Imagine dedicating years of your life to a single goal, facing repeated setbacks, and still emerging victorious. That’s the story of Shakti Dubey, who secured the All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 and has been allocated her home state, Uttar Pradesh, in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the UPSC system truly fair when it takes multiple attempts for even the brightest minds to succeed? Let’s dive into the details and explore the triumphs, struggles, and thought-provoking questions surrounding this year’s results.
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance and Pensions recently released the cadre allocation list for IAS candidates from the UPSC CSE 2024 cycle. Among the top rankers, Shakti Dubey stands out not just for her achievement but also for her perseverance. Originally from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Dubey began her UPSC journey in 2018 after graduating in biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University. Her dream of becoming a doctor shifted when she decided to pursue the UPSC instead. However, her path was far from smooth. With five attempts under her belt—three failed prelims, one unsuccessful interview, and a narrow miss last year by just 12 marks—Dubey’s story is a testament to resilience. And this is the part most people miss: She credits her success to a disciplined approach, treating each day as a small step toward her goal. Her advice? Stick to a study schedule, but also make time for yourself to stay motivated.
Following Dubey is Harshita Goyal, who secured AIR 2 and has been allocated the Gujarat cadre. Goyal, a 24-year-old commerce graduate and Chartered Accountant from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, described her success as ‘unbelievable.’ This was her third attempt, with her previous two ending at the prelims stage. Her achievement is even more poignant as she lost her mother to cancer a decade ago, making her success a tribute to her family’s sacrifices.
Here’s a glimpse of the top 20 rankers and their allocated cadres:
| Sl. No. | Candidate’s Name & Rank | Category | Home State | Cadre Allocated | Insider / Outsider |
|---------|--------------------------|-----------|------------|-----------------|--------------------|
| 1 | Shakti Dubey (1) | General | Uttar Pradesh | Uttar Pradesh | I |
| 2 | Harshita Goyal (2) | General | Haryana | Gujarat | O |
| 3 | Dongre Archit Parag (3) | General | Maharashtra | Karnataka | O |
| 4 | Shah Margi Chirag (4) | General | Gujarat | Gujarat | I |
| 5 | Aakash Garg (5) | General | Delhi | AGMUT | I |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 20 | Trilok Singh (20) | General | Rajasthan | Gujarat | O |
The UPSC CSE, often dubbed one of India’s most competitive exams, attracts lakhs of aspirants annually. It opens doors to prestigious services like the IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. In 2024, women dominated the top ranks, with three out of the top five positions held by female candidates. Of the 1,009 candidates recommended for various services, 725 were men and 284 were women, highlighting a gradual shift toward gender balance in these roles.
But here’s a question to ponder: With such a low success rate, is the UPSC system designed to filter out talent or to test endurance? Dubey’s journey, marked by multiple failures before success, raises important questions about the exam’s structure and its impact on aspirants’ mental health. Should there be more support systems in place for candidates who face repeated setbacks?
As we celebrate the achievements of Dubey, Goyal, and other top rankers, let’s also reflect on the broader implications of this grueling process. What do you think? Is the UPSC system fair, or does it need reform? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
