Latest news with #UPSCCivilServicesExam2024
India Today
29-04-2025
- General
- India Today
Auto driver's daughter set to become Maharashtra's first Muslim woman IAS officer
Adiba Anam, the daughter of a rented auto-rickshaw driver from Yavatmal in Maharashtra, has secured the 142nd rank in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024. She is now set to become Maharashtra's first Muslim woman IAS officer. Her journey wasn't easy, but she didn't and raised in a rented house, Adiba studied in local government schools. Her father, Ashfaque Ahmed, drives a rented auto and is also a poet. The family struggled financially, but her parents supported her education at every MEDICAL DREAMS DIDN'T WORK OUTAdiba had first set her sights on becoming a doctor. But when she realised the cost of medical education was beyond reach, she dropped the plan. It was Nizamuddin Shaikh from Seva NGO who showed her a new path -- civil services. That changed finishing her BSc in Mathematics from Inamdar Senior College, Pune, Adiba joined UPSC foundation coaching. She trained at Haj House and later at Jamia Residential Coaching lacks major coaching centres, so she had to move to Pune to chase her ATTEMPTS, ONE RESULT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHINGAdiba couldn't get a rank in her first three UPSC attempts. She made it to the interview stage once, but didn't clear the final list. Still, she kept her fourth attempt, she cracked the exam with an All India Rank of now wants to focus on helping girls and underprivileged communities. Her success is already making waves in her hometown. From local police to former ministers, many have praised didn't have a big city background, a fancy school, or steady income at home -- but she had the will to keep going. That made all the difference.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Five attempts too many? Ex-IPS officer's ‘wasting youth' comment on UPSC topper Shakti Dubey sparks aspirants' debate
Shakti Dubey's ascent to UPSC 2024 topper after six years and five attempts sparked debate when ex-IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad criticized the exam's lengthy preparation, calling it a waste of youth and urging limits on attempts and age. Supporters argue inclusivity and perseverance matter, while critics warn reforms could harm underprivileged aspirants and fail to address deeper coaching-driven issues. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads From Celebration to Controversy in Seconds Is the UPSC Marathon Robbing Youth of Their Prime? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Road to Rank One: Tribute to Tenacity When Shakti Dubey clinched the coveted Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 , the country erupted in applause. Yet amid the jubilation came a seismic jolt: a former IPS officer's blunt critique of Dubey's six‑year journey—and five attempts—through the grueling preparation cycle. His comments have thrown the spotlight on whether India's premier exam is costing its brightest minds their news portals and social feeds buzzed with praise for Dubey—whose Political Science and International Relations optional brought her to the summit—Yashovardhan Jha Azad, once an IPS officer himself, seized the moment on social media. 'Congratulations to Shikha Dubey, ranking first in UPSC result,' he began on X (formerly Twitter), 'But five attempts means six years of toil—the best years of youth gone in coaching?'Azad's message did more than question Dubey's personal sacrifice. It painted a broader picture of a system in which half a million aspirants chase a handful of vacancies year after year, often investing vast sums in coaching institutes. 'This obsession with UPSC is costing the nation huge,' he wrote, 'Employing our youth wrongly for five to six years. Coaching institutes are laughing all the way to the bank.'At the heart of Azad's argument lies a provocative proposal: cap attempts at two and lower the age ceiling to 25. By his reckoning, this would force an earlier specialization—allowing unsuccessful candidates to pivot into other careers rather than lingering in endless exam were quick to catch fire. One commentator warned that stricter limits would penalize those from humble backgrounds who rely on time and perseverance to level the playing field. Another pointed out that the true beneficiaries of repeated attempts are not the candidates but the coaching industry itself—while successful officers emerge underprepared in leadership and common of the controversy, Dubey's success story is undeniably inspirational. Over six years of rigorous study and repeated mains, she shattered stereotypes and climbed to the very top of India's most competitive exam. Her achievement is mirrored by the Commission's broader efforts toward inclusivity: among the 1,009 recommended candidates, representation spans General, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST her victory lies the closing chapter of UPSC 2024: the interview round. Conducted for 2,845 candidates and wrapped in April, it distilled aspirations into 1,132 appointments across IAS, IPS, and other premier services. For Dubey and her peers, it was the final hurdle in a marathon that Azad—and many others—now argue might need drastic debate rages, one thing is certain: India's obsession with UPSC—the allure, the agony, the academy-driven coaching culture—has once again taken center stage. Will policymakers heed calls for age and attempt restrictions? Or will they find other ways to preserve both the integrity of the exam and the prime years of its aspirants?For now, Shakti Dubey's triumph and Yashovardhan Azad's stark question linger together, challenging the nation to balance excellence with empathy—and to decide whether the cost of greatness should be measured in lost youth.
News18
23-04-2025
- General
- News18
'They Were My Strength': UPSC 2024 Topper Shakti Dubey Reveals The Secret Of Her Success
Last Updated: Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, secured the top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 on her fifth attempt. She missed the cut-off by 12 marks in 2023 In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Shakti Dubey was deeply committed to her penance. This dedication was fuelled by a desire to make her parents proud, pass one of the country's toughest exams, and ultimately, crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Shakti Dubey, who achieved the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, initially couldn't believe her success. However, this achievement did not come easily to her. Shakti triumphed in her fifth attempt, displaying immense patience despite enduring the disappointment of four previous attempts. In 2023, she missed the cut-off by 12 marks after the interview stage, yet she persevered. Originally from Rampur (Wajidpur) village in Bairia tehsil of Ballia district, Shakti shared with the media how she maintained her patience throughout the seven-year preparation period. She emphasised the unwavering support of her parents, siblings, and family, which was crucial during moments of doubt and low confidence. Shakti's experience highlights the importance of familial support in overcoming life's challenges and disappointments. 'Disappointment is an inevitable part of any examination, not just the UPSC. However, throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to have the unwavering support of my mother, father, siblings, and family. Their presence was a constant source of strength, especially during moments of self-doubt. Their encouragement ensured my confidence never wavered," she said. In an interview with NDTV, Shakti addressed those who feel discouraged or contemplate drastic actions like suicide after failing exams. She conveyed that winning or losing does not define a person; rather, staying true to oneself and maintaining belief in one's abilities is paramount. 'In life, we experience both victories and setbacks, but our failures or successes do not define us. Failing an exam, for instance, does not signify the end. The crucial thing is to remain true to yourself and remember that you can overcome challenges and achieve success. Stay connected with your parents, as they provide invaluable support and guidance during challenging times," she said. She urged candidates preparing for the UPSC to keep struggling if they have faith in themselves, underscoring that the support of parents and family is instrumental in achieving success. First Published: April 23, 2025, 10:32 IST
News18
22-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
UPSC Result 2024: Who Is Topper Shakti Dubey? Worked Hard 7 Years To Get All India Rank-1
UPSC Toppers List 2024: Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024. IAS Toppers List 2024: In a momentous achievement that has electrified her hometown and the broader academic community, Shakti Dubey emerged as the All India Rank 1 holder in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2024, the results of which were announced on Monday, April 21. A native of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Dubey's triumph is being hailed not only as a personal victory but as a proud milestone for her city and state. Dubey, whose academic roots lie in the sciences, carved her path to the top after years of tireless dedication. Her journey began in the classrooms of Allahabad, where she received her early education, and continued through Allahabad University, where she pursued a BSc degree. She later completed her post-graduation in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 2016, an academic foundation that initially appeared far removed from the political and administrative arena she has now conquered. Her pivot to civil services began in earnest in 2018, when she decided to pursue her long-cherished dream of joining the bureaucracy. Despite hailing from a science background, Dubey chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subjects – an unusual but ultimately successful combination that underscored her versatility and strategic acumen. In a mock interview conducted during her preparation, Dubey reflected on her journey, emphasising the unflinching support of her family throughout the seven-year odyssey. She credited her parents and loved ones as the cornerstone of her success. 'This achievement is as much theirs as it is mine," she had said. News of her top rank sparked celebrations in Prayagraj, where family, friends, and neighbours gathered to share in the joy. The atmosphere at her home was one of jubilant pride, a testament to years of quiet perseverance and unwavering faith. First Published: April 22, 2025, 16:17 IST
