Top 10 UPSC Toppers of the Decade (2015–2024): Rank 1 List & Optional Subjects

UPSC Toppers of the Decade (2015-2024): Meet the top 10 Civil Services Exam rank holders who aced India's toughest exam with outstanding marks and inspiring strategies.

UPSC: India's Top 10 Toppers of the Decade

This list includes toppers like Tina Dabi, Ira Singhal, and Shruti Sharma, who not only cracked the UPSC CSE but also motivated lakhs of aspirants with their consistent preparation, smart planning, and strong determination. Know their optional subjects, educational background, strategies, and more.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam (CSE) is considered India's most prestigious and competitive examination. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for the exam with the dream of becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer. Over the past decade, many toppers have stood out not just for securing Rank 1 but also for their unique journeys, strategies, and impact.

Here's a curated list of the Top 10 UPSC Toppers of the Decade (2015-2024):

Top 10 UPSC Toppers of the Decade (Year-wise)

1. Ira Singhal - AIR 1 (2014)

• First differently-abled woman topper.
• Optional Subject: Geography
• Known for: Breaking stereotypes and championing inclusivity.

2. Tina Dabi - AIR 1 (2015)

• Youngest woman to top UPSC at 22.
• Optional: Political Science & IR
• Alma Mater: Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University

3. Nandini K R - AIR 1 (2016)

• From Karnataka, with an engineering background.
• Optional: Kannada Literature
• Joined IRS before becoming IAS.

4. Anudeep Durishetty - AIR 1 (2017)

• Optional: Anthropology
• Worked with Google while preparing.

5. Kanishak Kataria - AIR 1 (2018)

• Optional: Mathematics
• Alumnus of IIT Bombay, went viral for thanking his girlfriend.

6. Pradeep Singh - AIR 1 (2019)

• Son of a farmer; a true rural success story.
• Optional: Public Administration

7. Shubham Kumar - AIR 1 (2020)

• Optional: Anthropology
• BTech from IIT Bombay; 3rd attempt success.

8. Shruti Sharma - AIR 1 (2021)

• Optional: History
• First topper from Jamia Residential Coaching Academy.

9. Ishita Kishore - AIR 1 (2022)

• Economics graduate from Shri Ram College of Commerce.
• Optional: PSIR

10. Aditya Srivastava - AIR 1 (2023)

• Optional: Electrical Engineering
• IIT Kanpur alumnus; multiple attempts before cracking Rank 1.

Key Features of UPSC Toppers' Success Strategy

• Consistent NCERT-based preparation
• Optional subject mastery
• Strong answer writing practice
• Effective time management
• Balanced Prelims-Mains-Interview focus
• Use of mock tests and PYQs
• Coaching: Some went to coaching institutes; many were self-prepared.
• Importance of revision and mental health

Why Knowing About UPSC Toppers Helps Aspirants

Understanding the journey of toppers provides:

Motivation & inspiration

Tried-and-tested strategies

Clarity on optional selection

Insights into resource planning