From Struggle to Success: What UPSC 2024 Toppers Did Differently

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the final results for the Civil Services Examination 2024 on April 22, marking the end of a long and intense journey for thousands of aspirants. As always, the spotlight now shines on the toppers — not just for their ranks, but for the journeys, strategies, and lessons that can inspire the next generation of civil servants.

This blog delves into the success stories of top rankers, including All India Rank 1 holder Shakti Dubey, and highlights the key insights and strategies that helped them crack one of the toughest examinations in the country.

Understanding the Diversity of Backgrounds

One of the most striking features of the UPSC toppers list every year is its diversity. From engineering graduates to humanities students, from rural India to metropolitan cities, and from first-timers to repeat aspirants — success in UPSC is not limited by background, but shaped by dedication, consistency, and smart work.

For instance, Shakti Dubey, who secured AIR 1, comes from a background in biotechnology  and chose Political Science as her optional subject. Her approach was marked by disciplined daily targets, rigorous answer writing practice, and focused revision in the final months.

Smart Strategy Over Sheer Hard Work

While hard work remains a non-negotiable factor, what distinguishes top performers is their ability to work smart. Several toppers emphasized the importance of:

• Limiting sources and revising them multiple times instead of running after too many books.
• Solving Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to understand the demand and framing of UPSC questions.
• Regular answer writing practice for Mains to improve articulation and time management.
• Taking mock interviews seriously to prepare for the final personality test.

For example, Harshita Goyal (AIR 2) focused on integrating current affairs into her static preparation. She maintained a daily news diary and revised it weekly to build analytical depth into her Mains answers.

The Optional Subject Advantage

The role of the optional subject in securing a good rank remains undeniable. Many toppers scored above 280 in their optional, giving them a crucial edge. Toppers like Dongre Archit Parag (AIR 3) and Komal Punia (AIR 6) credited their success to early selection of the optional subject, continuous refinement of content, and value addition through toppers' copies and mentorship.

Key insights from them include:

• Completing the optional subject before the Prelims.
• Writing full-length optional mock tests regularly.
• Creating crisp notes for value enrichment and quick revision.

Handling Setbacks and Staying Motivated

Several toppers did not clear the exam in their first attempt. They faced setbacks in Prelims or Mains, but learned from each failure and came back stronger. For instance, Aayushi Bansal (AIR 7) shared how she failed her first Mains but used the experience to analyze her weak areas and improve her writing quality and content richness.

Staying mentally strong, avoiding peer pressure, and maintaining a long-term vision of public service helped many candidates stay on track.

Role of Mentorship and Peer Support

Another recurring theme across toppers’ interviews is the role of mentorship — whether through coaching institutes, seniors, or online communities. Structured guidance, regular feedback on answers, and peer discussions helped refine strategies and improve performance.

Final Takeaway for Future Aspirants

The journey of UPSC toppers is not about shortcuts or magic formulas. It is about consistent effort, strategic planning, and self-awareness. Their success reinforces that:

• Understanding the exam's demand is more important than just acquiring information.
• Discipline, not just motivation, carries one through the long cycle.
• Self-analysis and feedback loops are vital for continuous improvement.

For aspirants preparing for UPSC 2025, these stories are not just about admiration — they are roadmaps. Draw lessons from them, but customise them to your strengths and learning style.