The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially declared the final results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, revealing the names of the top-performing candidates who have conquered what is widely considered India’s most rigorous and prestigious competitive exam.
This year, the top three All India Ranks (AIR) have been secured by three outstanding individuals — Shakti Dubey (AIR 1), Harshita Goyal (AIR 2), and Dongre Archit Parag (AIR 3) — each with a compelling story of determination, vision, and courage.
While their rankings speak volumes about their academic brilliance and perseverance, it is their personal journeys that truly stand out — journeys marked by fearless career choices, unique educational paths, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
AIR 1: Shakti Dubey – The First-Attempt Topper from Prayagraj
Claiming the top spot in the UPSC CSE 2024 with AIR 1 is Shakti Dubey, a determined and grounded aspirant hailing from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Achieving this feat in her very first attempt, Shakti’s success is a reflection of not just academic excellence but a clear mindset and a focused approach to life.
Coming from a middle-class family, her father serves in the police force, and her mother is a homemaker — a background that often nurtures discipline, resilience, and strong values. After completing her schooling, Shakti enrolled in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, a renowned institution known for its vibrant academic and cultural atmosphere.
It was during her time at BHU that Shakti honed her analytical thinking and broadened her worldview, actively engaging in hostel life and intellectual discussions. Her exposure to diverse perspectives and debates helped her cultivate the mindset essential for a future civil servant.
Her story stands as a powerful reminder that cracking the UPSC is not just about relentless studying — it’s about thinking independently, understanding society deeply, and remaining anchored in purpose. Shakti has now become a symbol of inspiration for aspirants across the country.
AIR 2: Harshita Goyal – A Chartered Accountant Turned Civil Servant
Securing the All India Rank 2, Harshita Goyal has emerged as one of the most inspiring stories of UPSC 2024. Her journey spans across geographical and intellectual landscapes, reflecting a unique blend of professional discipline and academic exploration.
Originally from Haryana and raised in Vadodara, Gujarat, Harshita’s upbringing exposed her to a diverse cultural ethos. An accomplished Chartered Accountant (CA) by profession, she completed her Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, one of the most prestigious universities in Gujarat.
Despite a stable career in finance, Harshita took a bold step to pivot towards civil services — a move that required not just courage but also a reimagining of her life goals. Choosing Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject, Harshita demonstrated a keen interest in understanding governance, diplomacy, and global affairs — far beyond the realm of accounting and auditing.
Her transformation from a numbers-driven professional to a future policymaker speaks to the evolving aspirations of India’s youth and their growing desire to contribute meaningfully to the nation.
AIR 3: Dongre Archit Parag – Maharashtra’s Top Ranker with a Vision
At AIR 3, Dongre Archit Parag has secured a place among India’s top UPSC achievers, bringing pride to Maharashtra, particularly his hometown Pune. With a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Archit began his career in the IT sector before making a radical shift toward public service.
Unlike many, this wasn’t Archit’s first experience with the UPSC. In 2023, he successfully cleared the exam with an All India Rank of 153, but he was determined to aim higher. With refined strategy, renewed commitment, and an unshakable belief in his potential, he returned in 2024 and achieved a Top 3 position.
His chosen optional subject — Philosophy — reveals his deep interest in ethical reasoning, logic, and human understanding. It’s a subject that requires profound clarity of thought and an ability to grapple with complex ideas — qualities that are crucial in public administration.
Having completed his schooling in Mumbai and junior college in Pune, Archit’s journey showcases the power of persistence, long-term vision, and calculated risk-taking. His success story is now a motivating example for UPSC aspirants across Maharashtra and beyond.
A Celebration of Diverse Backgrounds and Shared Purpose
What unites Shakti, Harshita, and Archit is not just their top rankings but the diversity of their backgrounds and the singularity of their purpose — to serve the nation through the civil services. Each of them took bold decisions, moved beyond conventional paths, and stayed committed to their long-term goals.
The UPSC CSE 2024 results not only celebrate individual brilliance but also reflect the transformative journeys of India’s youth, who are redefining what it means to be a civil servant in the 21st century.
As these three dynamic individuals prepare to enter the esteemed Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and other allied services, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation — and a reminder that with the right mindset and dedication, no goal is too distant.
Also Read: Shakti Dubey tops UPSC CSE 2024
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