In a historic turn of events, Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj has secured the coveted All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) for 2024. Her achievement has not only brought her immense recognition but also brought attention to her inspiring journey, marking her as a symbol of perseverance and determination.
The making of a topper: Shakti Dubey’s background and educational journey
Shakti Dubey, hailing from Someshwar Nagar Colony in Naini, Prayagraj, has had a long road to success, marked by persistence and hard work. She has been preparing for the UPSC exam for the past seven years and topped the examination in her fifth attempt, a feat many would consider highly commendable.
Shakti’s academic path began in her hometown, where she completed her schooling at St Mary’s Convent in Ghoorpur. Her academic inclination toward science led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad, followed by a Master of Science in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi. At BHU, she not only excelled academically but also developed a passion for policy, law, and structured argument through her involvement in debates and as the Head of the Student Debating Committee.
It was during her post-graduation that Shakti made a life-changing decision to take on the UPSC Civil Services Examination. She opted for Political Science and International Relations as her optional subjects, moved to Delhi, and began her focused preparation. Alongside her studies, she also took up teaching, further solidifying her understanding of the subject matter.
Shakti’s journey was not without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted her routine, forcing her to return to Prayagraj and continue her preparation from home. However, once the situation improved, she returned to Delhi and resumed her focused preparation at a coaching center.
Despite facing setbacks, Shakti’s determination remained unshaken. She credits her success to the support and encouragement she received from her parents and teachers. Her father, Devendra Dubey, a sub-inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police, and her mother, Prema Dubey, a homemaker, have been her constant pillars of strength. Her success story is a reflection of the unwavering support from her family and mentors who motivated her to keep pushing forward.
A look at the top five: who else made it to the top ranks?
Shakti Dubey’s triumph at the top of the UPSC ranks has captured national attention, but she is not alone in her achievement. The top five ranks are as follows:
Shakti Dubey – The UPSC CSE 2024 topper, hailing from Prayagraj.
Harshita Goyal – Hailing from Haryana, Goyal is a Chartered Accountant by profession. She chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject and is now ranked second in the nation.
Dongre Archit Parag – A BTech graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from VIT, Vellore, Dongre opted for Philosophy as his optional subject and secured the third rank.
Shah Margi Chirag – A computer engineering graduate from Gujarat Technological University, Chirag secured the fourth rank with Sociology as her optional subject.
Akash Garg – A BTech graduate in Computer Science from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Akash secured the fifth rank, with Sociology as his optional subject.
Shakti Dubey’s success in the UPSC CSE is a moment of pride for Prayagraj and an inspiration to countless young aspirants across the country. Her achievement highlights the importance of perseverance, hard work, and unwavering dedication. As the highest scorer in one of India’s toughest examinations, Shakti has not only made her family and teachers proud but has also become an emblem of success for those who dream of serving the nation through the civil services.
