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The final results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 were released by the Union Public Service Commission on April 22, 2025, revealing the names of 1,009 successful candidates selected for top administrative roles. Among them, Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, secured the All India Rank 1 (AIR 1), marking the beginning of a promising career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Dubey’s journey to becoming the UPSC CSE 2024 topper is a remarkable story of consistent effort, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Her academic background, spanning science and social sciences, combined with her teaching experience and years of focused preparation, has made her an inspiring figure among lakhs of aspirants.
Early years in Prayagraj, a city of academic legacy
Born and raised in Prayagraj, a city often referred to as the “Literary Capital of Uttar Pradesh” and the “Land of Confluence” (Triveni Sangam) due to the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers,” Shakti Dubey was immersed in an environment that deeply valued education and intellectual pursuit. Her early education in the city played a pivotal role in developing her disciplined approach to academics and her curiosity-driven mindset. Although the names of her schools remain undisclosed, the influence of Prayagraj’s competitive and scholarly atmosphere can be traced throughout her journey.
The city’s rich educational heritage, known for producing eminent scholars and public administrators, served as an early source of inspiration. It was in this intellectually stimulating environment that Shakti laid the foundations of her academic excellence, which later proved crucial in navigating the demanding UPSC syllabus.
UPSC Result 2025 declared: Shakti Dubey secures Rank 1, 1009 candidates recommended
Academic journey from Allahabad to Varanasi
Following her schooling, Shakti enrolled in the University of Allahabad, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. The university, a prestigious institution with a legacy of academic distinction, offered her a strong grounding in scientific methods and critical thinking. Her decision to specialise in Biochemistry reflects an affinity for precision and analysis—skills that became assets during her UPSC preparation.
After completing her undergraduate degree in 2016, she went on to pursue a Master of Science in Biochemistry at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. BHU, one of the leading centres of higher learning in India, provided her not just academic rigour but also exposure to a wider range of social and intellectual currents. It was during her time at BHU that Shakti’s interest in governance and public administration deepened, motivating her to shift her career trajectory toward civil services.
From educator to civil services aspirant
After finishing her postgraduation, Shakti briefly took up teaching, although specific details about her teaching assignments are not publicly documented. This phase, however, highlights her passion for learning and sharing knowledge, while also helping her build key competencies like communication, leadership, and mentorship—qualities vital for a civil servant.
In 2018, following the completion of her M.Sc., she made the life-changing decision to begin preparing for the UPSC CSE. Choosing Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject, Shakti brought a unique blend of scientific rigour and social science insight to her preparation. Her approach was systematic, reflecting her academic training and clarity of purpose.
Seven-year journey to mastering UPSC CSE
Shakti’s preparation journey spanned seven years, underscoring her perseverance and belief in long-term goals. The UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages—Preliminary, Mains, and the Personality Test. The Preliminary exam was held on June 16, 2024, followed by the Mains between September 20 and September 29, 2024. The Personality Test phase took place from January 7 to April 17, 2025.
Throughout these stages, her strong analytical abilities, shaped by her background in Biochemistry, supported her performance across subjects. Her decision to opt for Political Science and International Relations showcased her adaptability and her understanding of administrative and diplomatic affairs. It was her confident and composed performance during the Personality Test that helped her leave a lasting impression, ultimately securing the AIR 1.
An inspiration for aspiring civil servants
Shakti Dubey’s success story is a powerful narrative of transformation—from a student in a small town to India’s top civil services aspirant. Her academic path through Allahabad University and BHU, coupled with her brief stint in teaching and her strategic choice of optional subject, highlights the importance of both education and purpose-driven effort.
Her rise to the top of the UPSC CSE 2024 not only marks a personal milestone but also sets an example for aspirants across the country, especially those from small towns. With her eyes now set on serving the nation through the IAS, Shakti Dubey stands as a role model for resilience, discipline, and visionary determination.
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