Archit Dongre AIR-3: Biography, Educational Background, Optional Subject and Success

Archit Dongre Parag from Pune has made Maharashtra proud by securing All India Rank 3 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
UPSC recently declared the CSE 2024 results, selecting 1009 candidates for top services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. Among these achievers, Archit stood tall with a remarkable score of 1038 marks — the highest from his state, Maharashtra. 
In this blog, we’ll dive into Archit’s journey — his education, optional subject, strategy, and everything that helped him turn his dream into reality.

Archit Dongre Biography Overview Table

The following is an overview biography of Archit Dongre in a table format:

Archit Dongre’s Educational and Professional Background

Archit comes from a disciplined and education-oriented family in Maharashtra. He completed his schooling in Mumbai and went on to finish his junior college in Pune. Later, he pursued a B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu.

After graduation, Archit worked for a year in an IT company, where he gained practical, hands-on experience in the field. However, his heart was always set on a career in the civil services. Driven by this passion, he decided to resign from his job and dedicate himself fully to preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Archit Dongre’s Age

According to reports, Archit Dongre Parag is approximately 26 years old. Securing All India Rank 3 in just his second attempt is a remarkable achievement — and a true source of inspiration for countless young UPSC aspirants across the country.

Achrit Dongre’s Attempts

Archit Dongre’s journey to AIR 3 was the result of two dedicated attempts. In his first attempt, he secured an impressive AIR 153 and was selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS) under the AGMUT cadre. However, Archit knew he could achieve more. With the belief that he could push himself further, he returned in 2024 with renewed determination. His hard work paid off as he secured AIR 3, proving that success is not just about clearing the exam — it’s about continuously improving and believing in your potential.

Also read about: Harshita Goyal AIR-2

Archit Dongre’s Optional Subject

Archit Dongre, now a successful UPSC topper, chose Philosophy as his optional subject, a decision that turned out to be both personal and strategic. Coming from Pune with an engineering degree from VIT Vellore, Archit found himself drawn to philosophy during his college years. Growing up in a spiritually inclined family, he was already curious about life’s deeper questions, and that curiosity only grew stronger over time.

What also appealed to him was the structured nature of philosophy’s UPSC syllabus and how naturally it aligned with his interest in critical thinking. Archit believes that the subject is often misunderstood as overly abstract or difficult, but with the right guidance and consistent revision, it can be not just manageable but highly rewarding. His impressive score of 276 marks in the mains is a clear reflection of that.

1. Study Strategies:

In one of his interviews, Archit Dongre shared some valuable study strategies for aspirants who’ve chosen Philosophy as their optional subject, especially those feeling a little overwhelmed at first. His advice is simple, practical, and rooted in his own experience:

• Stick to the Syllabus: Archit emphasized the importance of understanding the syllabus thoroughly and focusing on core concepts like Plato’s Theory of Forms or Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta. It’s easy to get lost in extra readings, but staying aligned with what UPSC asks is key.
• Make Your Own Notes: He strongly recommends making short, crisp notes in your own words. This not only makes revision faster but also helps in building conceptual clarity over time.
• Use the Right Resources: Whether it’s a good teacher, a mentor, or even a well-explained YouTube video, Archit believes the right guidance can simplify even the trickiest terms, like “transcendental” or “epistemology.”
• Master Answer Writing: According to Archit, Paper 1 demands precision and alignment with the syllabus, while Paper 2 benefits from real-world examples and General Studies knowledge. Balancing both is crucial for a high score.

2. Philosophy’s Relevance for Administrators:

Archit Dongre also spoke about how Philosophy isn’t just a scoring optional — it’s a subject that holds real value in the world of administration. According to him, having a philosophical bent of mind helps in developing clarity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the ideas that shape society.

He believes that concepts like ethics, morality, and justice aren’t just theoretical — they closely align with the core values expected in civil services, such as impartiality, empathy, and fairness. For Archit, Philosophy wasn’t just a means to a good score; it was also a meaningful preparation for the responsibilities that come with public service.

Archit Dongre: An Inspiration for Aspirants

Archit Dongre’s journey to securing AIR 3 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of self-belief. His story is proof that success in UPSC is not about perfection but about constant growth and improvement. From securing a respectable AIR 153 in his first attempt to achieving his ultimate dream in the second, Archit’s determination and commitment to becoming the best version of himself are truly inspiring.

For every aspirant who might face setbacks or doubts, Archit’s experience offers a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to aim higher and push your limits. His approach — choosing the right optional subject, honing effective study strategies, and continuously evolving — serves as a guide for those who aspire to follow in his footsteps. Archit Dongre is not just a top scorer, but an example of how belief in one’s potential, coupled with consistent effort, can turn dreams into reality.