anil decided to prepare for competitive exams. He cracked the UPPSC exam and became a Deputy SP. He also wanted to prepare for UPSC, but the sudden demise of his father placed family’s responsibilities on his shoulders. In the year 2002, Anil Kumar Rai was promoted to the position of IPS officer. He has been awarded the President’s Police Medal twice. Reflecting on his early life, it was hard to believe that a boy who struggled academically would one day become an IPS officer.