The civil services examination 2021 results were declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Monday, with women grabbing the top three spots. 

Shruti Sharma secured the first rank with history as her optional subject. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor, Sharma graduated in History (Hons.) from the University of Delhi and then pursued her post-graduation at the Delhi School of Economics. She joined the Jamia Millia Islamia Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) for the Civil Services Examination preparation and went on to secure the All India Rank (AIR 1).

“Credit goes to everyone who was involved in my journey, especially my parents. They were extremely supportive and friends who guided me,” she told PTI after the results were announced on Monday.

Ankita Agarwal secured the second rank with political science and international relations as her optional subject. Agarwal hails from Kolkata and is a graduate in economics (Hons.) from the University of Delhi. She is currently under probation at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) in Haryana’s Faridabad.

“I am very happy to have got the second rank. I have opted for the IAS and would like to work for women empowerment, primary healthcare and school education sectors after joining the service,” she told PTI.

Gamini Singla got the third rank with sociology as her optional subject. She is a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in computer science and cleared the exam in her second attempt.

“I am really happy. It is like a dream come true. I have opted for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and would like to work for the development of the country and welfare of people,” Singla told PTI.

A total of 685 candidates – 508 men and 177 women – qualified and their names were recommended by the Commission for appointment to various central services, the UPSC said.