The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the final results for the Civil Services Examination 2024 on April 22, 2025, marking yet another milestone in the country’s most prestigious competitive exam. Emerging at the very top of the merit list is Shakti Dubey, a biochemistry graduate from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, who secured All India Rank 1 (AIR 1).
Who is Shakti Dubey?
Shakti Dubey is from Prayagraj, a city known for its strong academic background and rich culture. She studied science and completed her B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad. Later, she did her M.Sc. from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi.
After working as a teacher for some time, Shakti decided to fully focus on preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024. She chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject, which played an important role in her success.
Also Read: UPSC final result 2025
Shakti Dubey Optional Subject and Strategy
Shakti Dubey chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject—a shift from her academic background in science. Her strong grasp of concepts, structured preparation, and persistence in the face of challenges ultimately helped her achieve the top rank.
UPSC First Rank 2025 Journey of Perseverance
Shakti’s road to success was not an overnight one. She dedicated seven years to UPSC preparation, facing multiple challenges along the way. Her unwavering determination, disciplined study routine, and consistent self-assessment helped her finally achieve UPSC First Rank 2025.
Her journey is a powerful example for aspirants who feel discouraged by repeated attempts or non-humanities backgrounds. Shakti Dubey’s story proves that with the right mindset and preparation, success is achievable.
UPSC Topper List 2025 Top 5 Rank Holders with Optional Subjects & Education
Shakti Dubey, who secured All India Rank 1, is from Prayagraj. She holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad and an M.Sc. from BHU, Varanasi. Originally a science student and teacher, Shakti shifted her focus to UPSC preparation and chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject. Her academic dedication and disciplined approach helped her achieve the top position in India’s most prestigious exam. This diverse group of toppers comes from different academic fields, proving once again that success in UPSC is possible regardless of your graduation stream.
| Rank | Name | Gender | Optional Subject | Educational Background |
| 1 | Shakti Dubey | Female | Political Science & International Relations | B.Sc. Biochemistry – University of Allahabad; M.Sc. – BHU |
| 2 | Harshita Goyal | Female | Political Science & International Relations | B.Com – MS University of Baroda |
| 3 | Dongre Archit Parag | Male | Philosophy | B.Tech – Electrical & Electronics Engineering, VIT Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | Shah Margi Chirag | Female | Sociology | B.E. – Computer Engineering, Gujarat Technological University |
| 5 | Aakash Garg | Male | Sociology | B.Tech – Computer Science, GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi |
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Shakti Dubey Education
Shakti Dubey pursued her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad, followed by a Master’s in the same subject at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Her academic path, rooted in scientific reasoning, gradually evolved into an ambition to serve the nation through civil services. This shift was inspired during her postgraduate years when she developed a keen interest in governance and public policy.
Shakti Dubey Seven-Year Journey of Determination
After completing her M.Sc. in 2018, Shakti began her UPSC preparation—a marathon that lasted seven years. Despite an unsuccessful attempt last year where she could not clear the interview round, she remained undeterred. Shakti Dubey’s father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, a police department officer, shared, “She was always self-motivated. We just supported her with what she needed. The rest was her hard work and the blessings of Mahadev.”
Shakti Dubey’s mother, Prema Dubey, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We had no role to play. She studied day and night. It is truly God’s grace.”
Shakti Dubey briefly worked as a teacher after her post-graduation, a phase that helped her develop leadership, communication, and mentoring skills—traits crucial for an administrative career. She chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject for UPSC, demonstrating her ability to bridge science with the social sciences seamlessly.
Shakti Dubey First Reaction: “It Was Hard to Believe”
Speaking to the media, an elated but composed Shakti Dubey said, “It was hard to believe at first, but the feeling is slowly sinking in. My brother had predicted I would get the first rank—but I never imagined it would really happen.”
UPSC CSE 2024 At a Glance
- Date of Final Result Declaration: April 22, 2025
- Topper: Shakti Dubey (AIR 1)
- Optional Subject: Political Science and International Relations
- Educational Background: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biochemistry
- Years of Preparation: 7
- Residence: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Shakti Dubey, An Inspiration for Millions
Shakti Dubey’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspirants across India, particularly from small towns and humble backgrounds. Her ability to transform setbacks into stepping stones and her belief in hard work, spirituality, and self-discipline have made her an icon for the UPSC aspirant community.
Conclusion
Shakti Dubey’s remarkable journey from a science graduate to securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and self-belief. Her story resonates with thousands of aspirants who come from non-humanities backgrounds or face repeated setbacks. Shakti’s unwavering commitment over seven years, combined with a disciplined approach and strong moral grounding, proves that success in UPSC is not confined by academic stream or prior failures. She is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also an inspiration for aspirants aiming to serve the nation with purpose and integrity.
Shakti Dubey FAQs
How many years did Shakti Dubey prepare for the UPSC exam?
She prepared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination for seven years before securing AIR 1 in 2024.
What is Shakti Dubey’s educational background?
Shakti holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi.
Where is UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey from?
Shakti Dubey is from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
What challenges did Shakti Dubey face during her preparation?
Shakti faced multiple setbacks, including not clearing the interview round in a previous attempt. Despite these challenges, she stayed motivated, maintained discipline, and continued working hard for seven years to finally achieve the top rank.
