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UPSC Toppers Success Stories remind every aspirant that success is built step by step with planning, effort, and patience. Explore UPSC 2024 topper success stories here.
PWOnlyIAS
April 24, 2025
Every year, the UPSC Civil Services Examination brings to light remarkable stories of perseverance, dedication, and passion. The UPSC toppers of 2024 have shown that with the right mindset and consistent effort, even the toughest goals can be achieved. Here’s a look at the inspiring journeys of AIR 1 Shakti Dubey and AIR 2 Harshita Goyal, whose stories are motivating lakhs of aspirants across the country.
Shakti Dubey, the UPSC topper 2024, is from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. She grew up in a disciplined household, with her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, serving as a police officer, and her mother managing the home. Shakti was influenced early on by the culture of education and awareness around her. Her exposure to BHU’s vibrant campus life, combined with her interest in debates and social issues, helped build her passion for public service.
After completing her B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad and M.Sc. in Biochemistry from BHU, Shakti began her UPSC journey in 2018. Despite facing challenges and multiple attempts, she remained determined. On her 5th attempt, she achieved All India Rank 1 in UPSC CSE 2024. Her optional subject was Political Science & International Relations (PSIR).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| UPSC Rank | 1st |
| State | Uttar Pradesh (Prayagraj) |
| Education | B.Sc. (University of Allahabad), M.Sc. (BHU) |
| UPSC Attempt | 5th |
| Optional Subject | Political Science & International Relations |
Harshita Goyal, the second rank holder in UPSC 2024, was born in Hisar, Haryana, and raised in Vadodara, Gujarat. A bright student throughout, she pursued B.Com from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CA). Her journey to civil services began with a strong desire to contribute to society and was largely shaped by her father’s vision to serve the underprivileged.
Although she faced setbacks in her early attempts, Harshita didn’t give up. With careful planning and a focused approach, she cleared the exam in her 3rd attempt, securing AIR 2. Her optional subject was also Political Science & International Relations (PSIR).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| UPSC Rank | 2nd |
| State | Haryana (Raised in Gujarat) |
| Education | B.Com (MSU Baroda), Chartered Accountant (CA) |
| UPSC Attempt | 3rd |
| Optional Subject | Political Science & International Relations |
UPSC 2023 Toppers
UPSC 2023 final results, declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), saw brilliant candidates from different states and backgrounds achieve top ranks. Aditya Srivastava secured All India Rank 1, followed by Animesh Pradhan at AIR 2 and Donuru Ananya Reddy, who stood out as the top female candidate with AIR 3.
The story of Aditya Srivastava proves that one can take an unconventional path and still achieve great things. Aditya hails from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and holds a dual degree (B.Tech + M.Tech) in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur.
Before entering UPSC preparation, Aditya worked at Goldman Sachs for about 15 months. Despite having a successful corporate career, he decided to switch paths and serve the nation through the civil services. His journey to the top was not instant—he cleared UPSC in his third attempt, making it a story of persistence and passion.
|
Aditya Srivastava’s UPSC Details |
|
| Particular |
Details |
| UPSC Rank | 1st |
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Attempt | Third |
| Education | B.Tech + M.Tech |
| Institute | IIT Kanpur |
| Optional Subject | Electrical Engineering |
Donuru Ananya Reddy, the highest-ranking female candidate, secured All India Rank 3. She belongs to Mahabubnagar, Telangana, and has been a consistent performer throughout her academic career. Ananya completed her graduation in Geography (Hons.) from Miranda House, Delhi University.
Clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam is tough, but doing so as a first-generation civil servant makes her story even more powerful. Ananya’s success has made her a role model for many young girls, especially those from small towns. Her story is about following dreams, breaking stereotypes, and staying true to the goal.
| Donuru Ananya Reddy (AIR 3) | |
| Particular | Details |
| UPSC Rank | 3rd |
| State | Telangana |
| Education | B.A. (Hons) Geography |
| Institute | Miranda House, Delhi |
| Optional Subject | Anthropology |
Meet extraordinary individuals who conquered hurdles to achieve their dreams of becoming civil servants through the UPSC exam. These IAS success stories are beacons of resilience and determination, proving that with unwavering grit, anyone can overcome challenges and reach the pinnacle of IAS Success. Get ready to be inspired!
1. S Aswathy – IT to IAS, Defying Odds with Determination
S Aswathy, hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, nurtured the ambition of becoming an IAS officer from her childhood. Despite facing economic hardships with her father working as a construction laborer, Aswathy displayed remarkable perseverance, securing the 481st rank in the CSE 2020 exam.
| S Aswathy’s Success Story | |
| Particular | Details |
| Name | S Aswathy |
| State | Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) |
| Education | Not specified |
| Background | Worked in IT sector |
| Family Background | Father is a construction laborer |
| Optional Subject | Not specified |
| UPSC Rank (CSE 2020) | 481st |
| Goal | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Current Status | Preparing for next UPSC attempt |
2. D Ranjith – Overcoming Disabilities to Rank 750 in UPSC
3. Anil Basak: Financial Struggles to IAS Success Stories at Rank 45
4. Ansar Ahmad Shaikh (21 yrs old)- Auto Driver’s Son: Inspiring Journey to IAS Success Stories
5. Kuldeep Dwivedi (27 yrs old) IRS- Security Guard’s Son: Security Guard’s Son Achieves IRS with Rank 242
6. Sweta Agarwal – Grocer’s Daughter: Rises to 19th Rank in UPSC 2015
7. Nirish Rajput – Tailor’s Son Triumphs Over Poverty in UPSC at Rank 370
8. Hrudaya Kumar – Farmer’s Son Triumphs at Rank 1079 in UPSC 2014
9. Manoj Kumar Roy -From EGG vendor to civil servant and Mentor
10. K Jayaganesh – From Waiter to IAS Triumph at Rank 156
11. GOVIND JAISWAL – Son of a Rickshaw Puller Ranks 48th in UPSC 2006
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