The results of the civil services examination 2021 were announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Monday, with Shruti Sharma, a student of history, securing the first rank. 

Shruti Sharma is from Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor. She graduated in History (Hons.) from the University of Delhi and went on to secure a seat at Jawaharlal Nehru University  (JNU) for her postgraduation. She, however, dropped out of JNU and joined the Delhi School of Economics to pursue her post-graduate degree. She then prepared for the Civil Services examination at Jamia Millia Islamia Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) 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. 

Also Read: Women win big in UPSC results, grab top 3 spots

Ankita Agarwal, a graduate in economics (Hons.) from the University of Delhi, secured the second rank with political science and international relations as her optional subject.

Gamini Singla secured the third rank with sociology as her optional subject. She has a degree in Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in computer science.

Aishwarya Verma secured the fourth position and Utkarsh Dwivedi achieved the fifth rank. 

UPSC said a total of 685 candidates – 508 men and 177 women – have qualified and their names were recommended by the Commission for appointment to various central services. The top 25 candidates comprise 15 men and 10 women.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to congratulate the candidates.

“Congratulations to all those who have cleared the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2021. My best wishes to these youngsters who are embarking on their administrative careers at an important time of India’s development journey, when we are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” he tweeted. 

“I fully understand the disappointment of those who couldn’t clear the Civil Services Exam but I also know that these are outstanding youngsters who will make a mark in any field they pursue and make India proud. My best wishes to them.”