Shakti Dubey - UPSC CSE 2024 Topper: Journey, Strategies, and Success Secrets

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of India’s most prestigious and challenging exams. Every year, aspirants aim to become IAS, IPS, or IFS officers. Shakti Dubey’s story as the UPSC CSE 2024 topper is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and disciplined preparation.

• Exam year: 2024

• Result year: 2025

• Topper: Shakti Dubey (AIR 1 for CSE 2024)

Background of Shakti Dubey

• Hometown: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
• Family: Father – Sub-inspector in UP Police; Mother – homemaker
• Education: B.Sc. & M.Sc. in Biochemistry from University of Allahabad & BHU
• Optional Subject: Political Science & International Relations

Her strong academic foundation helped her develop analytical skills and structured thinking, essential for both the UPSC Mains and Interview.

UPSC Journey: Years of Effort and Perseverance

• Started UPSC preparation in 2018
• Faced five attempts before securing AIR 1 in 2024
• First 3 attempts: Did not clear Prelims
• Fourth attempt: Cleared Mains but missed final selection
• Fifth attempt (2024 cycle): Secured AIR 1

Preparation Strategy of Shakti Dubey

1. Strong Fundamentals

Mastered basics using NCERTs and standard reference books before moving to advanced topics. Focused on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning.

2. Consistent Study and Revision

Maintained a disciplined daily routine for study, revision, and answer writing. Multiple revisions of notes ensured knowledge retention.

3. Current Affairs Mastery

Daily reading of newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express. Created weekly current affairs notes for Prelims, Mains, and Interview preparation.

4. Answer Writing and Mock Tests

Practiced 4–5 answers daily to improve speed and accuracy. Joined test series for Mains and Prelims to identify strengths and weaknesses.

5. Mental Resilience

Learned to handle stress, failures, and repeated setbacks. Focused on long-term goals and maintaining motivation through every attempt.

Daily Routine of Shakti Dubey

Challenges Faced

• Multiple failed attempts in the early stages
• Pressure of expectations from self and family
• Information overload during preparation
• Balancing academic background with UPSC syllabus

How she overcame them: Maintaining structured study, regular breaks, guidance from mentors, and learning from previous mistakes.

Key Success Lessons from Shakti Dubey

• Consistency is more important than intensity
• Strong fundamentals: understanding over memorization
• Effective revision using concise notes
• Mock tests & self-analysis are crucial
• Mental strength & resilience help overcome setbacks

Books and Resources Recommended by Shakti Dubey

Recognition and Impact

Shakti Dubey has been felicitated by senior officials in UP and featured in podcasts sharing her journey. Her story inspires aspirants from smaller cities and those facing repeated setbacks.

Conclusion

Shakti Dubey’s journey proves that success in UPSC requires discipline, strategy, resilience, and consistent effort. From multiple failures to AIR 1, her story teaches aspirants to trust the process, learn from mistakes, stay consistent, and focus on long-term goals. UPSC preparation is about smart planning and mental strength, not just hard work.