The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the final result of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 on April 22, 2025, revealing the names of 1,009 successful candidates selected for top administrative roles in India. Among them, Shakti Dubey, a 30-year-old woman from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has made history by securing the All India Rank 1 (AIR 1), a remarkable achievement that marks a significant milestone in her career and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
This year, over 9 lakh candidates applied for the UPSC CSE exam, with 1,129 ultimately making it to the final merit list. The written part of the examination was held in September 2024, followed by interviews for the Personality Test conducted from January to April 2025. Shakti Dubey's achievement brings immense pride not only to her family but to the nation as a whole. Harshita Goyal and Dongre Archit Parag secured the second and third positions, respectively.
Shakti Dubey's educational background is impressive. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry from Allahabad University in 2016, where she was a gold medalist. Following her graduation, she completed her Master’s Degree in Biochemistry at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 2018. Since then, she has been preparing for the Civil Services Examination, beginning her journey in 2018.
In a recent interview, Shakti expressed her elation: "I worked hard for many years. I told everyone at home that they are all very happy. It was hard to believe at first, but the feeling is slowly sinking in… My brother had predicted I would secure the first rank." Her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, who serves as a sub-inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police, and her mother, Prema Dubey, a homemaker, have been pivotal in her journey, providing unwavering support throughout her academic pursuits.
Shakti's sister, Pragati, is also an UPSC aspirant, though she did not clear the exam this year. Shakti's academic journey began at St. Mary’s Convent in Ghoorpur, after which she pursued her higher studies. During her time at BHU, she became the Head of the Student Debating Committee, which fueled her passion for policy and law.
Reflecting on her preparation strategy, Shakti advised fellow aspirants to work with a minimal book list and focus on previous years' questions. She emphasized the importance of taking multiple mock tests to acclimate to the exam's conditions and suggested that candidates should not be overly harsh on themselves if they do not achieve immediate success. "Always remember that this is just an examination. It is not more important than life. If you are confident that you can improve and if your family is supportive, that is all you need," she said.
The UPSC CSE 2024 saw participation from nearly 10 lakh candidates, with 5.83 lakh appearing for the preliminary examination. Out of these, 14,627 candidates qualified for the mains, and 2,845 were shortlisted for the personality test. A total of 1,129 vacancies will be filled through this recruitment process, including 180 posts in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 55 in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and 147 in the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Shakti Dubey's success is not just a personal victory; it serves as an inspiration to many aspiring civil servants across the country. Her journey exemplifies the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in one of the toughest examinations in India. As she steps into her new role, Shakti hopes to bring about positive change and contribute to society through public service.
Celebrations erupted in the Dubey household in Prayagraj as Shakti's family rejoiced in her achievement. Her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, expressed his pride, stating, "I am feeling great; it's all because of God's grace." Neighbors and friends joined in the celebration, underscoring the community's pride in Shakti's accomplishment. "I have been living in this area for ten years, and a news like this has come for the first time," said her neighbor, Sujata Dwivedi.
As the UPSC Topper List for 2025 was released, it included names of other remarkable candidates: Harshita Goyal (Rank 2), Dongre Archit Parag (Rank 3), Shah Margi Chirag (Rank 4), Aakash Garg (Rank 5), Komal Punia (Rank 6), Aayushi Bansal (Rank 7), Raj Krishna Jha (Rank 8), Aditya Vikram Agarwal (Rank 9), and Mayank Tripathi (Rank 10). Each of these candidates has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill to reach the top of this highly competitive examination.
As Shakti Dubey embarks on her career in civil services, her journey serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for countless others aiming to achieve their dreams. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the support of family and community in overcoming challenges.
