Government Resolves UPSC Rank 301 Confusion in CSE 2025 Final Results
The confusion surrounding Rank 301 in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 has been officially clarified by the government, which released detailed information about the candidate listed at that position in the final results. This announcement comes after reports emerged of two candidates named Akanksha Singh claiming the same rank, leading to widespread speculation and social media debates.
Background of the Civil Services Examination 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the final results of the CSE 2025 on March 6, 2026, following a rigorous selection process. The written examination was conducted in August 2025, with personality test interviews held between December 2025 and February 2026. A total of 958 candidates were recommended for appointment to prestigious services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and various central services in Group A and Group B.
Emergence of the Rank 301 Controversy
Soon after the results were announced, reports surfaced that two candidates named Akanksha Singh were both claiming Rank 301. One candidate hails from Ara in Bihar, while the other is from Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh. This dual claim sparked confusion and raised questions about the integrity of the examination process.
According to PTI reports, Akanksha Singh from Ara, who is the granddaughter of Brahmeshwar Singh—the founder of the banned militia Ranvir Sena—told reporters that she had secured Rank 301 in her second attempt. She expressed confidence in her performance, stating, "I was confident about securing the result this time around. This was my grandfather’s dream. He had a lot of belief in me." Brahmeshwar Singh was murdered in 2012. She credited her parents for their unwavering support, noting that she studied 8-10 hours daily during her preparation.
Social Media Allegations and Impersonation Claims
Simultaneously, another candidate named Akanksha Singh from Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh took to Facebook to allege impersonation. She claimed that her rank and identity were being misused by others and shared documents, including identification details and e-summon related to the examination, to support her case. The controversy intensified on social media platforms after an admit card circulated online appeared to show the same name and roll number, but with different fathers’ names, further adding to the confusion.
Official Government Clarification
In response to the growing controversy, the government issued an official clarification through the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The press release addressed "various media reports, wherein two candidates of same name i.e. Akanksha Singh, are claiming to have secured the same Rank 301 in the final result of the Civil Services Examination, 2025."
According to UPSC records, the candidate who secured Rank 301 is Ms. Akanksha Singh with Roll Number 0856794. Her father’s name is Ranjit Singh, and her mother’s name is Neelam Singh. She is from Village Abhaipur in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh. This clarification effectively resolves the confusion, confirming that the Ghazipur candidate holds Rank 301 in the CSE 2025.
Implications and Resolution
The government's timely intervention has put an end to the speculation, ensuring transparency in the examination process. This incident highlights the importance of accurate record-keeping and clear communication in high-stakes competitive exams. Candidates and the public can now rely on the official confirmation, which underscores the UPSC's commitment to fairness and integrity in the Civil Services Examination.
