The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the results of the civil services examination on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of one of the most anticipated and rigorous testing processes in India. The top positions were secured by Aditya Srivastava, who achieved All India Rank (AIR) 1, and Animesh Pradhan, who took the second spot. Completing the top three was Donuru Ananya Reddy, who secured AIR 3.
Many of this year's top scorers hail from prestigious educational institutions and come from modest family backgrounds. Their achievements are a testament to the perseverance and dedication they exhibited throughout the preparation process, often overcoming significant challenges and limited resources. These stories of success offer a source of inspiration for countless aspirants across the country.
Here are the background stories of top 5 UPSC candidates for the year 2024 :
Aditya Srivastava, a distinguished alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, has achieved the top rank in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil services examination. Srivastava, who specialized in electrical engineering for his optional subject, is originally from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He attended CMS Lucknow's Aliganj branch for his schooling and completed a dual degree program at IIT Kanpur, earning both his B.Tech and M.Tech degrees.
Srivastava initially chose to work in the corporate sector for financial stability. However, his desire to make a meaningful impact on society led him to pursue a career in the civil services. His journey to success has been marked by determination and resilience; prior to securing the top rank in UPSC, Srivastava placed 236th in the 2022 UPSC exam and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Currently, Srivastava is undergoing training at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad, a crucial step in his career as a civil servant. His remarkable achievement underscores his commitment to serving the country and contributing positively to the system. His story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring civil service candidates and highlights the potential for individuals to excel and effect change through hard work and dedication.
Animesh Pradhan, a native of Odisha, has achieved an impressive milestone by clearing the civil services examination on his first attempt. He chose Sociology as his optional subject and excelled in the examination. Pradhan graduated with a B.Tech in computer science from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, showcasing his strong academic background.
Despite his success, Pradhan's journey has not been without personal challenges. He shared his joy with friends and family but felt a profound absence due to the recent loss of his mother, who passed away last month after a courageous battle with cancer. Pradhan also faced the tragedy of losing his father a few years earlier.
After completing his graduation, Pradhan worked as a software engineer in a private company before transitioning to his current role as an Information System Officer with Indian Oil Corporation Limited. His experience in the corporate sector likely provided him with valuable skills and perspectives that he can now apply in his civil service career.
Pradhan's educational foundation was laid at Kalinga DAV School, where he completed his schooling. His story is a testament to his resilience and determination, as he has overcome personal loss and professional challenges to achieve this remarkable success. Pradhan's journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to success even in the face of adversity.
Ananya Reddy, a geology graduate from Delhi University's Miranda House, has secured All India Rank three in the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (UPSC-CSE). Her journey began in Hyderabad, where she started preparing for the prestigious examination after completing her graduation in 2021.
Originally from Mahabubnagar district in Telangana, Reddy chose anthropology as her optional subject. Despite not receiving formal coaching, she successfully cleared the examination on her first attempt—a testament to her dedication and self-discipline. Reddy's father runs a small business, while her mother is a homemaker.
Reddy is not only a diligent student but also a cricket enthusiast. She devoted long hours—around 12 to 14 hours a day—to her studies, not adhering to any specific pattern but instead focusing on a comprehensive approach to her preparation. This strategy clearly paid off, as evidenced by her outstanding performance in the examination.
Reddy's success story is one of resilience and determination, serving as an inspiration to other aspiring civil service candidates. Her ability to overcome challenges and excel in the face of adversity underscores her potential to contribute positively to the nation as a civil servant.
Sidharth, a native of Kerala, secured an impressive fourth rank in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. His exceptional performance came after five attempts, with anthropology as his optional subject. A graduate in architecture from the University of Kerala, Sidharth is currently undergoing training at the IPS Academy in Hyderabad.
His journey in the civil services began in 2020, following his graduation in 2019. In his first attempt, Sidharth ranked 181st and was selected for the Indian Post and Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service. His persistence and hard work led to even greater success in subsequent attempts. In his second attempt, he earned a position in the Indian Police Service (IPS), and in his third attempt, the 27-year-old achieved a rank of 121.
Sidharth's path to success exemplifies determination and perseverance. His academic background in architecture, combined with his strong foundation in anthropology, has equipped him with a well-rounded perspective that will undoubtedly benefit him in his career as a civil servant. His experience in various facets of the civil services also demonstrates his versatility and ability to adapt to different challenges.
Sidharth's achievements inspire many aspiring candidates and highlight the importance of resilience and dedication in achieving one's goals. His journey also emphasizes that multiple attempts and consistent effort can lead to eventual success in the UPSC examination.
Ruhani, a graduate in economics from Delhi University's prestigious St. Stephen's College, has successfully cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination on her sixth attempt, achieving All India Rank five. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued her post-graduate degree in the same subject at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), demonstrating her deep interest and expertise in economics.
Ruhani's professional journey began with a role at NITI Aayog, where she worked for two years as an Indian Economic Service Officer. Her experience in the field of economic policy likely provided her with valuable insights into the intricacies of governance and public administration. Currently, she is undergoing training at the IPS Academy in Hyderabad, marking another significant milestone in her career.
Ruhani's path to success was marked by resilience and determination. In her fifth attempt at the UPSC examination, she secured rank 159 and chose to pursue a career in the Indian Police Service (IPS) while continuing to prepare for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). This strategic decision reflects her commitment to public service and her adaptability in navigating the challenges of the examination process.
Ruhani's achievements are particularly noteworthy given her background as the daughter of government teachers from Old Gurugram. Her success serves as an inspiration to many aspiring candidates and highlights the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and a strong foundation in one's chosen field. As she continues her training and embarks on her civil service career, Ruhani's story underscores the potential for meaningful contributions to society through dedication and hard work.
While the headlines often focus on the extraordinary accomplishments of these individuals, the true essence lies in the journey they undertake. From balancing multiple roles and responsibilities to dedicating countless hours to their studies, these candidates demonstrate remarkable resilience. Their determination to rise above their circumstances serves as a powerful reminder that hard work and persistence can lead to success, even in the face of adversity.
The UPSC results are a source of celebration not only for the individuals and their families but also for the communities they represent. As these successful candidates embark on their civil service careers, they bring with them the hopes and aspirations of their communities and the promise of a brighter future for the nation.