TV
In an inspiring accomplishment, Shakti Dubey from Uttar Pradesh has achieved the highest rank in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This victory comes after five prior attempts at this rigorous exam.
A Journey of Perseverance
Shakti, originally from Naini in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is a distinguished alumna of the University of Allahabad and Banaras Hindu University. Her journey in the pursuit of joining the civil services began in 2018, culminating in her achieving the top rank for the examination cycle of 2024. Her chosen subjects were Political Science and International Relations.
Speaking about her path to success, Shakti shared, "Although my schooling was in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science instead of a dental seat, as my interests were different. I couldn't clear the preliminaries initially, but persistence paid off."
Support and Determination
Reflecting on her daughter's journey, Devendra Dubey, a sub-inspector with the Uttar Pradesh Police, remarked on Shakti's unwavering determination. "Following her completion of Class 12 at SMC Ghoorpur, she topped both her B.Sc. and M.Sc. courses. Even when COVID-19 necessitated her return from Delhi, she continued her studies with dedication at home."
Out of the 9.92 lakh candidates appearing for the exam, approximately 28% of the recommended candidates were women. The top five ranks were notably diverse, featuring three women, with Harshita Goyal and Shah Margi Chirag joining Shakti in the top five.
High Stakes and High Rewards
The interviews for the UPSC CSE took place between 7 January and 17 April 2025. Other successful candidates include Dongre Archit Parag and Akash Garg.
This annual examination is one of the most competitive and sought-after in India, opening up roles within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other esteemed sectors.
