In the historic city of Prayagraj, UP, where the Ganga and Yamuna converge, there lives a young woman whose journey of perseverance, intellect, and deep reflection has captured the imagination of all who follow her story. Shakti Dubey, a name that now resonates with success, is the All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, but her journey to the top is much more than just a story of academic brilliance.
Her journey reflects years of dedicated preparation and a strategic approach to the examination. Her choice of Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject and her background in Biochemistry highlight her academic versatility.
A Humble Beginning in Prayagraj
Shakti grew up in a disciplined family in the peaceful neighborhood of Mama Bhanja Ka Talab, Prayagraj. Her family originally hails from Ballia, UP. Her father, a dedicated officer in the Police Department, and her mother, a nurturing homemaker, instilled in her values of hard work, service, and discipline. She consulted her parents for career guidance and received their support.
From a young age, Shakti was keenly aware of the importance of education and community service. Her parents, with their own unique contributions to society, were her role models, shaping her determination to serve the nation.
UPSC Journey: Preparation and Mantra for Success
She has made a total of five attempts at the UPSC Examination. In her first three attempts, she wasn’t able to clear the Preliminary stage. However, in her fourth attempt in 2023, she made significant progress and reached the interview round. Unfortunately, she missed securing a spot in the final list by just 12 marks.
But in her fifth attempt, during UPSC CSE 2024, she finally cracked the exam with All India Rank 1 and fulfilled her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
Talking about her study routine, she said, “Everyone knows that the UPSC is one of the toughest exams, and it requires a lot of hard work. But it’s not true that you need to study for 16 to 17 hours a day. On average, if you study for 8 to 10 hours daily, you can be successful. That’s what worked for me too.”
Speaking about her preparation strategy, she said that a solid understanding of the syllabus, basic books, NCERTs, previous years’ questions (PYQs), and mock tests formed her core approach to cracking the exam. “No matter which stage of the UPSC CSE you are in, these elements remain constant. This has always been my formula,” she added.
A Blend of Science and Social Sciences
Ms Dubey’s academic journey showcases a blend of scientific and social science disciplines. After completing her undergraduate studies in B.Sc. Biochemistry from Allahabad University, she went on to earn an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 2018, where she was awarded a Gold Medal. But despite her academic success, her heart was set on a larger mission: to serve the country through the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Shakti began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2018 after her Master’s degree, dedicating seven years to the process.
A Father’s Pride: Supportive Parenting Behind UPSC Topper
Talking about UPSC 2024 Rank 1 holder Shakti Dubey’s preparation, her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, shared, “The only role I played in her studies was to make everything available whenever she needed it. The rest was her hard work and the blessings of God. She has always been very calm and dedicated to her work since childhood.”
“I am in the Police Department, so I was mostly away from home. My wife played a major role in her success,” he added.
Her emotional mother, Prerna Dubey shared, ”I had no role to play. She studied day and night’.
“I am very happy, she has been able to achieve this rank because of the blessings of Mahadev. She is in Delhi and will come home soon’, she added.
Academic Excellence and Passion for Learning
Her deep interest in politics and international relations led her to choose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject for the UPSC exam. This transition from a science background to a social science-oriented optional subject highlights her adaptability and interest in governance and public administration.
This was a reflection of her sharp analytical mind and her desire to understand the world’s most pressing challenges, from economic issues like forex reserves and currency depreciation to political concerns like the productivity of parliamentary proceedings and the Manipur conflict. Shakti’s understanding of these issues is rooted not just in theory but in a deep sense of responsibility towards her country’s future.
This transition from a science background to a social science-oriented optional subject highlights her adaptability and interest in governance and public administration. This strong foundation in science provided her with analytical and critical thinking skills, which likely proved beneficial in her UPSC preparation.
Finding Solace in Poetry
Though her academic life was rigorous and intense, Shakti found moments of peace and reflection in an unexpected place – poetry. Poetry, for her, wasn’t just an art form; it was a tool for clarity, introspection, and emotional healing during her tough UPSC preparation. One poet, in particular, struck a chord with her: Shiv Mangal Singh “Suman”, whose poem, “Vardaan Maangunga Nahi”, resonated deeply with Shakti’s own values of humility and service. His words helped her articulate her thoughts and maintain perspective in the midst of long hours of studying.
Message for Aspirants
Giving advice to UPSC aspirants, Dubey reminding them not to be too harsh on themselves if things don’t go as planned. “At the end of the day, it’s just an exam – it’s not bigger than life. If you believe in your potential and have your family’s support, that’s more than enough,” she said.
Sharing her preparation tips, Dubey advised sticking to a limited number of books and placing strong emphasis on previous years’ question papers. She also stressed the importance of taking multiple mock tests to simulate exam conditions and recommended repeated revisions for better retention and clarity.
A Vision for India’s Future
What sets Shakti apart from many others is her clear and thoughtful vision for India’s future. She believes that India’s global role must evolve, advocating for stronger relationships within the SAARC and Southeast Asia. In particular, she emphasizes India’s responsibility in taking proactive climate action and building stronger ties with its neighboring countries. Her approach to leadership is not just about managing the present but also about shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for India.
Her passion for service, intellectual depth, and artistic sensibility make her a unique individual who will not only navigate the complexities of governance but also bring a refreshing perspective to India’s administrative machinery.
