A New Era of Excellence: UP’s Shakti Dubey Tops UPSC 2024, Women Shine Among Top Rankers

In a historic turn of events, the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 has brought a refreshing wind of change. With Uttar Pradesh’s Shakti Dubey securing the top rank, and three women placing in the top five, this year’s results are not just about numbers — they reflect perseverance, purpose, and the promise of a better India.

Shakti Dubey: A Story of Resilience and Relentless Effort

At 28, Shakti Dubey from Naini, Uttar Pradesh, has shown the nation what it means to never give up. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad, Shakti chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject — a combination that mirrors her analytical depth and commitment to public service.

What makes her journey even more compelling is that this was her fifth attempt. “Each attempt taught me something new — about myself, about society, and about how deeply I want to serve this country,” she shared in an emotional interview. Her journey reminds us that success is not always immediate, but persistence always pays off.

Harshita Goyal: From Hisar Roots to National Glory

Harshita Goyal, 24, secured the second rank, proudly representing Haryana and Gujarat alike. Born in Hisar but raised in Vadodara, her journey is rooted in both hard work and a strong family foundation. Her father, Govind Goyal, fondly recalled, “Harshita was always curious, always reading. We knew she was meant for something great.”

A Commerce graduate from MS University of Baroda, Harshita too opted for Political Science and International Relations. Clearing the exam in her third attempt, she’s become a role model for countless young women aspiring to join India’s administrative services.

Diversity in Education, Unity in Purpose

Rank three was bagged by Dongre Archit Parag from Pune, a 26-year-old BTech graduate in Electrical and Electronics from Vellore Institute of Technology. Opting for Philosophy as his optional subject, Dongre brings a rare blend of engineering precision and philosophical depth to the table.

At rank four, Shah Margi Chirag from Gujarat made her mark. A 26-year-old Computer Engineering graduate, she chose Sociology as her optional subject and cleared the exam in her fifth attempt — another testament to undying perseverance.

Aakash Garg, the 24-year-old from Delhi who secured fifth rank, completed his BTech in Computer Science and cleared the exam in just his second attempt. His choice of Sociology and sharp analytical mindset impressed the interview panel and sealed his success.

A Sea of Aspirants, a Few to Serve

The scale of the exam tells its own story. Nearly 9.9 lakh candidates applied for the UPSC 2024 prelims. Out of these, 5.83 lakh appeared, and only 1,009 finally made the cut — including 284 women, reflecting a growing presence of women in public service.

The final list comprises 725 men and 284 women, spread across categories — 335 from the general category, 318 from OBC, 160 from SC, 87 from ST, and 109 from EWS. These numbers may be statistics to some, but for those who cleared, they are stories of dreams realized after sleepless nights, missed festivals, and unwavering focus.

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The Impact: A Nation Inspired

What this year’s UPSC result brings is more than just names and ranks. It brings hope, especially for young women across India who now see role models not only surviving but excelling in one of the toughest examinations in the world.

As Shakti, Harshita, Margi, and others step into the corridors of administration, their presence will bring diversity, empathy, and innovation. India’s civil services are no longer just about governance — they are about inclusion, compassion, and change.

The message is loud and clear — if you have the courage to dream, the patience to prepare, and the will to persist, nothing can stop you.