UPSC declared the Civil Services Examination results on 22nd April 2025, and like every year, the competition was intense. Around 13 lakh students appeared for the exam, but only 1009 made it through to top positions like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS.
Among them was Aakash Garg, who secured an incredible All India Rank 5 with a score of 1032. Aakash was born and brought up in North West Delhi and did his B.Tech in Computer Science from Maharaja Agrasen Institute Of Technology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi. He has a keen interest in Artificial Intelligence. Aakash’s optional subject in Mains was Sociology.
In this blog, we’ll talk more about his education, how he prepared for UPSC, what kept him going, and the journey that led him to this huge milestone.
Aakash Garg Biography Table Overview
The following is an overview biography of Aakash Garg in a table format:
| Name | Aakash Garg |
| Age | Not specified |
| Early Schooling | CRPF Public School Rohini |
| Graduation | B.Tech in Computer Science from MAIT, GGSIPU |
| UPSC All India Rank | 5 |
| No. of Attempts | 2 |
| Marks Obtained | 1032 |
| Optional subject | Sociology |
| Interests | Artificial Intelligence |
Aakash Garg Educational Background
Aakash has always had a solid academic background. He did his early schooling at CRPF Public School in Rohini, where his interest in learning really took shape. Later, he pursued B.Tech in Computer Science from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, under Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, and graduated in 2022.Soon after, he set his sights on the UPSC Civil Services Examination and began his preparation journey. For the Mains 2024, he chose Sociology as his optional subject — a decision that balanced his technical background with a broader understanding of society. Aakash also has a strong interest in Artificial Intelligence, and interestingly, he was even asked about it during his UPSC interview in 2024.
Aakash Garg UPSC Attempts
Surprisingly, UPSC 2024 was Aakash Garg’s second attempt at the exam. After finishing his B.Tech in Computer Science, he gave his first try in 2023 but couldn’t even clear the prelims. It was a tough moment, but instead of giving up, he made up his mind that 2025 would be his final shot. With that mindset, he poured everything into his preparation — the hard work, focus, and consistency became his biggest motivation. And that determination paid off in the best way possible, as he went on to secure AIR 5 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
Also read: Archit Dongre AIR-3 2024 Biography
Aakash Garg UPSC Strategy
Aakash Garg, who secured AIR 5 in UPSC CSE 2024, has shared a simple and clear plan that helped him crack all three stages of the exam — Prelims, Mains, and Interview. His journey, which began back in 2022 and finally paid off in his second attempt, is proof that steady effort and the right mindset can take you a long way. He focused on using limited study material, practicing regularly, and staying mentally strong throughout the process. Here’s a look at how he tackled each stage, with tips that can help other aspirants prepare better and feel more confident.
Prelims Strategy
| Aspect | Strategy | Details |
| Note-Making | Create concise handwritten notes | Focus on weak areas, add test series points. Revise 3+ times for better recall. |
| Current Affairs | Daily newspaper reading | Read Indian Express, link to static (e.g., national park → Wildlife Sanctuary). Focus on high-impact topics. |
| Test Practice | Solve and analyze MCQs | Start tests 2-3 months prior, aim for 85-90 attempts. Review mistakes, note new points, improve elimination. |
| CSAT | Practice if weak | Dedicate 1-2 hours daily if struggling. Analyze tests to improve weak areas (e.g., quant). |
| Time Management | Target-oriented study, breaks | Start with 1-hour newspaper. Set daily topic/test goals, plan nightly. Light Sundays, no study 2 days prior. |
Mains Strategy
| Aspect | Strategy | Details |
| General Approach | Focus on answer writing, complete paper | Practice concise, balanced answers. Finish all questions to avoid losing marks (e.g., 15-mark questions). |
| Answer Writing | Write clear, structured answers | 10-mark questions in 6-7 min. Use headings, bullets, keywords, diagrams/maps. Start positive, end with solutions. |
| Essay Paper | Weekly practice, maintain originality | Write 1 essay/week, study toppers’ copies. Use quotes/anecdotes to start, ensure flow and unique perspective. |
| Value Addition | Use diagrams, keywords, current examples | Add maps/diagrams in GS1-3, articles in GS2, philosophers sparingly in GS4. Refer compilations for recent issues. |
| Handwriting & Tools | Improve clarity, use consistent pen | Practice clear handwriting, then speed. Use slightly used Pilot pen for familiarity and speed. |
Interview Strategy
| Aspect | Strategy | Details |
| Content Preparation | Master DAF and current affairs | Thoroughly prepare DAF details (interests, background). Develop fact-backed, objective opinions on current issues. |
| Skill Development | Overcome shyness, practice mocks | Interact with people to build confidence. Take multiple mock interviews to reduce fear of speaking to strangers. |
| Interview Approach | Be cordial, honest, and objective | Present balanced, fact-backed opinions. Politely say “I don’t know” if unsure; avoid baseless answers. |
| Board Interaction | Treat as a positive discussion | View board as friendly, aiming to bring out your best. Focus on problem-solving, clear arguments, and confidence. |
| Self-Improvement | Analyze mock feedback, review videos | Use mock feedback to spot weaknesses (e.g., body language). Watch own videos to improve communication and presence. |
Aakash Garg Booklist
Aakash also shared the booklist he followed during his preparation, hoping it can help other aspirants build a strong foundation.
| Subject | Resources |
| Polity | Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth |
| History | Spectrum Modern History, NCERTs |
| Economics | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh |
| Geography | NCERTs and G.C Leong’s Physical Geography |
| Environment | Shankar IAS Environment Book |
| Ethics (GS Paper IV) | Lexicon for Ethnics, Integrity and Aptitute |
| Sociology (optional) | IGNOU Sociology notes, Upendra sir notes, Haralambos and Holborn |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu |
Final Thoughts
Aakash Garg’s remarkable journey of UPSC CSE 2025 is the ideal example of hardwork, motivation, resistance and belief in oneself. From not being able to qualify for Mains 2023 to securing AIR 5 in UPSC 2024, Aakash Garg came a long way. As a B.Tech graduate with Sociology as his optional, Akash’s story underscores that with focused effort and adaptability, the UPSC challenge can be transformed into a triumphant milestone, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams with unwavering commitment.
To read more inspirational stories of UPSC Topper, visit our page.
Frequently asked questions about Aakash Garg
Who is Aakash Garg in UPSC?
Aakash Garg is the UPSC Civil Service Examination 2024 Topper who scored 1032 marks, securing All India Rank 5.
What was Aakash Garg’s Optional subject in UPSC 2024 Mains?
Aakash opted for Sociology as his optional subject in Mains 2024.
What are the number of attempts of Aakash Garg in UPSC?
Aakash Garg achieved All India Rank 5 in his second attempt.