The UPSC results of the Civil Service Examination 2024 cycle saw five female candidates securing ranks among the top 10 candidates. Let’s meet the amazing women candidates who transformed themselves from aspirants to achievers.
The UPSC CSE (Civil Services Examination), also known as the IAS exam, is a national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, referred to as one of the toughest and most prestigious civil services examinations in India. It’s a dream for any Indian individual to clear the ace the three rounds of examinations (Preliminary, Main, and Interview/Personality Test) and be appointed to a sought-after civil services position.
For years, the IAS was thought to be a male-dominated field, with very few women clearing the examinations and serving as IAS officers. But the scenario has evolved drastically. Over the years, the highly competitive exams have been aced by women aspirants who are not just clearing it but topping it to attain the highest ranks. Statistics say that women are increasingly achieving top ranks, as in 2022, 60 per cent of the top 20 rank-holders were women, whereas women made up a record high of 41 per cent of the IAS batch.
The UPSC announced the results of the Civil Service Examination 2024 cycle, filling 1,129 vacancies in the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, Central Services Group 'A', and Group 'B' Services. The results announced on April 22, 2025, once again saw a surge in women excelling in the prestigious examination. The commission recommended 1,009 candidates, with 725 men and 284 women for appointment to various services, with five female candidates securing ranks among the top 10.
Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, achieved All India Rank one after seven years of dedicated preparation, and Harshita Goyal claimed the second spot with All India Rank two in her third attempt at the UPSC exam. In addition to this, Shah Margi Chirag, Komal Punia, and Aayushi Bansal secured AIR four, AIR six, and AIR seven, respectively.
Let us meet the top five women candidates who made the nation proud with their dedication:
Shakti Dubey (AIR 1)
All India Rank one holder in the UPSC CSE 2024, Shakti Dubey, hails from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. After completing her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad and her Master's degree in the same from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 2018, she started her UPSC preparation. Shakti’s journey is marked by resilience and determination as she cleared her exam on her fifth attempt, securing the first position. Inspired by her father's role in the Uttar Pradesh Police, she realized the impact and stepped into the civil services. She aims to work on women's safety and security in her home state.
On the idea of a Uniform Civil Code, Shakti shows awareness about the criticism and resistance it may have and urges to introduce it after consultation, and says, "Women, especially in rural areas, are often at a disadvantage. A Uniform Civil Code would ensure equal rights for women and protect them from domestic violence, dowry harassment, etc."
Harshita Goyal (AIR 2)
Harshita Goyal, a Chartered Accountant, secured an All India Rank of two in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Known for her dedication, analytical skills, and disciplined academic background, she focused on understanding concepts, balanced her preparation with breaks. Born in Haryana and brought up in Gujarat, she has completed her graduation from the MS University of Baroda.
She values dedicated study sessions, regularity, and creating a study strategy with a preferred learning style. Harshita found her own pattern for success. She said, "I didn't have any fixed schedule for studying. I found my own pattern to make it work, and that is what students should try and do, I think."
Shah Margi Chirag (AIR 4)
Shah Margi Chirag, a computer engineering graduate from Gujarat Technological University, secured an All India Rank four in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024. Her determination and analytical skills were honed through consistent efforts and strategic planning. Shah Margi chose Sociology as her optional subject, demonstrating her strategic sense and cross-disciplinary adaptability. She achieved success by clearing the exam in her fifth attempt. She has also qualified for the Gujarat Public Service Commission with a Rank of 55 and served as a State Tax Officer. She has been focusing on understanding concepts, emphasizing consistency, and self-discipline. Emphasizing self-study, she says, "After the initial coaching, I relied more on self-study. But my mentor played a very significant role in helping me stay focused and improve."
Komal Punia (AIR 6)
Komal Punia, a B.Tech in Physics from IIT Roorkee, secured an All India Rank six in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Despite her first and second attempts in 2022 & 2023 being unsuccessful, she used the experience to strengthen her preparation. Komal focused on a disciplined study routine, maintaining a positive mindset and maintaining a positive mindset. Being a Trainee IPS at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNP), she is a proud daughter of a farmer.
A strong believer with hopes, she says, "I would say it was a combination of hard work and perseverance. It truly tested my patience. There were moments when I felt like I was at the lowest point, when I questioned if anything would work out in my career. But looking back, it was a journey full of struggles, and yet, full of hope. I always believed that someday, it would happen.”
Aayushi Bansal (AIR 7)
Aayushi Bansal, from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, achieved an All India Rank seven in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024. With a strong academic foundation and a strong sociology subject, she cleared the exam in her third attempt. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of her father, she credited her success to her mother's unwavering support and disciplined study routine.
Aayushi believes that social change should start from society itself. She says, "Law can bring change, but Parliament should take this responsibility." Whereas on the LGBTQ community marriages, she notes, "Marriage is not only religious, but also a matter of companionship and legal rights. The LGBTQ community should also get equal rights."
