Delhi Makes Strong Showing in Prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination Results
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the final results of the highly competitive civil services examination on Friday, with Delhi making a particularly notable mark among the top ranks. The capital city's educational institutions and coaching centers demonstrated exceptional performance in one of India's most challenging examinations.
Top Rank Holders and Their Backgrounds
Akansh Dhull, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from the University of Delhi's prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), secured the impressive third rank nationwide. His optional subject was commerce and accountancy, reflecting his academic background. Dhull began his UPSC preparation journey in 2021 and demonstrated remarkable improvement over successive attempts, moving from 342nd rank in 2023 to 290th rank the following year before achieving his current third position.
Originally from Rohtak, Dhull completed his schooling in Chandigarh before pursuing higher education in Delhi. "I credit my father for motivating me to pursue a career in the civil services," Dhull stated. "It is a dream that inspired me from an early age." During his time at SRCC, he developed strong analytical and debating skills that proved invaluable during his UPSC preparation. Dhull also emphasized how his interest in traveling and gaining varied experiences helped broaden his perspective while preparing for the examination.
Following Dhull in the rankings were Raghav Jhunjhunwala and Ishan Bhatnagar, who secured the fourth and fifth ranks respectively. Jhunjhunwala completed his BA (Hons) in economics from the University of Delhi and opted for economics as his optional subject. Bhatnagar, a BA LLB (Hons) graduate from National Law University, chose sociology as his optional subject.
Medical Graduate Achieves Seventh Rank Through Determination
Securing the seventh rank was AR Rajah Mohaideen, an MBBS graduate who completed his medical degree in 2022. Originally from Chennai, Mohaideen decided to pursue civil services after graduating and began preparing soon after. This year marked a significant turning point as it was his third attempt at the examination.
Before moving to Delhi, Mohaideen had prepared for the exam in Chennai. "The prelims were actually the blocking point for me," he revealed. Determined to overcome this challenge, he sought guidance from seniors at the Jamia Millia Islamia residential coaching academy who had cleared this stage multiple times.
Outside his rigorous study schedule, Mohaideen turns to music to maintain balance during the intense preparation process. A trained Carnatic musician who both sings and plays the keyboard, he has pursued music since childhood. "I started practicing around third standard," he shared, noting that music helped him manage stress and temporarily step away from the pressures of the exam cycle.
Jamia Millia Islamia's Coaching Academy Delivers Exceptional Results
The residential coaching academy (RCA) of Jamia Millia Islamia demonstrated outstanding performance, with as many as 38 candidates from the RCA, Centre for Coaching and Career Planning achieving remarkable success in the UPSC civil services examination. Among these successful candidates, four secured positions within the prestigious top 50 ranks. The list of achievers also includes 15 women, highlighting diverse representation among successful candidates.
Professor Mazhar Asif, vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, commented on this achievement: "The extraordinary success of our RCA-trained students showcases JMI's culture of hard work, perseverance, and determination, which are key ingredients for success in one of the country's toughest examinations."
Key Factors Behind Success
The success stories emerging from this year's UPSC results reveal several common themes among top performers:
- Consistent Preparation: Akansh Dhull emphasized that his steady improvement resulted from consistent preparation, disciplined study routines, and strategic approaches to the examination.
- Educational Foundation: Many top rankers credited their undergraduate education at Delhi institutions for developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Targeted Coaching: The remarkable success rate of Jamia Millia Islamia's RCA highlights the importance of structured guidance and mentorship.
- Stress Management: Successful candidates like Mohaideen demonstrated the importance of maintaining hobbies and interests outside studies to manage the intense pressure of UPSC preparation.
- Family Support: Several achievers acknowledged the crucial role of family encouragement in sustaining their motivation throughout the demanding preparation process.
The UPSC civil services examination remains one of India's most challenging competitive tests, attracting thousands of aspirants annually. This year's results not only highlight individual achievements but also underscore the growing prominence of Delhi-based educational institutions and coaching centers in preparing candidates for this prestigious examination. The diverse backgrounds of successful candidates—from commerce and economics graduates to medical professionals—demonstrate that dedication and strategic preparation can overcome disciplinary boundaries in pursuit of civil service careers.
