Telugu Students Miss Top 50 in UPSC 2025; Srujana Tops State with Rank 55
In a notable outcome from the 2025 UPSC Civil Services Examination, results of which were announced on Friday, none of the Telugu-speaking students from Telangana or Andhra Pradesh managed to secure a position within the prestigious top 50 All India Ranks. This development has drawn attention to the competitive landscape of one of India's most challenging examinations.
State Toppers and Their Achievements
Gudelli Srujana, hailing from Pedapalli, emerged as the highest-ranked candidate from the region, achieving an impressive All India Rank of 55. Srujana is currently undergoing training as a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), showcasing a blend of academic excellence and practical experience.
Following her, the second and third positions from Telangana were secured by Atla Tharun Teja from Warangal with AIR 123 and Banoth Laxmi Rachana from Ranga Reddy district with AIR 178, respectively. Their successes highlight the diverse backgrounds of aspirants in the state.
Personal Journeys and Insights
Banoth Laxmi Rachana, a 26-year-old BTech graduate from IIT Indore, shared her inspiring journey. "I was working in the EV industry. I resigned from my job and started preparing for the UPSC exam. This was my second interview, and I am glad that I made it to the final list," she told TOI. This was her fourth attempt at the examination, demonstrating remarkable perseverance.
Currently serving as a Group A officer in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Rachana emphasized her strategic approach: "After every attempt, I worked on improving my weaker areas. This time, I focused on writing and presenting." She added that the motivation to join civil services stemmed from the greater scope to help people, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to public service.
Examination Statistics and Trends
The UPSC examination saw significant participation from the Telugu states. A total of 74,427 candidates from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh applied, with 42,804 appearing for the exam. Notably, 25,787 of these candidates were from Hyderabad alone, underscoring the city's role as an educational hub.
Out of the 958 candidates selected nationwide, 30 students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh made it to the final list. This represents a selection rate that highlights the intense competition and high standards of the civil services.
Expert Analysis on Candidate Patterns
Gopalakrishna, director of Brain Tree coaching centre, provided insights into the trends. "Most of the candidates are repeat applicants who have taken the exam several times in recent years. The examination has become a test of patience and perseverance," he observed.
He noted that the relatively lower number of toppers from the Telugu states this year could be attributed to many candidates opting for Group 1 examinations and securing appointments through those channels. Looking ahead, Gopalakrishna predicted a rise in candidates, citing growing uncertainty in the private sector and increased awareness of civil service opportunities through various media and coaching platforms.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The absence of Telugu students in the top 50 ranks raises questions about preparation strategies and resource allocation. However, the success of candidates like Srujana, Teja, and Rachana demonstrates that with dedication and continuous improvement, aspirants can achieve commendable results.
As the civil services continue to attract talent from diverse fields, the stories of these individuals serve as motivation for future aspirants. The emphasis on perseverance, as highlighted by experts, remains a key takeaway for anyone embarking on this challenging journey.
