By Sid Bhaiya
Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is often described as conquering one of the toughest academic mountains in the world—and securing All India Rank 1 is reaching its absolute summit. But what does it actually take to get there?
In this blog, we break down the Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test scores of the AIR 1 toppers from 2022 to 2024—Ishita Kishore, Aditya Srivastava, and Shakti Dubey—to offer a clear picture of how India’s top aspirants performed across each stage of the exam.
Whether you're a future aspirant or simply curious about the numbers behind the names, this detailed comparison provides valuable insight into the journey of those who topped the toughest exam in the country.
The following table presents a comparative snapshot of the Preliminary Examination scores of the UPSC CSE All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) toppers from the years 2022 to 2024—Ishita Kishore (2022), Aditya Srivastava (2023), and Shakti Dubey (2024).
The Prelims stage, comprising the General Studies (GS) Paper I and the qualifying CSAT Paper II, is the first hurdle in the UPSC selection process.
This table highlights their GS Paper I scores (used for merit ranking in Prelims), offering insight into the level of performance that set the foundation for their eventual top ranks in one of India’s toughest competitive exams.
| Subject / Paper |
Shakti Dubey (2024) Roll No: 0240782 |
Aditya Srivastava (2023) Roll No: 2629523 |
Ishita Kishore (2022) Roll No: 5809986 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAPER 1: GS | 100.35 | 89.56 | 113.13 |
| PAPER 2: CSAT | 75.83 | 87.50 | 91.97 |
The table below provides a comparative overview of the performance of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) toppers from the years 2022 to 2024: Ishita Kishore (2022), Aditya Srivastava (2023), and Shakti Dubey (2024). It outlines their scores across all components of the examination—Essay, General Studies Papers I to IV, Optional Papers I & II—as well as the Personality Test. The written and final totals, along with their subject choices and consistent "Recommended" status, reflect their top-ranking achievements in one of India’s most competitive examinations.
| Subject / Paper |
Shakti Dubey (2024) Roll No: 0240782 |
Aditya Srivastava (2023) Roll No: 2629523 |
Ishita Kishore (2022) Roll No: 5809986 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay (Paper I) | 100 | 117 | 137 |
| General Studies I | 112 | 104 | 121 |
| General Studies II | 125 | 132 | 130 |
| General Studies III | 086 | 095 | 088 |
| General Studies IV | 141 | 143 | 112 |
| Optional I (Paper VI) | 132 (PSIR) | 148 (EE) | 147 (PSIR) |
| Optional II (Paper VII) | 147 (PSIR) | 160 (EE) | 166 (PSIR) |
| Written Total | 843 | 899 | 901 |
| Personality Test | 200 | 200 | 193 |
| Final Total | 1043 | 1099 | 1094 |
| Remarks | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
The prelims cutoff for UPSC CSE 2024 is lower than expected, highlighting the challenges faced by candidates. Additionally, the final cut-off has also been observed to be low in recent years. As we look ahead to 2026, it's crucial to prepare strategically and effectively.
Cracking the UPSC exam is no less than sailing through stormy seas — it demands persistence, strategy, and the right guidance. With the vast syllabus, intense competition, and high expectations, preparing alone can often feel overwhelming. That’s where structured mentorship and comprehensive resources make all the difference.
To navigate this journey with confidence and clarity, you can enroll in the following course:
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