Long before the nation recognized them as toppers, they were simply aspirants grappling with doubt. The UPSC examination was not a symbol of prestige then – it was an all-consuming presence. It lingered in late-night revisions, interrupted sleep, and dictated the rhythm of their everyday lives. Each page turned carried hope, but also uncertainty.
They wrestled with difficult questions: How long can I afford to try? Am I sacrificing too much? What if I fall short? Careers were paused, comfort was surrendered, and personal milestones quietly passed by. For them, UPSC was not just an examination – it was a leap of faith, demanding endurance, self-belief, and unwavering resolve in the face of constant fear.
This series revisits those formative years, before success became inevitable and confidence replaced anxiety. It uncovers the unseen struggles, the quiet perseverance, and the moments of self-doubt that shaped individuals who would later redefine excellence in public service.
Indian Masterminds brings you an in-depth series on UPSC Rank 1 toppers, chronicling their journeys from fragile beginnings to positions of national and global influence. In this installment, we turn our focus to a new generation of trailblazers – those who topped the Civil Services Examination in the late 2000s and early 2010s – exploring how resolve, resilience, and purpose transformed uncertainty into achievement.
- Mutyalaraju Revu (IAS, Andhra Pradesh), UPSC CSE-2006 Topper – Current Posting: Commissioner, Rural Development / State Institute of Rural Development, Andhra Pradesh (also serving as Secretary to the Chief Minister)
- Dr. Adapa Karthik (IAS, Punjab), UPSC CSE-2007 Topper – Current Posting: Regional Adviser for Digital Health, World Health Organization (WHO), South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), New Delhi
- Shubhra Saxena (IAS, Uttar Pradesh), UPSC CSE-2008 Topper – Current Posting: Director, Election Commission of India, New Delhi
- Shah Faesal (IAS, AGMUT), UPSC CSE-2009 Topper – Current Posting: Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
- S. Divyadharshini (IAS, Tamil Nadu), UPSC CSE-2010 Topper – Current Posting: Director, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India
Read Also: Brains, Grit and Service: Inside the Lives of UPSC Rank 1 Toppers (2001–2005)
IAS Mutyalaraju Revu (UPSC CSE – 2006, Rank – 1)
Early Life and Education
Mr Revu, born on March 1, 1980, in Chinnagollapalem, a remote village in Andhra Pradesh, comes from a humble background, with his father being a marginal farmer. He excelled academically from a young age, topping the state in the Polytechnic entrance exam and later earning a B.Tech from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal and an M.E. from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. He also achieved All India Rank 1 in the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam in 2003 before transitioning to the civil services.
Inspiring Civil Services Journey
IAS Revu’s personal experiences, including the tragic loss of his sister in 1998 due to inadequate medical facilities, motivated him to improve rural infrastructure. He secured the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2006 after three attempts, joining the 2007 IAS batch of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Initially allotted IPS, he eventually pursued his IAS career with dedication, demonstrating exceptional perseverance and disciplined preparation.
Distinguished Administrative Career
Throughout his IAS tenure, Mr Revu has held several key positions, including District Collector of Nellore and West Godavari. He has consistently focused on rural development and governance. Currently, he serves as the Commissioner of Rural Development and Secretary to the Chief Minister, working to strengthen the Panchayat Raj system and uplift remote villages. Known for his integrity, dedication, and vision, he continues to make a significant impact on public service in Andhra Pradesh.
IAS Dr. Adapa Karthik (UPSC CSE – 2007, Rank – 1)
Background and Education
Dr Karthik, born on November 6, 1979, hails from Khammam in Andhra Pradesh. A medical professional by training, he earned his M.B.B.S. from Nagpur University, an M.A. from IGNOU, Delhi, and later completed a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Despite receiving prestigious scholarships from institutions such as Harvard, Cambridge, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he chose to dedicate his career to public service in India. Fluent in English and Telugu, his academic journey reflects exceptional merit and commitment.
UPSC Success and Inspirational Journey
Dr Karthik secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2007 after three attempts. In his earlier attempts, he was allocated the Indian Police Service (IPS), but his determination to become an IAS officer led him to persevere. His preparation strategy emphasized consistency, strong conceptual clarity, and focused study for 6–8 hours daily. He chose Zoology and Psychology as his optional subjects. His journey from medicine to civil services stands as a powerful example of discipline, resilience, and clarity of purpose.
Administrative Career and Global Role
An IAS officer of the 2008 batch, Dr. Karthik has served in several senior roles in Punjab and the Chandigarh Administration, including Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Special Secretary (Health), and Secretary of the Chandigarh Housing Board. Known for his contributions to public health and digital health initiatives, he played a key role in advancing AI-based healthcare solutions. Currently, he is on international deputation as Regional Adviser for Digital Health at the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) in New Delhi, where he continues to influence public health systems at a global level.
Shubhra Saxena (UPSC CSE – 2008, Rank – 1)
Early Life and Education
Ms Saxena, born on April 18, 1979, hails from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. She completed her schooling from DAV (Ranchi Zone) and earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Roorkee in 2002. After graduation, she worked for four years as a software engineer at Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Noida. Despite a successful IT career, she chose to pursue civil services, driven by a strong desire to contribute to social development and improve basic amenities in rural communities.
UPSC Journey and Academic Excellence
Shubhra Saxena secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2008, clearing the exam in her second attempt with a total score of 1371 marks. Her optional subjects were Public Administration and Psychology. Her preparation strategy focused on conceptual clarity, disciplined study, and sustained self-belief, with study hours averaging eight hours daily and increasing during examinations. Her journey from a software engineer to UPSC topper stands as a powerful example of perseverance, confidence, and determination.
Administrative Career and Key Postings
An IAS officer of the 2009 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Ms Saxena has held several important administrative positions at the district, state, and central levels. She has served as District Magistrate in multiple districts including Raebareli, Hardoi, Bulandshahr, Rampur, and Amroha, and as Chief Development Officer in Ghaziabad and Meerut. At the state level, she worked as Special Secretary in the Medical Education and Energy Departments and as Vice Chairman of the Agra Development Authority. Currently, she is on central deputation as Director at the Election Commission of India, a position she has held since January 2023, contributing to the strengthening of India’s democratic processes.
Shah Faesal (UPSC CSE – 2009, Rank – 1)
Early Life and Education
Mr Faesal was born on May 17, 1983, in the Sogam area of Lolab Valley in Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir. He comes from a family of educators; his father, a schoolteacher, was killed by militants in 2002, an event that deeply influenced his life. A brilliant student, Faesal earned his MBBS degree from Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, where he was a gold medalist. He later completed a Master in Public Administration (MPA) at the Harvard Kennedy School as a Fulbright-Nehru Fellow. His academic excellence and personal resilience shaped his commitment to public service.
UPSC Achievement and Unique Career Path
In 2010, Mr Faesal secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, becoming the first Kashmiri to top the exam and one of the few Muslims to do so after Independence. He cleared the examination in his first attempt, joining the IAS in the AGMUT cadre. His career took an unusual turn in January 2019 when he resigned from the IAS in protest against violence in Kashmir and briefly entered politics, founding the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement (JKPM). He later exited politics in August 2020 and was reinstated into the IAS in April 2022, marking a rare return to civil service after resignation.
Administrative Roles and Present Posting
Over his career, IAS Faesal has held several important administrative positions in Jammu and Kashmir, including Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Pulwama; Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora; Director of School Education, Kashmir; and Managing Director of the J&K State Power Development Corporation. After his reinstatement, he served briefly as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and is currently posted as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Known for his intellect, candour, and leadership during challenging times, Shah Faesal remains one of the most distinctive figures in contemporary Indian civil services.
S. Divyadharshini (UPSC CSE – 2010, Rank – 1)
Early Life and Education
Ms Divyadharshini was born on May 21, 1987, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She completed her schooling at Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School, Chennai, and went on to pursue B.A. B.L. (Hons.) in Law from the School of Excellence in Law, Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai. Before entering the civil services, she briefly worked at the State Bank of India after clearing the SBI Clerical Recruitment Examination. Coming from a supportive family background, she was determined to pursue the IAS and committed herself fully to achieving that goal.
UPSC Success and Preparation Journey
IAS Divyadharshini created history in 2010 by securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination at the age of just 24, joining the 2011 IAS batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre. She cleared the examination in her third attempt, having chosen Public Administration and Law as her optional subjects. Her preparation emphasized self-designed strategies, consistency, and strong self-belief. Her journey from a legal background to becoming a UPSC topper stands as an inspiration to aspirants across the country.
Administrative Career and Key Contributions
Throughout her IAS career, Ms Divyadharshini has held several impactful positions, particularly in the areas of rural development and women’s empowerment. She has served as Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women and as CEO of the Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project, focusing on livelihood enhancement, financial inclusion, and skill development for women. She has also worked extensively with the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihoods Mission and district administration. As of 2025, she is on central deputation as Director in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, where she works with multilateral and international development institutions. Known for her integrity, leadership, and citizen-centric governance, she continues to make significant contributions to public service.
Read Also: Who Are the UPSC Rank 1 Toppers from 1996 to 2000? Careers and Postings Explained
