Shakti Dubey Mam Tops UPSC CSE 2024

Inputs by : Guru Chandra Sekhar.

On April 22, 2025, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the final results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, and Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, emerged as the All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) holder. Her remarkable achievement in one of India’s most prestigious and challenging exams is a testament to her dedication, strategic preparation, and unwavering commitment to public service. This article explores Shakti Dubey’s inspiring journey, her educational background, preparation strategy, and the broader significance of her success.

Early Life and Educational Background

Shakti Dubey was born and raised in Prayagraj, a city known for its academic legacy and cultural significance. Growing up in a modest family, she was instilled with values of hard work and integrity by her parents. Her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, serves in the police force, and his dedication to public service profoundly influenced Shakti’s career aspirations. Her mother, a homemaker, played a pivotal role in supporting her academic journey.Shakti excelled in her academics from an early age. She completed her schooling in Prayagraj and pursued a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad, where she was a top-performing student. She later earned a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 2018, securing a gold medal for her academic excellence. Despite her strong foundation in the sciences, Shakti’s curiosity about governance and public administration led her to choose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject for the UPSC exam, showcasing her adaptability and interdisciplinary approach.Before embarking on her UPSC journey, Shakti briefly worked as a teacher, a role that honed her communication and leadership skills—qualities essential for a career in civil services. Her exposure to teaching also deepened her understanding of social issues, further fueling her desire to serve the nation.

The UPSC Journey: Seven Years of Perseverance

Shakti Dubey began preparing for the UPSC CSE in 2018, embarking on a rigorous seven-year journey marked by persistence and resilience. The 2024 examination was her fifth attempt, and notably, the first time she reached the interview stage. Her final UPSC interview took place on March 14, 2025, where her confident and composed performance left a lasting impression.Shakti’s preparation strategy was disciplined and well-structured, reflecting her analytical mindset and strategic planning. Key elements of her approach included:In-Depth Reading: Shakti covered core subjects such as history, polity, geography, economics, and current affairs comprehensively. Her background in Biochemistry sharpened her analytical skills, which she applied to understand complex socio-political issues.Mock Tests and Answer Writing: Regular participation in mock tests allowed her to assess her performance and refine her answers. She emphasized practicing answer writing to articulate her thoughts clearly and concisely, a critical skill for the Mains examination.Time Management: Shakti balanced her studies with relaxation and physical fitness, ensuring she remained focused and energized throughout her preparation.Optional Subject Mastery: Choosing PSIR as her optional subject, despite her science background, was a strategic decision. PSIR’s relevance to General Studies papers and its high-scoring potential aligned with her interest in governance and international affairs.Her journey was not without challenges. Shakti faced setbacks in her earlier attempts, but her perseverance paid off in 2024, proving that consistency and adaptability are key to success in the UPSC CSE.A Personal Touch: Inspiration from Public ServiceShakti’s motivation to join the civil services was deeply personal. Growing up, she observed her father’s commitment to public safety, which left a lasting impact. A particularly poignant memory from her time at BHU further shaped her aspirations. During a late-night walk on campus, she felt a sense of security from a police patrol van, an experience that highlighted the importance of public service. “That sense of safety, brought by public service, left a deep impression on me,” she shared. This emotional and logical alignment drew her toward a career in civil services.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Shakti is a poet at heart. One of her favorite quotes, “The cracks were the real weakness of those walls. But the cracks were also the reason the light entered,” reflects her belief in finding opportunity amidst challenges—a mindset that guided her through her UPSC journey.

UPSC CSE 2024: A Milestone Year!

The UPSC CSE 2024 was a significant cycle, with 1,009 candidates recommended for appointment to various services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other Group A and B services. The examination process included the Preliminary exam on June 16, 2024, the Mains from September 20 to September 29, 2024, and the Personality Test from January 7 to April 17, 2025. A total of 1,129 vacancies were announced, with 180 for IAS, 55 for IFS, and 147 for IPS, among others.Shakti Dubey topped the merit list, followed by Harshita Goyal (AIR 2) and Dongre Archit Parag (AIR 3). The results highlighted the strong performance of female candidates, with women securing the top two ranks and three of the top five positions. This diversity and inclusivity underscore the evolving nature of the civil services.Significance of Shakti’s AchievementShakti Dubey’s success is more than a personal triumph; it is an inspiration for lakhs of UPSC aspirants, particularly those from small towns and non-metro cities. Her journey from Prayagraj to AIR 1 demonstrates that determination and a supportive environment can overcome geographical and socio-economic barriers. As the University of Allahabad noted, “Shakti’s success will be a source of inspiration for other students,” signaling a resurgence of academic excellence in the region.Her achievement also highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the UPSC exam. By transitioning from Biochemistry to PSIR, Shakti showed that success in the civil services is not confined to a specific academic background but depends on strategic preparation and intellectual curiosity. Her story encourages aspirants to align their optional subjects with their interests and strengths.Lessons for Aspiring Civil ServantsShakti Dubey’s journey offers valuable lessons for UPSC aspirants and young dreamers:Patience and Perseverance: Success may take time. Shakti’s seven-year journey underscores the importance of staying committed to long-term goals.Strategic Planning: A well-organized study plan, focused on syllabus understanding, mock tests, and answer writing, is crucial for success.Curiosity and Adaptability: Exploring subjects beyond one’s academic background, as Shakti did with PSIR, can open new opportunities.Inspiration from Roots: Shakti’s connection to her hometown and family values fueled her ambition, proving that one’s background can be a source of strength.Balanced Approach: Managing time effectively and prioritizing mental and physical well-being are essential for sustained effort.A Bright Future AheadAs Shakti Dubey prepares to embark on her career as an IAS officer, she carries the hopes of countless aspirants who see her as a role model. Her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration will equip her with the skills to navigate the complexities of governance and public policy. With her analytical mind, passion for public service, and poetic soul, Shakti is poised to make a meaningful impact on India’s administrative landscape.

Her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, expressed his joy, saying, “I am very happy. The only role I played in her studies was to make available anything and everything she needed. The rest was her hard work and the blessings of God.”