The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has declared the final results of the Civil Services Examination 2024, with women once again claiming top positions. Shakti Dubey has emerged as the UPSC 2024 topper, securing All India Rank (AIR) 1. Harshita Goyal followed closely with AIR 2, and Dongre Archit Parag secured the third rank. Rounding out the top five are Shah Margi Chirag and Akash Garg, reflecting a balanced mix of excellence and diversity.

A total of 1009 candidates have been recommended for appointment this year. Among them are 335 from the General category, 109 from EWS, 318 OBC, 160 SC, and 87 ST candidates—highlighting the social inclusiveness of this highly competitive exam.

Who Is the UPSC Topper?

Shakti Dubey, the topper of UPSC 2024, hails from a modest academic background. While official details are awaited, aspirants are eager to know about her educational journey, coaching (if any), number of attempts, and preparation strategy. Typically, UPSC toppers follow a disciplined study routine, choose scoring optional subjects, and rely on NCERTs, standard books like Laxmikanth for Polity, and newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs.

Coaching vs. Self-Study: What Worked?

A common question is whether toppers take coaching or prepare independently. In recent years, many top rankers have succeeded through a mix of online resources, selective coaching, and self-study. Online platforms like Dhyeya IAS etc. continue to play a crucial role in helping aspirants prepare remotely.

Parents’ Role and Aspirants’ Mindset

Parental support remains critical, especially in managing stress and finances during preparation. The average cost of UPSC coaching can range from ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs per year. Still, many aspirants crack the exam without formal coaching—proving that dedication and the right strategy matter more than location.

Parents often ask whether their children should take a gap year or start preparation after graduation. While there is no fixed “ideal age,” a focused and well-planned approach usually yields better results, even for working professionals or late starters.

Insights from the 2024 Exam Cycle

• Prelims: Held on 16 June 2024; results declared on 1 July.
• Mains: Conducted from 20–29 September 2024; results on 9 December.
• Interview (Personality Test): Concluded on 17 April 2025.

 Candidates can check their results and rank list on www.upsc.gov.in. The mark sheets, including interview scores, will be released soon. Notably, several candidates in the top 10 have engineering, medical, or humanities backgrounds, once again showcasing the multidisciplinary nature of this exam.

Looking Ahead: UPSC 2025

The UPSC Preliminary Examination for 2025 is scheduled for 25 May. With the release of admit cards imminent, aspirants must now streamline their revision, especially focusing on current affairs, CSAT, and past year trends.