Shakti Dubey Puts Prayagraj on the Map with UPSC Rank 1
Few places capture the national spotlight like Prayagraj does today. Why? Because Shakti Dubey, a woman whose story reads like a modern-day tale of grit, has achieved the unimaginable—she clinched the All India Rank 1 in the UPSC CSE 2024. That’s not a title handed out lightly: she outperformed over half a million contestants, many of whom spend years chasing this dream.
At just 29, Shakti’s journey stands apart. She’s not from a sprawling metropolis with countless coaching centers, but the temple town of Prayagraj. A graduate in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad, she picked Political Science and International Relations as her optional subjects—a move that seems to have worked wonders. Juggling exam studies with family responsibilities can be a tough act, but she managed it all while living at home. Her father—a police officer with a demanding job—and her mother—a homemaker—gave her the support she needed, but the real credit goes to Shakti’s relentless stamina.
She didn’t just pass—she topped, and that too on her very first attempt. That’s not just rare; it’s almost unheard of at the top levels. Her accomplishment isn’t only personal. It means a lot for her city, her state, and even more for women across the country eyeing positions in the civil services.
Women Rewrite the UPSC CSE Playbook
This year’s exam raised more eyebrows for another reason: women are on the rise. Three out of the top five ranks belong to female candidates, and Shakti Dubey is leading that surge. Out of the total 1,009 successful candidates, 284 are women—a visible jump compared to past years. It’s clear: the days when civil services rosters read like boys’ club membership lists are fading.
The statistics put things in perspective. A staggering 5.83 lakh candidates applied this year, but only a fraction made it to the final list. The exam’s grueling nature—prelims, mains, and a personality test—has a reputation of breaking the hardest of spirits. Still, Shakti’s story sends a different message: consistent effort, the right strategy, and self-belief can help anyone stand out, even on their first try.
What draws aspirants to UPSC CSE 2024 isn’t just the prestige of working in public service or the promise of a secure government job. It’s the chance to make a real impact. Shakti Dubey’s victory is already inspiring a fresh wave of aspirants, reminding them the playing field is shifting—thanks to women like her who break barriers year after year.
