Introduction
Imagine dedicating years of your life to a single goal, sacrificing sleep, social outings, and sometimes even personal dreams, all to crack one of the toughest exams in the world. For the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 top 10 rank holders, this wasn’t just a dream—it was a reality forged through relentless effort, strategic planning, and an unshakable desire to serve the nation.
On 22nd April 2025, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the final results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, unveiling a list of 1,009 candidates recommended for prestigious roles in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Central Services. Among them, the top 10 rank holders stand out as beacons of inspiration, their stories resonating with millions of aspirants across India.
What makes these individuals extraordinary? It’s not just their ranks or the services they’ll join—it’s the grit, the failures they overcame, and the unique paths they carved to reach the pinnacle of success. In this article, we dive deep into the lives, strategies, and motivations of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 top 10 rank holders, uncovering lessons that go beyond the exam hall.
The Road to Glory: Understanding the UPSC CSE 2024
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a three-stage marathon: the Preliminary exam, the Main exam, and the Personality Test (interview). In 2024, the Preliminary exam took place in June, with nearly 10 lakh candidates applying and over 5 lakh appearing. Of those, around 14,600 qualified for the Main exam in September, and 2,845 advanced to the interviews held between January and April 2025. The final result, announced in April 2025, recommended 1,009 candidates for various services, filling over 1,100 vacancies, including 605 in Group A and 142 in Group B services.
This year’s toppers come from diverse backgrounds—engineers, chartered accountants, and even those balancing corporate jobs or family businesses. Women achieved three of the top five positions, indicating a significant change in the representation of gender. Come along as we delve into the inspiring journeys of the top 10 achievers from the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024—uncovering the stories, struggles, and strategies that shaped their success.
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 Top 10 Rank Holders
1. Shakti Dubey (AIR 1): From Prayagraj to the Pinnacle
Shakti Dubey, hailing from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, stunned the nation by securing All India Rank (AIR) 1 in her first attempt. With a background in Biochemistry, Shakti’s journey is a testament to the power of focus and family support. She expressed how her journey from a small town to securing AIR 1 in UPSC 2024 was filled with silent struggles—tears, doubts, and relentless effort—all of which eventually shaped her story of triumph. It was a seven-year odyssey, each moment echoing her quiet determination.
What set Shakti apart? Her choice of Political Science & International Relations as her optional subject and her disciplined preparation strategy. Despite facing setbacks in four previous attempts, she persevered, driven by a desire to make her parents proud and serve the public. Her story reminds us that success in UPSC isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about resilience and unwavering commitment.
2. Harshita Goyal (AIR 2): A Chartered Accountant’s Mission for Change
With the goal of influencing local communities, Harshita Goyal, a chartered accountant from a Baroda institution, obtained AIR 2. Born in Haryana but raised in Gujarat’s vibrant “City of Diamonds,” Harshita’s journey was shaped by her resolve to address women’s challenges and empower the unheard.
Her academic excellence and involvement with youth and community initiatives fueled her desire to influence policy. “I wanted to bring a smile to my father’s face and be a caregiver to those in need,” Harshita shared. Her strategic preparation and empathetic approach make her a role model for aspirants aiming to blend professional skills with social impact.
3. Dongre Archit Parag (AIR 3): Maharashtra’s Pride
The 22-year-old Archit Parag Dongre of Pune scored AIR 3, becoming the best performer in Maharashtra. A B.Tech graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from a reputed institute in Vellore, Archit chose Philosophy as his optional subject—a bold move that paid off.
Archit’s journey wasn’t without challenges. He cleared the UPSC CSE in 2023 with a rank of 153 but returned in 2024 with renewed determination, quitting his IT job to focus solely on preparation. His story underscores the importance of learning from past attempts and refining strategies to achieve excellence.
4. Shah Margi Chirag (AIR 4): Creating a Sociological Triumph
Hailing from Gujarat, Shah Margi Chirag secured All India Rank 4 in the UPSC 2024, building on her academic foundation in Computer Engineering earned at a reputed technical institute in Ahmedabad. By choosing sociology as her elective, Margi showed that UPSC does not discriminate against students from different academic backgrounds.
Her interdisciplinary flexibility and strategic preparation highlight a key lesson: success in UPSC isn’t tied to traditional humanities subjects. Margi’s achievement inspires engineers and non-humanities aspirants to leverage their unique strengths.
5. Aakash Garg (AIR 5): Balancing Business and Bureaucracy
Aakash Garg of Delhi, who graduated from a Delhi institution with a B.Tech in computer science, received an AIR 5. Balancing UPSC preparation with managing his father’s tourism business in Uttarakhand, Aakash’s time management skills are awe-inspiring.
Choosing Sociology as his optional subject, Aakash’s journey reflects his desire to serve the nation. His tale serves as a reminder that hard work, especially in the face of obligations, can produce amazing results.
6. Komal Punia (AIR 6): Journey From IIT to Civil Services
Komal Punia, from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, secured AIR 6. A B.Tech graduate in Physics from a premier engineering institute in Roorkee, Komal topped her district in her Intermediate exams with 97% and decided to pursue civil services during her engineering studies.
After an unsuccessful first attempt, Komal’s perseverance led to success in her second try. Her story is a powerful reminder that setbacks are stepping stones to success with the right mindset.
7. Aayushi Bansal (AIR 7): From IPS to IAS
Aayushi Bansal, from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, secured AIR 7 after previously cracking the UPSC in 2022 with a rank of 188, earning her an IPS position in the Karnataka cadre. A graduate in Electrical Engineering from a top institute in Kanpur, Aayushi’s passion for social issues and Hindi stage plays shaped her vision.
Her journey from IPS to IAS showcases the power of persistence and the courage to aim higher. Aayushi’s story resonates with aspirants who dream of serving the most vulnerable sections of society.
8. Raj Krishna Jha (AIR 8): A Mechanical Engineer’s Triumph
Raj Krishna Jha, a 27-year-old from Sitamarhi, Bihar, secured AIR 8 in his fifth attempt. A B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from a national institute in Allahabad, Raj currently works as an assistant manager at a petroleum corporation.
After failing the Preliminary exam in his first two attempts, Raj’s confidence grew with consistent mock test performances. His father’s guidance as a private school teacher played a crucial role in his success, proving that mentorship is invaluable in the UPSC journey.
9. Aditya Vikram Agarwal (AIR 9): Managing Stress in a Simple Way
On his sixth try, Aditya Vikram Agarwal, a native of Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar, achieved an AIR 9.A graduate from a technology institute in Prayagraj, Aditya worked at an automotive company before dedicating himself to UPSC preparation.
His routine of meditation, physical workouts, and library study sessions helped him manage stress. Aditya’s simple lifestyle and support from family and teachers highlight the importance of balance in achieving success.
10. Mayank Tripathi (AIR 10): From PPS Training to IAS
While training for the PPS, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh native Mayank Tripathi achieved an AIR 10. A graduate from a prestigious college in Delhi, Mayank cleared the UPPSC in 2022 and UPSC in 2023, joining the Indian Revenue Service.
Balancing daytime training with nighttime UPSC preparation, Mayank’s story is a testament to discipline and hard work. His experience demonstrates that perseverance is the only way to achieve success.
What Sets These Toppers Apart?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 top 10 rank holders share common traits: resilience, strategic subject choices, and a deep desire to serve. Many, like Shakti Dubey and Harshita Goyal, chose unconventional optional subjects, proving that adaptability is key. Others, like Archit Dongre and Aayushi Bansal, improved their ranks through multiple attempts, showcasing the value of learning from failure.
Strategic Preparation Tips from the Toppers
- Choose the Right Optional Subject: Subjects like Sociology, Philosophy, and Political Science were popular among toppers, aligning with their strengths and interests.
- Learn from Mock Tests: Raj Krishna Jha’s success in mock tests boosted his confidence, helping him refine his approach.
- Balance Responsibilities: Aakash Garg and Mayank Tripathi managed professional and personal responsibilities while preparing, emphasizing time management.
- Stay Resilient: Shakti Dubey’s five attempts and Aditya Vikram Agarwal’s stress management techniques highlight the importance of perseverance.
How to Check Your UPSC CSE 2024 Result
For aspirants eager to check their results, follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Click on “Final Result – Civil Services Examination, 2024.”
- Download the PDF containing the merit list.
- Search for your roll number using Ctrl+F.
- Save or print the result for future reference.
Marks will be available on the UPSC website within 15 days of the result announcement, offering transparency to candidates.
The Bigger Picture: Diversity and Impact
With 335 candidates in the General category, 109 EWS, 318 OBC, 160 SC, and 87 ST recommended, this year’s results show a varied selection. The strong presence of women in the top ranks—three of the top five—signals a shift toward gender inclusivity in India’s administrative services.
These toppers aren’t just exam winners; they’re future leaders who will shape policies, empower communities, and address pressing challenges. From Harshita Goyal’s focus on women’s empowerment to Aayushi Bansal’s commitment to the vulnerable, their visions promise a brighter future.
Lessons for Aspiring UPSC Candidates
The stories of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 top 10 rank holders offer invaluable lessons:
- Embrace Failure: Many toppers faced setbacks but used them as learning opportunities.
- Diversify Your Approach: Non-traditional optional subjects and interdisciplinary backgrounds can be strengths.
- Stay Grounded: Support from family, mentors, and a balanced lifestyle played a crucial role in their success.
- Dream Big: Whether it’s AIR 1 or a rank that gets you into the IAS, the journey is about impact, not just achievement.
Conclusion
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 top 10 rank holders remind us that greatness is born from persistence, purpose, and a willingness to dream beyond the ordinary. Their stories aren’t just about passing an exam—they’re about transforming challenges into opportunities and aspirations into reality. As Shakti Dubey aptly said, “Every tear, every doubt, every grind is a step toward triumph”. For the millions of aspirants preparing for the next UPSC cycle, these toppers are a reminder: the path may be tough, but the destination is worth every sacrifice. What’s your next step toward your dream?
