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Highest marks in UPSC reflect disciplined preparation and smart strategy. Toppers securing the highest marks in UPSC often score well in the Mains, Optional, and Personality Test phases.
PWOnlyIAS
April 21, 2025
Highest Marks in UPSC remains a topic of great interest among aspirants, educators, and enthusiasts of the Civil Services Examination. Every year, thousands of dedicated individuals compete in what is regarded as one of the toughest examinations in India. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the final marks of top-performing candidates along with the UPSC results. These scores not only reflect the competence of the toppers but also inspire future aspirants to set a benchmark in their preparation strategies.
The Highest Marks in UPSC 2025 will be officially announced by the Union Public Service Commission upon the declaration of the UPSC Final Result 2025. The results are expected to be released shortly after the conclusion of the examination process. Along with the toppers’ list, UPSC will also release the category-wise cut-off and final marks of the recommended candidates. The Highest Marks in UPSC 2025 will include marks obtained in the Mains written examination and the Personality Test (Interview).
Candidates who are eagerly awaiting the Highest Marks in UPSC 2025 should stay updated via the official website upsc.gov.in. The benchmark scores help aspirants measure the competition and plan accordingly.
As per the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 result, which was declared on April 16, 2024, Aditya Srivastava secured Rank 1 with the Highest Marks in UPSC 2024, scoring a total of 1099 marks. This marks a significant achievement and makes Aditya a reference point for future aspirants.
| Highest Marks in UPSC 2024 | ||
| Name | Rank | Total Marks |
| Aditya Srivastava | Rank 1 | 1099 |
| Animesh Pradhan | Rank 2 | 1067 |
| Donuru Ananya Reddy | Rank 3 | 1065 |
| P K Sidharth Ramkumar | Rank 4 | 1059 |
| Ruhani | Rank 5 | 1049 |
| Srishti Dabas | Rank 6 | 1048 |
| Anmol Rathore | Rank 7 | 1045 |
| Ashish Kumar | Rank 8 | 1045 |
| Nausheen | Rank 9 | 1045 |
| Aishwaryam Prajapati | Rank 10 | 1044 |
The highest marks in UPSC Mains till now (excluding the interview) have typically balanced around 900–920 out of 1750. In 2022, Ishita Kishore scored 901 marks in the Mains written exam and 193 marks in the Interview, totalling 1094, and became the UPSC topper that year.
The written scores above 900 are considered exceptional, and achieving such scores requires clarity, articulation, and in-depth knowledge across GS and optional papers. This trend underscores the importance of the Mains exam in shaping the final outcome. While the Interview carries 275 marks, a strong Mains score usually creates a secure foundation for success.
The Optional Paper holds significant weight in the Mains exam. Optional subjects contribute 500 marks to the total tally, and a strong performance here can make a significant difference.
The highest marks in the Optional UPSC till now were recorded by Nidhi Pal (Rank 36, 2022), who scored 325 marks in Anthropology. This is one of the highest scores ever recorded in the Optional subject category and emphasises how strategic selection and preparation of the Optional subject can lead to substantial gains in total marks.
| Highest Marks in Optional UPSC Till Now | |||
| Rank | Name | Optional Subject | Total (Paper I+II) |
| 36 | Nidhi Pal | Anthropology | 325 |
| 10 | Avinash Kumar | Philosophy | 319 |
| 1 | Ishita Kishore | PSIR | 313 |
The highest marks in UPSC interviews have historically ranged from 190 to 220. The Personality Test is of 275 marks, and high scores in the interview can dramatically impact final ranks. In recent records:
Such high scores reflect not only knowledge but also excellent communication skills, clarity of thought, and leadership qualities.
The Essay Paper in UPSC Mains is a scoring opportunity for candidates who can express their thoughts with clarity and depth. It carries 250 marks and plays a significant role in boosting the final score. Some toppers have showcased exceptional articulation and structure, earning record-breaking scores in this paper.
In 2022, Gautam Vivekanandan scored an impressive 149 marks in the Essay Paper. Similarly, Gaurav Agarwal scored 176 marks, one of the highest marks in the UPSC Essay till now. Highlighting the importance of consistent writing practice and understanding of contemporary issues. A good essay score often reflects critical thinking and mature expression—two qualities UPSC highly values.
The General Studies (GS) papers form the backbone of the UPSC Mains examination. Comprising four papers (GS I to GS IV), they carry a total of 1000 marks. Candidates who perform well in GS papers demonstrate their broad knowledge, analytical skills, and awareness of current affairs.
Over the years, several candidates have set benchmarks by scoring exceptionally well in individual GS papers. For example:
| Highest Marks in GS Papers | |||
| Paper | Highest GS Score 2022 | Name | Rank |
| GS Paper-1 | 128 | Abhishek Dawachya | Rank 110 |
| GS Paper-2 | 135 | Vaishali | Rank 14 |
| GS Paper-3 | 102 | Mayur Hazarika | Rank 5 |
| GS Paper-4 | 141 | Garima Lohia | Rank 2 |
The record for the highest marks ever in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is held by Anudeep Durishetty, who topped the exam in 2017 with a staggering total of 1126 marks out of 2025. A graduate from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Anudeep cracked the exam in his fifth attempt, choosing Political Science and International Relations as his optional subject.
His mark distribution reflected consistent excellence across all sections—scoring 155 in the Essay, over 120 in each GS paper, and an impressive 171 in Optional Paper-I. His final written score stood at 950, supplemented by 176 marks in the Personality Test. His journey exemplifies how perseverance, smart strategy, and hard work can lead to historic success in India’s toughest competitive exam.
Scoring the highest marks in UPSC requires an integrated approach, disciplined preparation, and smart strategy. The performance of previous toppers shows that a score above 1050 is a realistic target to aim for.
As you prepare for UPSC 2025, use the achievements in the highest marks in UPSC 2024, the highest marks in optional UPSC till now, and the highest marks in UPSC interview ever as motivation to set high benchmarks for yourself. Focus on mastering your optional, refining answer writing skills, and building a strong personality for the interview stage.
Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!
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