On April 23, 2025, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the much-anticipated results for the Civil Service Examination (CSE) 2024 cycle, revealing that Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has emerged as the top candidate. Dubey's achievement is particularly notable as she secured the All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) in a highly competitive environment, with the examination attracting nearly a million applicants.
Shakti's journey to this pinnacle of success has been marked by determination, resilience, and a deep-seated desire to serve her community. Having begun her preparations in 2018, Shakti devoted seven years to her goal, ultimately succeeding in her fifth attempt. Her dedication has paid off, as she not only topped the examination but also did so without formal coaching, a feat that has garnered admiration across the country.
Shakti Dubey's academic background is impressive. She completed her schooling in Prayagraj and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Allahabad, where she was a gold medallist. Following this, she pursued a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), also graduating at the top of her class. Her father, Devendra Dubey, a sub-inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police, has been a significant influence on her aspirations. He noted in an interview, "Shakti studied till Class 12 at the SMC Ghoorpur, just nearby, and later topped the B.Sc exam from the University of Allahabad. After graduation, she pursued M.Sc from the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she also topped."
Shakti's decision to join civil services was inspired by her father's career in law enforcement. She reflected on this in a mock interview, stating, "I have grown up in a family where my father is already in the police service. I have seen him work in the government service. I saw certain things like, the presence of a police vehicle makes a person feel safe even while I was returning late from the campus. This made me wonder how even small power can bring a change for somebody and how public service at large is benefitting people." This realization sparked her interest in pursuing a career in civil services.
In the examination, Shakti opted for Political Science and International Relations as her subjects, a choice that reflects her growing interest in governance and public administration. Her success is not only a personal victory but also a source of inspiration for many aspiring civil servants, particularly young women. Shakti's victory is a testament to the idea that perseverance and strategic preparation can lead to success, even in the face of challenges.
Shakti's mother, Prema Devi, expressed her overwhelming joy at her daughter's achievement, stating, "I could not believe it at first. This has been possible only with God's grace." Shakti's success is bittersweet for the family, as her twin sister, Pragati, did not qualify for the examination despite preparing alongside her. Devendra Dubey remarked on this mixed outcome, saying, "Pragati was preparing with full dedication and she will continue doing so to get success."
The UPSC CSE 2024 results revealed that a total of 1,009 candidates have been recommended for appointment across various services, with 725 men and 284 women among them. The examination process was rigorous, with 9,92,599 candidates applying, of which 5,83,213 actually appeared for the exam. Following the preliminary examination held on June 16, 2024, 14,627 candidates qualified for the main examination, which took place in September 2024. Ultimately, 2,845 candidates made it to the personality test conducted between January 7 and April 17, 2025.
In addition to Shakti's achievement, the results highlighted the increasing representation of women in the civil services. The top five candidates included three women, with Harshita Goyal and Archit Parag coming in second and third, respectively. Goyal, a B.Com graduate from MS University of Baroda, and Parag, a B.Tech graduate from the Vellore Institute of Technology, also chose Political Science and International Relations as their optional subjects. Additionally, Aakash Garg, a B.Tech graduate from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi, secured the fifth position.
Shakti Dubey's story resonates with many, especially in a country where the UPSC examination is seen as a prestigious yet daunting challenge. Her journey emphasizes that success is often a product of patience, planning, and passion. As she embarks on her new role in civil services, Shakti stands as a beacon of hope for countless aspirants who dream of making a difference in society.
As the UPSC continues to uphold its rigorous standards in selecting candidates for public service, Shakti Dubey's accomplishment serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication can indeed lead to exemplary achievements. Her victory not only marks a significant milestone in her life but also adds to the growing narrative of female empowerment within the civil services in India.
The UPSC has also noted that the recommended candidates include 45 persons with benchmark disabilities, comprising 12 orthopedically handicapped, 8 visually challenged, 16 hearing impaired, and 9 with multiple disabilities. This inclusion reflects a broader commitment to diversity and accessibility within the civil services.
In conclusion, Shakti Dubey's success in the UPSC CSE 2024 is a powerful story of determination and inspiration. As she prepares to take on her responsibilities in civil service, her journey will undoubtedly motivate many others to pursue their dreams with the same tenacity and resolve.
