From quiet villages and crowded hostels to interview rooms heavy with expectation, the journey to securing UPSC Rank 1 is never merely academic—it is profoundly emotional. In this special Indian Masterminds feature, we explore the inner journeys of four officers whose rise to the top was shaped as much by self-doubt, setbacks, patience, and courage as by discipline, books, and strategy.
Shruti Sharma, AIR 1 of CSE 2021 and now an IAS officer, understands the pain of missing success by a single mark—and the resolve it takes to return stronger, transforming heartbreak into history. Ishita Kishore, AIR 1 of CSE 2022 and currently serving as Joint Magistrate (SDM) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, reflects the quiet strength of someone who faced repeated failure yet never lost clarity of purpose. Aditya Srivastava, AIR 1 of CSE 2023 and now allotted the Uttar Pradesh cadre, achieved the exceptional—topping the examination while undergoing demanding IPS training, after already clearing the UPSC once before. And Shakti Dubey, AIR 1 of CSE 2024, also allotted the UP cadre, brings together the discipline of science, the stillness of poetry, and the empathy shaped by seven long years of preparation.
What binds these four is not flawlessness, but persistence—the ability to sit with uncertainty, endure silence after results, and begin again when exhaustion sets in but conviction remains. Their journeys are marked by waiting parents, guiding mentors, and an inner resolve that refused to yield. They remind us that leadership is first shaped in unseen moments of endurance, long before authority is formally conferred.
With this edition, Indian Masterminds presents the concluding chapter of its long-running series on UPSC Rank 1 toppers from 1990 onwards—a chronicle of individuals who began as unsure aspirants and went on to shoulder the responsibilities of public leadership. This installment brings together recent toppers whose formative years in administration coincide with a changing India—one marked by heightened public scrutiny, rapid technological shifts, and rising expectations from governance. Their stories capture not just success, but the emotional cost and quiet courage that define the making of a civil servant.
Here is their brief profile :
Shruti Sharma– Shruti Sharma, who secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021, is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer admired for her disciplined preparation, academic depth, and resilient mindset. Originally hailing from Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, Shruti spent part of her childhood in Basta village before moving to New Delhi with her family. Her father, Sunil Dutta Sharma, is an architectural engineer, and her mother and grandmother have been her strongest role models, shaping her values and work ethic.
Shruti completed her schooling at Cambridge Primary School and Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, and later graduated in History (Honours) from the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. Deeply interested in academics, she pursued postgraduate studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University and later at the Delhi School of Economics, though she eventually chose to drop out to focus entirely on the UPSC examination.
Her UPSC journey was marked by perseverance. In her first attempt (2019), a technical issue forced her to write the Mains exam in Hindi instead of English, leading her to miss the interview call by just one mark. Treating this setback as a learning experience, she refined her strategy and appeared again, securing the top rank in her second attempt.
Shruti chose History as her optional subject, aligning with her academic background and lifelong interest. She relied heavily on NCERTs, self-made notes from newspapers, and rigorous answer writing practice. She was part of Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), from where she emerged as one of the successful candidates in CSE 2021. Her total score stood at 1,105 marks, including 932 in the written exam and 173 in the interview.
Believing that civil services offer a direct way to give back to society, Shruti views UPSC not just as a career, but as a platform for learning, personal growth, and public service. Outside academics, she enjoys reading, cinema, and exploring different cultures, reflecting her curiosity and openness—qualities that continue to inspire countless aspirants across the country.
Ishita Kishore– Ishita Kishore, who secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022, is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer admired for her resilience, clarity of purpose, and strong sense of national service. She is currently serving as Joint Magistrate (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where she is gaining hands-on administrative experience at the grassroots level.
From an early age, Ishita was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the nation. The daughter of a former Indian Air Force officer and a teacher, she grew up in an environment where discipline and service were core values. This background deeply influenced her decision to pursue civil services as a career. She also credits her family—especially her mother—for being her constant source of strength throughout her journey.
Academically, Ishita is a BA (Honours) graduate from Delhi University and later pursued Economics, building a strong analytical foundation. Before joining the civil services, she worked as a Risk Analyst at EY, gaining professional exposure while working with North American clients. She also represented India as part of the Indo–China Youth Delegation in 2017, nominated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, reflecting her early engagement with public service and diplomacy. Additionally, she served as Secretary of The Commerce Society at SRCC, contributing to student leadership and organisational initiatives, including the annual fest Bizstreet.
Ishita’s UPSC journey was marked by perseverance. She did not clear the examination in her first two attempts, but setbacks only strengthened her resolve. Choosing Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject, she leveraged her interest and writing skills to her advantage. Consistent effort, guidance from mentors such as IPS officer Mahesh Bhagwat, and disciplined preparation helped her gradually clear each stage of the examination.
A national-level football player, Ishita believes sports taught her consistency, resilience, and teamwork—qualities she sees as essential for administration. Her hobbies also include Madhubani painting, reflecting her creative side.
Today, as a young administrator, Ishita Kishore embodies determination and self-belief. She aspires to serve the country with sincerity and responsibility, and continues to inspire countless aspirants with her message of perseverance, discipline, and unwavering confidence.
Aditya Srivastava– Aditya Srivastava, who secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer whose journey stands out for its perseverance, strategic learning, and courage to step out of the comfort zone. Notably, he has cracked the UPSC examination twice—first in CSE 2022 with AIR 236, through which he was selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS), and then again in CSE 2023, emerging as the national topper. He has now been allotted the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
Currently, Aditya is an IPS officer undergoing training, having been posted earlier in Hyderabad during his training phase. His achievement of AIR 1 came while he was still part of the rigorous IPS training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, a rare and remarkable feat.
Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Aditya comes from a modest and service-oriented family. His father is an Assistant Audit Officer with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), while his mother is a homemaker. He completed his schooling at City Montessori School (CMS), Lucknow, before moving on to IIT Kanpur, where he pursued a BTech–MTech dual degree in Electrical Engineering, graduating with exceptional academic performance.
Before entering civil services, Aditya worked as an Analyst at Goldman Sachs in Bengaluru, where he spent around 15 months. Despite a promising corporate career, he quit his job in 2020 to fully commit to UPSC preparation. His first attempt in CSE 2021 ended in failure, teaching him crucial lessons about strategy and the importance of analysing previous years’ question papers (PYQs).
Choosing Electrical Engineering as his optional subject, Aditya relied largely on self-study, PYQs, test series, and mock interviews rather than full-time coaching. Balancing UPSC preparation alongside IPS training during his third attempt was challenging, but his disciplined approach helped him succeed.
Aditya’s interviews were a blend of DAF-based questions, current affairs, and analytical thinking, reflecting UPSC’s evolving nature. Today, his journey—from IIT Kanpur and Goldman Sachs to IPS and finally IAS—serves as a powerful reminder that smart work, adaptability, and persistence are as important as hard work in cracking India’s toughest examination.
Shakti Dubey– Hailing from the historic city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Shakti Dubey has emerged as the All India Rank 1 holder in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Allotted the Uttar Pradesh cadre, her journey to the top reflects a rare blend of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
Shakti grew up in the serene locality of Mama Bhanja Ka Talab, Prayagraj, in a disciplined and value-driven family originally from Ballia, UP. Her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, serves in the Police Department, while her mother, Prerna Dubey, is a homemaker. From them, she imbibed the values of integrity, hard work, calm perseverance, and service to society. While her father ensured a supportive environment despite a demanding job, her mother provided constant emotional strength—together forming the backbone of her success.
Academically versatile, Shakti pursued B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Allahabad University, followed by an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she graduated with a Gold Medal in 2018. Despite a strong grounding in science, she gravitated towards governance and public policy, choosing Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject—an unconventional but highly effective choice that showcased her adaptability and analytical depth.
She began her UPSC preparation in 2018, dedicating seven years to the demanding process. Her preparation was marked by disciplined revision, limited but focused resources, rigorous mock tests, and deep analysis of previous years’ question papers. Her understanding of contemporary issues—from parliamentary productivity and federal challenges to international relations and climate action—reflects a mature and responsible administrative outlook.
Beyond academics, Shakti found solace and strength in poetry, especially the works of Shiv Mangal Singh “Suman.” Poetry became her medium of introspection and emotional balance during the long and often stressful preparation journey, reinforcing her belief in humility, resilience, and service without entitlement.
Known for her calm demeanor and balanced perspective, Shakti often reminds aspirants that UPSC is “just an exam, not bigger than life.” She emphasizes self-belief, family support, smart preparation, and mental well-being as key pillars of success.
With a clear vision for India’s future—focused on regional cooperation, climate responsibility, and inclusive governance—Ms. Shakti Dubey brings with her not just administrative competence but also empathy, cultural sensitivity, and reflective wisdom. As she begins her journey in the UP cadre, she stands as a powerful inspiration for aspirants across the country and a promising future administrator for India.
Read More : Brains, Grit and Service: Inside the Lives of UPSC Rank 1 Toppers (2001–2005)
