The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially declared the results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. In a remarkable achievement, Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has emerged as the All India topper, securing the first rank in this highly competitive examination. Following her are Harshita Goyal, who claimed the second position, and Dongre Archit Parag, who secured third place.
This year, approximately 1,009 candidates have qualified for various esteemed services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). The examination itself saw participation from a staggering 5,83,213 candidates, with many aspiring for a place in the civil services.
Shakti Dubey's journey to the top of the UPSC ranks is a testament to her dedication and hard work. She completed her schooling and undergraduate studies in Prayagraj, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Allahabad University. Following her graduation, she pursued a post-graduate degree in the same field from Banaras Hindu University, which she completed in 2016. Since 2018, she has been diligently preparing for the civil services examination, demonstrating a commitment that has now paid off.
In her preparation for the UPSC exam, Shakti chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject, a choice that reflects her strategic approach to the examination. Her success has brought immense joy to her family, who have expressed their pride in her accomplishments.
Harshita Goyal, the second rank holder, is a B.Com graduate from MS University of Baroda. She also opted for Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject, mirroring Shakti's choice. Dongre Archit Parag, who secured the third position, holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from VIT, Vellore, and selected Philosophy as his optional subject.
The UPSC conducts the civil services examination annually in three stages: preliminary, main, and interview. The preliminary examination for 2024 took place on June 16, 2024, and out of nearly one million candidates who applied, only 14,627 qualified for the written examination held in September. Following this, 2,845 candidates were called for the personality test, which ultimately determined the final rankings.
Among the 1,009 candidates who have been recommended for appointment, there is a notable gender representation, with three women and two men among the top five ranks. The overall top 25 candidates include 11 women and 14 men, showcasing a significant achievement for female candidates in this competitive field.
The selection process is not limited to the top ranks; the UPSC has also prepared a consolidated reserved list of candidates, comprising individuals from various categories. This list includes 115 candidates from the general category, 35 from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), 59 from Other Backward Classes (OBC), 14 from Scheduled Castes (SC), 6 from Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 1 candidate from the benchmark disability category.
In terms of vacancies, the government has announced a total of 1,129 positions to be filled through this recruitment process. This includes 180 positions for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 55 for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and 147 for the Indian Police Service (IPS). Additionally, there are 605 vacancies in Central Service Group 'A' and 142 in Group 'B' services.
The successful candidates will not only contribute to the esteemed services but also bring diverse educational backgrounds, with qualifications ranging from engineering and humanities to medical sciences and commerce. This diversity enriches the civil services, enabling a broader perspective in governance and administration.
Shakti Dubey's success story serves as an inspiration for many aspiring civil servants. Her journey from a student in Prayagraj to the top of the UPSC ranks exemplifies the power of perseverance and hard work. As she embarks on her career in public service, her achievements will undoubtedly motivate future candidates to strive for excellence.
As the results are now public, candidates can check their individual scores on the official UPSC website. The commission is expected to release the marks of all candidates approximately 15 days after the announcement of the results.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is not just a test of knowledge; it is a rigorous assessment that evaluates candidates on various fronts, including analytical skills, decision-making abilities, and ethical judgment. With the results now declared, the focus will shift to the preparations for the upcoming appointments and the roles these new officers will play in shaping the future of the country.
