UPSC 2024 Topper List

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) — one of India’s toughest and most respected exams — to recruit officers for roles like IAS, IPS, IFS, and other top Group A and B services. The exam happens in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview (Personality Test). Based on performance across all three stages, candidates are ranked, and services are allotted accordingly.

On April 22, 2025, UPSC announced the final results for CSE 2024, recommending 1,009 candidates for appointments, while 230 more were kept on a reserve list. The final merit list, uploaded as a PDF on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in), shares the names, roll numbers, and ranks of successful candidates. Out of 1,129 total vacancies this year, the selected candidates will soon begin their journeys in some of the country’s most prestigious services.

Check out the official merit list here- UPSC Merit List 2024

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the journeys, strategies, and inspirations of the top 20 rank holders of UPSC CSE 2024. From their education to their preparation methods, we’ll explore what made them stand out — and how their stories can inspire future aspirants. Stay with us as we celebrate their success and share key lessons for your own UPSC journey!

UPSC 2024 Topper List

Here’s the list of the top 20 rank holders of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 with their respective marks.

Here’s a brief overview of the toppers — covering their education, number of attempts, optional subjects, and key highlights from their journeys.

• Shakti Dubey AIR-1

Shakti Dubey, from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, secured All India Rank 1 in UPSC CSE 2024 in her fifth attempt. She completed her postgraduation in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University and chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject. Her preparation journey lasted seven years, where she followed a strict study plan and stayed consistent with her efforts. With a total score of 1043 marks, her hard work paid off. Inspired by her father, who served in the police, Shakti now hopes to join the IAS and motivate future aspirants.

For a more detailed look into Shakti’s journey, check out our full article here.

• Harshita Goyal AIR-2

Harshita Goyal, from Hisar, Haryana, and raised in Vadodara, Gujarat, secured All India Rank 2 in UPSC CSE 2024 on her third attempt. She is 2nd on UPSC 2024 Topper lists. She graduated with a B.Com from Maharaja Sayajirao University and is also a Chartered Accountant. Harshita chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject. Through disciplined self-study and a well-planned approach, she achieved her goal. Inspired by a desire to empower women and children, Harshita’s shift from a career in finance to the IAS shows her dedication and strong sense of purpose.

To learn more about Harshita’s incredible journey, click here to read our full article.

• Dongre Archit Parag AIR-3

Dongre Archit Parag, from Pune, Maharashtra, secured All India Rank 3 in UPSC CSE 2024, with a total score of 1038 marks. A B.Tech graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from VIT Vellore, Archit worked in the IT sector for a year before leaving to prepare full-time for UPSC. He chose Philosophy as his optional subject. His disciplined self-study, time management, and consistent efforts paid off. Archit made two attempts, securing IPS in his first attempt, and was allotted the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in his second attempt.

• Shah Margi Chirag AIR-4

Shah Margi Chirag, from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, secured All India Rank 4 in UPSC CSE 2024 with 1035 marks in her fifth attempt.  A graduate in Computer Engineering from Gujarat Technological University, she chose Sociology as her optional subject. With disciplined self-study, strategic planning, and consistent revision, she achieved success. Shah Margi aims to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and is inspired by her desire to serve the nation. She also secured Rank 55 in the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC).

• Aakash Garg AIR-5

Aakash Garg, from North West Delhi, achieved All India Rank 5 in UPSC CSE 2024 in his second attempt. A graduate in Computer Science Engineering from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, he chose Sociology as his optional subject. His disciplined study routine, regular mock tests, and consistent answer-writing practice were key to his success. Aakash aims to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and is inspired by his desire to serve the nation

Also read: “How to Start UPSC Preparation from Scratch in 2025“

• Komal Punia AIR-6

Komal Punia, from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, secured All India Rank 6 in UPSC CSE 2024 with 1032 marks in her third attempt. Komal secured 6th position in UPSC 2024 Topper list. A graduate in Engineering Physics from IIT Roorkee, she chose Physics as her optional subject. Although she joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2023, her aspiration to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer remained strong. Her disciplined preparation, strategic approach, and mentorship from 99Notes played a crucial role in her success. Komal’s story highlights perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.

• Aayushi Bansal AIR-7

Aayushi Bansal, from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, secured All India Rank 7 in UPSC CSE 2024 with 1031 marks in her third attempt. A graduate in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, she chose Sociology as her optional subject. Aayushi had previously cleared UPSC in her first two attempts with ranks 188 and 97. She left her corporate job at McKinsey & Company to pursue UPSC full-time, dedicating herself entirely to her goal of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

• Raj Krishna Jha AIR-8

Raj Krishna Jha, 27, from Athari Panchayat in Sitamarhi district, Bihar, secured All India Rank 8 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 in his fifth attempt, securing 1031 marks. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Allahabad, he chose Geography as his optional subject and wrote the Mains exam in Hindi. Despite missing the Mains cut-off by just two marks in 2023, Raj’s perseverance led to success in 2024.

He balanced his preparation with a full-time job at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Kolhapur, dedicating 3–4 hours daily and 12–14 hours on weekends to study. Utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT, he practiced over 40 essays, refining his writing skills. His father, Sunil Kumar Jha, a private school teacher, played a pivotal role in guiding his disciplined study approach.

• Aditya Vikram Agrawal AIR-9

Aditya Vikram Agrawal, 25, from Bahadurgarh, Haryana, secured All India Rank 9 in UPSC CSE 2024 with 1027 marks in his fifth attempt, securing 9th position in exambinge’s UPSC 2024 Topper list. A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from MNNIT Prayagraj, he worked for a year at Tata Motors. Balancing his job with UPSC preparation, Aditya dedicated 3–4 hours daily and 10–12 hours on weekends to study. His optional subject was Anthropology. Aditya’s disciplined approach, including regular meditation and physical workouts, contributed to his success. He aims to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

• Mayank Tripathi AIR-10

Mayank Tripathi, 26, from Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, secured All India Rank 10 in UPSC CSE 2024 with 1027 marks in his third attempt. A Physics (Hons.) graduate from Hindu College, Delhi University, he chose Anthropology as his optional subject. After his second attempt, Mayank joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 2023. However, determined to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), he reappeared for the exam and achieved his dream with a top rank. His parents, especially his father, have been a constant source of motivation.

• Ettaboyina Sai Shivani AIR-11

Ettaboyina Sai Shivani, a 24-year-old from Warangal, Telangana, secured All India Rank 11 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 with 1027 marks. Graduating with a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from IIIT-Ongole in 2022, she chose Anthropology as her optional subject. Shivani’s preparation was entirely self-driven, relying on online resources and guidance to enhance her answer writing skills. She attributes her success to consistent effort, discipline, and the support of her family and friends.

• Ashi Sharma AIR-12

Ashi Sharma, a 24-year-old from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, secured All India Rank 12 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 with 1025 marks. She graduated in Architecture from SPA Bhopal and chose Public Administration as her optional subject. Ashi’s preparation was self-driven, utilizing online resources and smart time management. After two attempts, her disciplined approach in her third attempt led to her success. Ashi aims to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and serve the nation.

Read the detailed biography of SR Sankaran and his contributions to social justice and public administration.

• Hemant Mishra AIR-13

Hemant Mishra, from Buxar, Bihar, secured All India Rank 13 in UPSC CSE 2024 with 1025 marks. A master’s graduate in Geography from JNU, he chose Geography as his optional subject. After three failed attempts, Hemant succeeded on his fourth attempt. His preparation was entirely self-driven, balancing UPSC with his PhD studies. He advises aspirants to maintain patience, focus on revision, and practice with previous year questions. Hemant aims to serve the nation through the IAS.

• Abhishek Vashishtha AIR-14

Abhishek Vashishtha, 27, from Delhi, secured AIR 14 in the UPSC CSE 2024 with 1023 marks. He holds a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a Master’s in Political Science. Abhishek joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 2020 and later the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2022. He chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as his optional subject. His focused preparation strategy, managing both work and study, led to his achievement of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) goal.

• Banna Venkatesh AIR- 15

Banna Venkatesh, 27, from Alladapet, Andhra Pradesh, secured All India Rank 15 in UPSC CSE 2024 with 1023 marks. He graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering from NIT Trichy in 2019 and worked at Qualcomm before resigning in 2021 to pursue his civil services dream. After securing AIR 467 in 2023, he joined the Indian Police Service (IPS). With Geography as his optional subject, Banna’s disciplined preparation led to his success in 2024, aiming for the IAS.

• Madhav Agarwal AIR-16

Madhav Agarwal secured All India Rank (AIR) 16 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 with 1020 marks. A native of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, he excelled academically, graduating with Rank 1 in Commerce from Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai, and topping the CA exams in 2019. His preparation strategy included focused current affairs reading, commerce as his optional subject, and mock tests. Madhav’s success from AIR 211 in 2023 to AIR 16 in 2024 showcases his perseverance, discipline, and dedication.

• Sanskriti Trivedy AIR-17

Sanskriti Trivedy, 27, from Jamui, Bihar, secured AIR 17 in UPSC CSE 2024 with 1018 marks. A Political Science graduate from Gargi College, Delhi University, with a Master’s in International Relations from JNU, she joined IDAS in 2022 (AIR 352). In her sixth attempt, she chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional, aiming for IAS. Her self-study strategy, involving 15–17 hours daily and test series, led to success. Inspired by public service, she inspires aspirants.

• Saumya Mishra AIR-18

Saumya Mishra, 29, from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, secured AIR 18 in UPSC CSE 2024 with 1017 marks. A B.Tech graduate, she was serving as SDM in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, after clearing the UPPSC in 2021. In her fourth attempt (General category), she chose Anthropology as her optional, aiming for IAS. Her preparation balanced work and self-study, focusing on answer writing and test series. Inspired by her father, a teacher, she also saw her sister Sumedha achieve AIR 253 in 2024.

• Vibhor Bhardwaj AIR-19

Vibhor Bhardwaj secured an impressive AIR 19 in the UPSC CSE 2024 with a total score of 1017 marks. Hailing from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, Vibhor’s journey included three attempts. In his first attempt (2022), he secured AIR 743, opting for the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). His second attempt in 2023 reached the interview stage but did not result in final selection. In his third attempt, he succeeded with AIR 19, choosing Physics as his optional subject. His strategic preparation, disciplined schedule, and consistent revision played a key role in his success.

• Trilok Singh AIR-20

Trilok Singh secured an impressive AIR 20 in the UPSC CSE 2024 with a total score of 1016 marks. Hailing from Bhakri, Rajasthan, Trilok pursued a Master’s in Political Science from Jai Narain Vyas University. His optional subject was Political Science and International Relations (PSIR). After two unsuccessful attempts, Trilok meticulously refined his strategy, focusing on answer writing, presentation, and peer discussions. His disciplined approach and resilience led to his success in his third attempt.

Final Words

The UPSC CSE 2024 toppers, from Shakti Dubey’s AIR 1 to Trilok Singh’s AIR 20, exemplify resilience, discipline, and strategic preparation. Their diverse backgrounds—engineering, commerce, political science—and varied optional subjects highlight the exam’s inclusivity. Balancing jobs, self-study, and rigorous practice, these achievers turned aspirations into reality, often inspired by family or national service. Their journeys offer invaluable lessons for aspirants: consistency, adaptability, and perseverance are key to conquering one of India’s toughest exams.

Also read about a doctor turned IPS, Aakash Goel, UPSC CSE AIR 117 2024 from Jind