UPSC CSE 2024: AIR 1 Shakti Dubey Secures UP Cadre as Government Releases IAS Allocation List

A Milestone Moment for Top Rankers of India’s Toughest Exam

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has officially released the cadre allocation list for candidates selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) through the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 cycle. This annual list is one of the most awaited announcements for newly selected civil servants, as cadre allocation determines the state in which they will spend most of their administrative careers.

This year’s topper Shakti Dubey, who secured All India Rank 1, has been allotted her home state, Uttar Pradesh, fulfilling her long-held aspiration. The second ranker, Harshita Goyal from Haryana, has been allotted the Gujarat cadre, marking an important milestone in her three-attempt UPSC journey. The cadre allocation list provides clarity to the top performers and highlights the mix of insiders and outsiders who will serve across states under the IAS.

Top 20 UPSC CSE 2024 Rankers and Their IAS Cadres

The ministry released allocations based on rank, category, preferences, and insider/outsider quotas. Here are the top 20 rankers and their respective cadres:

The list shows a balanced distribution of insiders and outsiders, with many top performers receiving home cadres—especially those from states with larger insider quotas like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

UPSC CSE 2024: A Competitive Field with Strong Female Representation

The UPSC declared the final results on April 22. As one of the most competitive examinations in the country, the CSE sees participation from lakhs of aspirants yearly. The exam opens the door to several prestigious services, including the IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, ITS, and other Group A and B central services.

This year, women dominated the top ranks, with three of the top five positions secured by female candidates—Shakti Dubey (AIR 1), Harshita Goyal (AIR 2), and Shah Margi Chirag (AIR 4). Of the top 25 candidates, 11 are women, further highlighting the strong representation of women in the civil services.

Overall, the UPSC recommended 1,009 candidates, among which 725 are men and 284 are women, signaling consistent participation and performance across genders.

AIR 1: The Inspiring Journey of Shakti Dubey

The story of Shakti Dubey is a testament to perseverance. Hailing from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Dubey completed her graduation in biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University. While she initially dreamed of becoming a doctor, her entrance rank placed her in dental sciences. She decided instead to pursue a BSc and later dedicated herself to preparing for the civil services.

Her road to success was anything but smooth. Her first three attempts did not clear the prelims. In her fourth attempt, she reached the interview stage but missed the final list. In 2023, she fell short by a mere 12 marks—an experience she describes as the lowest point in her journey.

Yet, she persisted. Dubey created a disciplined study plan, breaking her goals into achievable daily tasks. She often emphasized the importance of consistency: finishing an 8–10 hour study routine when required and allowing herself recovery time the next day. This balance helped her push through failures, ultimately securing AIR 1 in her sixth attempt.

Her home cadre allocation to Uttar Pradesh marks both a personal and professional milestone, allowing her to serve the state she belongs to and understands deeply.

AIR 2: Harshita Goyal’s “Unbelievable” Triumph

At Rank 2, Harshita Goyal, a 24-year-old commerce graduate and Chartered Accountant, described her result as “unbelievable.” Having failed to clear prelims in her first two attempts, Goyal finally broke through in her third attempt—clearing prelims, mains, and the interview in one go.

A graduate of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Goyal’s journey is marked by emotional resilience. She lost her mother to cancer a decade ago and dedicated her success to her memory. Her achievement in securing a top-three rank after earlier setbacks highlights the unpredictability and rigor of the exam.

Goyal has been allotted the Gujarat cadre, where she will begin her administrative career.

A New Chapter for India’s Young Bureaucrats

The cadre allocation marks the beginning of a transformational journey for these candidates as they prepare to join the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. From here, they will undergo rigorous training before taking on field responsibilities across districts and administrative departments.

The UPSC CSE 2024 batch reflects determination, diversity, and the evolving face of India’s bureaucracy—one that is more inclusive, academically accomplished, and resilient.