Shakti Dubey, a name that has become synonymous with resilience and determination, topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 by securing All India Rank 1. Hailing from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Shakti’s journey to the top was far from easy, it was marked by repeated setbacks, sleepless nights, and relentless self-belief. Her story is not just of academic success but of grit and grace under pressure.
Key Information
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Shakti Dubey |
| Date of Birth | Estimated 1996 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 27–28 years |
| Place of Birth | Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh |
| Hometown | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh |
| Current Residence | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste | General Category (as per reports) |
| Father’s Name | Devendra Kumar Dubey
|
| Father’s Occupation | Sub-Inspector, Uttar Pradesh Police |
| Mother’s Name | Not publicly known |
| Siblings | Not publicly known |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Education – UG | B.Sc. in Biochemistry – University of Allahabad |
| Education – PG | M.Sc. in Biochemistry – Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi |
| UPSC Optional Subject | Political Science & International Relations |
| UPSC Attempts | 5 |
| Year of Success | UPSC CSE 2024 |
| AIR (All India Rank) | Rank 1 |
| Total Marks | 1043 (843 in Mains, 200 in Interview) |
| Interview Board | Not publicly disclosed |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Language Known | Hindi, English |
| Study Hours | 8–10 hours/day (as per interviews) |
| Preparation Style | Self-study with structured revision and practice tests |
| Mentorship | Keen on mentoring aspirants from underprivileged and rural backgrounds |
| Role Model | Civil servants are committed to grassroots impact |
| Hobbies | Reading newspapers, writing, current affairs, community work |
| Strengths | Perseverance, time management, clarity in thought |
| Motivation | Desire to bring change through administrative service |
| Future Goals | Contribute to rural education, women’s empowerment, and transparent governance |
| Public Recognition | Felicitated by UP Police and widely covered in national media |
Early Life and Education
Shakti Dubey was born and raised in Prayagraj, a city known for its rich cultural and academic heritage. Her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, is a sub-inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police. From an early age, she was encouraged to value education, discipline, and public service — values that later shaped her career choice.
Shakti pursued her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Allahabad University, followed by a Master’s in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), graduating in 2018. Though her academic background was in science, she later chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject for the UPSC exam, showcasing her interdisciplinary learning ability.
The Struggle Before the Success
Unlike many toppers who crack the exam in their first or second attempts, Shakti’s path was strewn with obstacles. She appeared for the exam five times:
- The first three attempts ended at the Prelims stage.
- The fourth attempt, although better, still did not get her a place in the final merit list.
- It was in her fifth attempt that she finally cleared all stages and emerged as the topper of the nation.
Her perseverance in the face of repeated failure is a key aspect of her inspirational journey.
UPSC 2024 Performance
- All India Rank: 1
- Total Marks: 1043
- Written (Mains): 843
- Interview (Personality Test): 200
- Optional Subject: Political Science & International Relations
Her stellar performance in the interview round, where she scored a perfect 200, was a decisive factor in her top ranking.
Preparation Strategy and Study Routine
Shakti’s strategy was rooted in discipline, consistency, and conceptual clarity. She followed a structured daily routine, often studying for 8–10 hours. Her preparation focused on:
- Strong command over NCERTs and standard reference books
- Regular newspaper reading for current affairs
- Solving previous years’ question papers to understand exam patterns
- Emphasis on answer writing practice for Mains
- Attending mock interviews to polish her confidence and presentation
She stressed the importance of revising notes, minimizing distractions, and believing in one’s own unique approach.
A Broader Vision for Public Service
Shakti is not just an aspirant-turned-officer; she is a role model for young Indians, especially girls from small towns, who aspire to break barriers. She believes that civil services offer an unparalleled opportunity to serve society, uphold justice, and empower the underprivileged.
She has expressed a desire to work in areas such as education, women’s empowerment, and rural development.
Recognition and Felicitations
Shakti’s remarkable achievement earned her widespread praise. She was honored by senior officials of the Uttar Pradesh Police, including DGP Prashant Kumar, in Lucknow. Her success was celebrated not just in administrative circles but also across educational institutions and social media platforms.
Personal Life
Despite her academic and professional focus, Shakti remains grounded and humble. Her family has been a pillar of support through the highs and lows of her journey. She is also known to mentor fellow aspirants and believes in sharing knowledge and experiences to uplift others.
Shakti Dubey’s journey to AIR 1 is a masterclass in patience, persistence, and purpose. She broke through multiple failures, changed strategies, re-evaluated herself, and never gave up. Her story is a guiding light for thousands of UPSC aspirants across India who might be struggling in silence. In a world quick to glorify overnight success, Shakti reminds us that real achievement takes time, effort, and unwavering faith.
Interesting Facts About Shakti Dubey (UPSC AIR 1 – 2024)
- Fifth Time’s the Charm
Shakti cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination on her fifth attempt, proving that consistent effort and patience can overcome any obstacle. - Science Graduate with a Political Passion
Despite holding a postgraduate degree in Biochemistry, she opted for Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject, a bold interdisciplinary move that worked in her favor. - Interview Score: A Perfect 200
She scored a full 200 marks in the UPSC interview, an extraordinary achievement that helped her clinch AIR
- Police Family Background
Her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, is a sub-inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police, making her success even more inspiring for children from service-class families. - Failed Prelims 3 Times in a Row
Shakti did not qualify for the Preliminary stage of the exam in her first three attempts. Most aspirants would have quit, but she didn’t. - Zero Coaching Background
There’s no record of her attending big-name coaching institutes. Her success largely came from self-study, discipline, and smart revision. - Felicitated by the UP DGP
In a proud moment, she was honored by the DGP of Uttar Pradesh, Prashant Kumar, who praised her as a role model for police families. - Advocate of Regional Language Mediums
In interviews, she emphasized that UPSC success is possible in any language, encouraging aspirants who choose Hindi or regional mediums. - Inspired to Uplift the Underserved
Shakti has expressed her passion to work in education, women’s welfare, and rural development, aiming to bring change at the grassroots level. - Mentor and Motivator
Since her result, she has already begun mentoring fellow aspirants, especially those from small towns and modest backgrounds.
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