UPSC Exam 2025: Full Form, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Posts, Study Material & PYQs

UPSC Civil Services Examination isn’t just an exam, it’s a process that builds focus and grit. Toppers didn’t just get lucky, they stayed consistent through pressure and setbacks. Their journeys show that it’s more about staying on track than being perfect.

From choosing the right optional to adjusting their plans when things went wrong, they figured out what worked for them. You don’t need to follow them exactly, just learn, adapt, and stay clear on your why.

UPSC Toppers AIR 1 Year Wise

Talking to UPSC toppers is like listening to someone who’s cracked the code for the examination. They reveal the mindset, habits, and a real look into the way they think that sets them apart from everyone else. Here is the list of UPSC Toppers from the past ten years.

UPSC Toppers Preparation Strategies

Clearing UPSC isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s also not the work of a genius, it’s about being consistent, focused, and honest with your preparation. There are many similarities in how UPSC toppers over the years approached the exam, despite different backgrounds, optional subjects, or attempts.

• The most important is a foundation-first approach. Toppers built strong basics from standard books, followed a structured schedule, and avoided moving around too many sources. Whether it was Tina Dabi (AIR 1, 2015) or Shakti Dubey (AIR 1, 2024), all of them emphasized more on depth over breadth.
• Another key point was answer writing, not as a last-minute Mains strategy, but a consistent habit from early on. From Kanishak Kataria (AIR 1, 2018) to Shruti Sharma (AIR 1, 2021), toppers credited daily or weekly writing practice with helping them sharpen fluency, time management, and presentation.
• Current affairs were never separate. It was integrated. Whether through monthly magazines, or daily notes, toppers kept portions linked with static subjects. This allowed them to deal with evolving paper patterns without panic.
• They also respected the CSAT paper, which most of the aspirants take lightly. Toppers like Aditya Srivastava (AIR 1, 2023) and Ishita Kishore (AIR 1, 2022) practiced it routinely, fully aware of how important it is along with GS Paper 1.
• Mock tests and post-test analysis. Practicing test series came out to be a crucial part of many toppers’ success from Pradeep Singh (AIR 1, 2019) to Shakti Dubey (AIR 1, 2024). It wasn’t just about testing knowledge but preparing under constant pressure.
• And finally, the mental game. This is one of the most crucial aspects of preparation. From full-time jobs (like Anudeep Durishetty) to repeated failures (like Nandini K.R.), they all pushed through because they planned smartly, stayed calm, and didn’t give up.

UPSC Toppers Marksheet Last 10 Years

Here is a list of UPSC Toppers Marksheet Last 10 Years;

UPSC Toppers Study Plan

UPSC toppers study plan provides key points for smart revision techniques and efficient time management. It focuses on the value of discipline and regularity by following well-structured schedules to achieve successful results.

What aspirants can learn from the UPSC Topper’s daily routine:

• Discipline and Consistency: UPSC toppers follow a strict and consistent study schedule, usually starting their day very early in the morning. They maintain constant pace throughout their preparation to avoid the pressure of last-minute study sessions.
  
• Subject Prioritization: Toppers divide their study hours according to subject weightage, focusing more on difficult areas while making sure every part of the syllabus is covered thoroughly.
  
• Revision and Practice: Regular revision, frequent mock exams, and answer writing are key elements in a topper’s timetable. This method helps in memory recall and boosts exam confidence.
  
• Breaks and Self-Care: The UPSC Topper Study Plan also includes planned breaks for recovery and rest. Activities like fitness routines and leisure help them stay mentally and physically balanced, which is essential for sustained preparation.
  
• Flexibility and Adjustment: Toppers are aware that different phases of the UPSC exam demand different strategies. They modify their schedules according to shifting goals and personal needs to keep their preparation efficient and realistic.

Here’s a quick example of AIR 1, 2015 Tina Dabi’s study plan for your reference:

UPSC Topper Biography

Who are these toppers? Their backgrounds are as diverse as India itself, yet their stories share a common thread: GRIT. 

Here’s a look at the last decade’s toppers:

Shakti Dubey (2024), a Biochemistry grad from Allahabad University, overcame financial hurdles with free online resources, choosing PSIR as her optional. From a small town, she took five attempts to secure AIR 1.

Aditya Srivastava (2023), an IIT Kanpur alum, leveraged his Electrical Engineering background. He balanced technical prep with GS, cracking it in his third attempt.

Ishita Kishore (2022), from Greater Noida, studied Economics at Shri Ram College of Commerce. She cleared it in her third attempt.

Shruti Sharma (2021), a St. Stephen’s and JNU grad from Bijnor, chose History. She took two attempts to crack the exam.

Shubham Kumar (2020), a civil engineer from IIT Bombay, picked Anthropology. From Katihar, Bihar, he cleared it in his second attempt.

Pradeep Singh (2019), an IRS officer from Sonipat, cracked it in his fourth attempt with Public Administration.

Kanishak Kataria (2018), an IIT Bombay grad, chose Mathematics. He cleared it in his first attempt.

Anudeep Durishetty (2017), a software engineer from Hyderabad, picked Anthropology. He took five attempts.

Nandini K.R. (2016), a civil engineering graduate from MS Ramaiah Institute, she was already in the Indian Revenue Service when she cracked the exam in her fourth attempt.

Tina Dabi (2015), a Delhi University grad, topped in her first attempt at 22, choosing PSIR.

UPSC Toppers Optional Subjects

Here’s how optional subjects shaped up over 10 years:

• PSIR and Anthropology continue to dominate because of syllabus overlap with GS.
• Maths and Tech optional can still top if done with precision.
• Regional Literature remains a dark horse, few takers, high return for those who master it.

Don’t pick your optional based on trends. Choose what you can stick with for 12 months, revise thrice, write like a pro and ace the exam.

This exam will not reward perfection. It rewards the process. Toppers aren’t the smartest people, but they’re the ones who didn’t quit, kept learning, stayed calm.

If you’re prepping, don’t just watch topper interviews for motivation. Learn and dissect their study plans. Copy their discipline. And build your own value in answer writing.

You don’t need 15-20 hours a day. You need 5-7 hours done well. For 300 days. That’s the real secret.

And if you're still doubting whether you're cut out for this, remember, so were they.

You just haven’t topped it yet.