Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of the standout performers in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, with six candidates from the state securing positions among the top 30 in the country. Leading the group is Astha Jain from Shamli, who achieved All India Rank (AIR) 9 and became the state’s highest-ranked candidate this year.
The results have brought pride to several families across the state, highlighting stories of perseverance, dedication, and years of preparation behind the prestigious civil services examination.
Astha Jain Secures AIR 9, Tops the State
Astha Jain’s achievement stands out as one of the biggest successes for Uttar Pradesh in this year’s examination. This was her third attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
In her previous attempt, she had already cleared the exam with AIR 186 and was selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS). She is currently undergoing training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.
An arts graduate from Miranda House at Delhi University, Astha chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subjects for the examination.
Her academic journey has been marked by consistent excellence. She scored a perfect 10 CGPA in her Class 10 examinations and secured 99.2 percent marks in Class 12.
Her mother, Mamta Jain, expressed overwhelming joy at the achievement, saying the family was still absorbing the reality of their daughter securing a place among the top ten. Her father, Ajay Jain, runs a confectionery business in Shamli and credited her dedication and perseverance for the success.
Surabhi Yadav Bags AIR 14
Bareilly’s Surabhi Yadav secured an impressive All India Rank 14 in the examination. At present, the 25-year-old is working as a district youth officer under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of the “My Bharat” initiative.
Currently based in New Delhi, Surabhi completed her undergraduate studies in History from Lady Shri Ram College for Women at Delhi University and later pursued a master’s degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University.
She shared that she first learned about her result through friends and described the achievement as the fulfilment of a long-cherished goal.
Outside her studies, Surabhi also practices Warli art, a traditional form of tribal painting that she began learning during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Her father, Rakesh Singh, serves in the Uttar Pradesh Police and is posted in Varanasi.
Shubham Singh Achieves AIR 21 After Long Journey
Varanasi native Shubham Singh secured All India Rank 21 after years of persistent effort. At 32, he had been preparing for the UPSC examination for nearly a decade.
In his earlier attempt in 2018, he had secured AIR 402 and later began working as a corporate law officer. Despite pursuing a professional career, he continued his preparation with determination.
Shubham is an electrical engineer and also completed a postgraduate diploma in liberal studies under the Young India Fellowship at Ashoka University.
He credited his family, especially his wife Dr Sanjana Singh, for supporting him throughout the challenging preparation period. According to him, the encouragement from his family played a crucial role in helping him achieve his goal.
Ishita Sharma Secures AIR 26
Another achiever from Uttar Pradesh is Ishita Sharma from Gorakhpur, who secured AIR 26.
A postgraduate in commerce from Delhi University, Ishita said she was inspired by her brother Ashutosh, who encouraged her to pursue excellence and carve out her own identity.
Her success reflects the growing number of young aspirants from the state who are entering the civil services with strong academic backgrounds.
Two More Candidates in Top 30
Two other candidates from Uttar Pradesh also secured positions within the top 30.
Ifra Shams Ansari from Bhadohi achieved AIR 24. She completed her graduation from Delhi University before preparing for the civil services examination.
Nikita Verma from Ghaziabad secured AIR 30. She also studied at Delhi University, graduating with a BA Honours degree.
UP’s Growing Presence in Civil Services
The strong performance of candidates from Uttar Pradesh in the UPSC Civil Services Examination highlights the state’s growing representation in the country’s top administrative services.
With six candidates securing positions within the top 30, the results reflect the increasing competitiveness and determination among aspirants from the region.
The success stories of these candidates have already begun inspiring many young students across the state who aspire to join India’s civil services.
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