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Photo credit: YouTube account of Chahal Academy
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the final results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 on April 22, 2025. A total of 1,009 candidates have been selected for top administrative roles across the country.
Shakti Dubey topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024. She secured All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) out of over 1,000 selected candidates. She comes from Prayagraj, a major city in Uttar Pradesh known for its strong academic and cultural roots.
Who is Shakti Dubey UPSC topper?
Shakti Dubey, the topper of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, secured the prestigious All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) among over 1,000 selected candidates. She hails from Prayagraj, a city in Uttar Pradesh known for its academic and cultural heritage. Growing up in a city that produces scholars and civil servants, Shakti was influenced by the educational environment around her. She studied in local schools, which helped shape her disciplined study habits and sparked an interest in public service early on.
After completing her schooling, Shakti pursued her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad. Later, she moved to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, where she earned a Master’s degree in Biochemistry. During her time at BHU, she began considering a career in civil services, particularly inspired by reading about governance, politics, and administration. This marked a pivotal moment in her journey.
Following her post-graduation, Shakti worked as a teacher for a short period. Though specific details about her teaching role remain undisclosed, this experience proved to be instrumental in developing key skills that would later benefit her in the UPSC journey. The experience helped her improve her communication, leadership, patience, and confidence in public speaking—qualities that played a vital role during the personality test (interview round) of the UPSC.
Shakti began her serious UPSC preparation in 2018, opting for Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject. Despite her science background, she made a smooth transition into the new subject, relying on thorough planning and focus.
Her preparation spanned seven years, with a routine that involved daily study, consistent mock tests, regular newspaper reading, and answer writing practice. She followed a steady, disciplined approach, understanding that success in the UPSC was about consistency and gradual improvement rather than rushing through topics.
In 2024, Shakti appeared for the three stages of the UPSC CSE: the Preliminary exam in June, the Mains exam in September, and the Personality Test between January and April 2025. Her solid subject knowledge and calm demeanor during the interview helped her stand out. She faced the interview panel with poise, reflecting the discipline and hard work that defined her journey.
Shakti's success story is particularly inspiring because she is not from a political or military family. She does not have any high-profile connections but has instead relied solely on her efforts and education. Her story challenges the notion that success in the civil services requires family ties or external influence, showing that with determination and a strong work ethic, anyone can achieve their goals.
For many young aspirants, especially those from small towns, Shakti’s journey offers valuable lessons. She demonstrates that:
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Long-term preparation, even if it takes years, is not a disadvantage.
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Switching to a new subject is not risky as long as it’s studied with dedication.
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Consistency and discipline matter more than speed or shortcuts in UPSC preparation.
Now, with her top rank, Shakti is set to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She aims to work in public administration, improve governance, and contribute to making a positive impact on people’s lives. Her story stands as a testament to the power of hard work, persistence, and unwavering commitment.
Meet the Top 20 UPSC CSE 2024 Candidates
Along with Shakti Dubey, the following candidates made it to the top 20:
| Rank | Candidate Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Shakti Dubey |
| 2 | Harshita Goyal |
| 3 | Dongre Archit Parag |
| 4 | Shah Margi Chirag |
| 5 | Aakash Garg |
| 6 | Komal Punia |
| 7 | Aayushi Bansal |
| 8 | Raj Krishna Jha |
| 9 | Aditya Vikram Agarwal |
| 10 | Mayank Tripathi |
| 11 | Ettaboyina Sai Shivani |
| 12 | Ashi Sharma |
| 13 | Hemant |
| 14 | Abhishek Vashishtha |
| 15 | Banna Venkatesh |
| 16 | Madhav Agarwal |
| 17 | Sanskriti Trivedy |
| 18 | Saumya Mishra |
| 19 | Vibhor Bhardwaj |
| 20 | Trilok Singh |
These candidates will join different services based on their ranks, preferences, and available vacancies.
Category-wise reserve list
| Category | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| General | 115 |
| EWS | 35 |
| OBC | 59 |
| SC | 14 |
| ST | 6 |
| PwBD-1 | 1 |
Service-wise vacancy breakdown
| Service | Total Vacancies | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | 180 | 73 | 18 | 52 | 24 | 13 |
| Indian Foreign Service (IFS) | 55 | 23 | 5 | 13 | 9 | 5 |
| Indian Police Service (IPS) | 147 | 60 | 14 | 41 | 22 | 10 |
| Central Services Group ‘A’ | 605 | 244 | 57 | 168 | 90 | 46 |
| Group ‘B’ Services | 142 | 55 | 15 | 44 | 15 | 13 |
PwBD Reserved Vacancies: 50 posts across different categories
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