April 23, 2025 | New Delhi — The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the results of the Civil Services Examination 2024. Shakti Dubey has earned the top position with All India Rank (AIR) 1. Her amazing achievement is both a personal victory and an inspiration for thousands of students across India.
Who is Shakti Dubey?
Shakti Dubey comes from Someshwar Nagar Colony in Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. She has been living in Delhi for several years to prepare for the UPSC exam. She graduated in biochemistry from the University of Allahabad and completed her master’s degree from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi.
Her father works in the police force, which helped her see the importance of public service from a young age. Shakti says that seeing how public service helps people and creates safety in society inspired her to choose this career path.
The UPSC Journey: Hard Work Pays Off
Shakti’s path to becoming #1 wasn’t easy. She started preparing for UPSC in 2018 and passed the exam on her fifth try after seven years of constant effort. She faced many challenges, including almost making the final list in previous attempts, but she never gave up.
For her optional subject, she chose political science and international relations. This was different from her science background but matched her growing interest in policy and governance that developed during her time at BHU.
How She Prepared: Routine and Flexibility
- Study Schedule: Shakti kept a strict routine, studying 10-12 hours every day, focusing on writing answers and staying updated on current affairs.
- Study Materials: She used NCERT books, Indian Express editorials, and standard texts like Laxmikant for Polity. She also took regular practice tests and wrote essays.
- Helping Others: As part of the StepUp Mentorship Program, Shakti also helped other UPSC students by sharing her strategies and insights.
- Mental Health: Yoga, meditation, and support from friends and family helped her stay focused through difficult times.
Overcoming Setbacks
Shakti’s journey included moments of doubt, especially after nearly making the final list in earlier attempts. She reviewed her answer sheets, found areas to improve, and changed her strategies. Her story shows the power of bouncing back and adapting when facing repeated challenges.
UPSC 2024 Results: Women in the Lead
This year’s UPSC Civil Services results are notable because women took the top two positions: Shakti Dubey (AIR 1) and Harshita Goyal (AIR 2), followed by Dongre Archit Parag (AIR 3). Out of 1009 recommended candidates, the strong performance of female candidates shows a move toward more gender equality in India’s most prestigious exam.
What’s Next for Shakti Dubey?
With her goal of making an impact through governance, Shakti will likely begin her IAS training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie. She wants to work on education and women’s safety policies, aiming to create meaningful change at the local level.
Shakti Dubey’s journey from Prayagraj to AIR 1 in UPSC CSE 2024 reminds us that persistence, flexibility, and a clear purpose can turn dreams into reality. Her story will inspire a new generation of UPSC students to aim high and never give up, no matter how difficult the path may be.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many attempts did Shakti Dubey take to clear UPSC?
She cleared the exam in her fifth attempt after seven years of preparation.
2. What was her optional subject?
Political Science and International Relations.
3. What motivated her to join the civil services?
Her father's work in the police and her exposure to public service inspired her to pursue a career in civil services.