Prayagraj girl Shakti Dubey tops UPSC CSE

She graduated from Banaras Hindu University with a degree in biochemistry and had aspirations of becoming a doctor. "In school, I studied physics, chemistry, and biology, or PCB. But according to my seniority, I was given dentistry. I therefore made the decision to pursue a BSc instead," she explains. 

But after five failed tries, the journey has not been simple. "I didn't even pass the preliminary exams on my first three tries. I made it to the interview round in the fourth, but I was unable to pass. "I missed the cut-off by 12 marks last year," she explains. "My life was at its lowest point at that time. I genuinely believed that I should give up.

She didn't. Rather, she moved to Delhi after packing her things. "Only my family supported me during this journey," she claims. Her father works as a sub-inspector for the Uttar Pradesh Police, while her mother stays at home. She claims that because she was the oldest of three siblings, she was always responsible. "I was trusted more after... My family has always believed in me the most.

Dubey kept her sights fixed on the objective during this trip. She created a chart, followed it, and viewed each day as a baby step. "I would complete my eight to ten hours of study time if I had to, and then take the following day off." She claims that's the only way to make it through this voyage alive. 

Now that the votes are in, Dubey says her native state is still her #1 choice for her cadre.