The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released this year’s merit list on 22nd April 2024, and it’s a moment of pride — three of the top five rank holders are women. Among these remarkable achievers is Shah Margi Chirag from Gujarat. After years of hard work and perseverance, Margi cracked the UPSC CSE in her fifth attempt, securing All India Rank 4 with a total of 1035 marks.
In this blog, we’ll explore her educational journey, optional subject, age, and what makes her success so inspiring.
Shah Margi Chirag Biography Overview Table
The following is an overview biography of Shah Margi Chirag in a table format:
| Name | Shah Margi Chirag |
| Age | 26 |
| Place of Residence | Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
| Schooling | St. Xavier’s High School, Gandhinagar |
| Graduation | Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering |
| UPSC AIR | All India Rank 4 |
| UPSC Attempts | 5 |
| Marks Obtained | 1035 |
| Optional Subject | Sociology |
| Achievements | Rank 55 in Gujarat Public Service Commission |
Shah Margi Chirag Educational Background
Shah Margi Chirag completed her early schooling at St. Xavier’s High School, Gandhinagar, where her academic foundation was laid. She later pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Gujarat Technological University (GTU), Ahmedabad.
Before her UPSC success, Margi had already made a mark by securing Rank 55 in the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) examination, which led to her selection as a State Tax Officer.
Shah Margi Chirag opted for Sociology as her optional subject during UPSC 2024.
Shah Margi Chirag Attempts
Shah had five UPSC attempts. She appeared for five prelims, cleared three mains, and reached the interview stage twice. Her long journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, consistent effort, and self-belief can turn even the toughest challenges into success.
Also Read about: UPSC AIR-3 Archit Dongre
Shah Margi Chirag UPSC Strategies
After years of perseverance, Shah Margi Chirag cracked UPSC in her 5th attempt. She openly shared her strategies to help fellow aspirants. Practical, focused, and rooted in experience. Here’s how she prepared at each stage.
Prelims Strategy
Focused Resources: Stuck to core books like Laxmikanth (Polity), Spectrum (History), and NCERTs — avoided piling on multiple sources.
Static + Current Affairs: Prioritized static subjects while maintaining consolidated, handwritten current affairs notes.
Mock Tests: Regularly practiced with Forum IAS SFG/SSG and Vision Abhyas to build confidence and improve accuracy.
Mental Calm: Focused on staying calm and composed during the exam; avoided over-analyzing question patterns.
Smart Guessing: Used logic and elimination techniques instead of stressing over unknown questions.
Mains Strategy
Answer Writing Practice: Wrote over 1,000 answers across GS and Sociology; joined daily writing programs like Hurricane and Chetak.
Essay Preparation: Practiced 6–8 essays with unique examples; followed mentor-led flow using keyword-based structuring.
Data-Driven GS: Used Economic Survey, Budget highlights, and Forum IAS notes to back GS 3 answers with solid data.
Ethics Paper (GS 4): Focused on empathy-based answers; creatively used keywords and structured balance between Sections A & B.
Optional Subject – Sociology: Used her Sociology prep to enhance GS answers too; referred to Smriti Shah’s notes for added clarity.
Interview Strategy
Peer Discussions: Engaged in daily group discussions to broaden viewpoints and polish articulation.
Mock Interviews: Attended 8–10 mocks to refine presentation, tone, and behavioral cues like smiling and avoiding fidgeting.
Mentor Guidance: Attended sessions to practice opinion framing on current issues.
DAF-Centered Prep: Structured content around her DAF (Detailed Application Form) to keep responses relevant.
Calm Demeanor: Maintained composure and confidence throughout, a key factor in making a strong impression.
Final Thoughts
Shah Margi Chirag’s journey to UPSC AIR 4 is more than just a story of success — it’s a testament to grit, patience, and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams. From securing Rank 55 in the Gujarat Public Service Commission to cracking the UPSC in her fifth attempt, Shah refused to give up, refining her approach with each passing year. From mastering Sociology to strategically preparing for each stage of the exam, Shah’s focused efforts finally paid off. For every aspirant doubting their path or battling failure, her story serves as a powerful reminder: with resilience and the right mindset, no dream is ever out of reach.
If you felt inspired reading the story of Shah Margi Chirag, we recommend you explore the journeys of other UPSC toppers for more motivation and insights!
