UPSC Topper 2025 Shakti Dubey Reveals How IAS Tina Dabi Sparked Her Civil Services Journey
From five failed attempts to AIR 1, Shakti Dubey’s story is a lesson in grit, self-study, and unexpected inspiration.
NEW DELHI: When Shakti Dubey first read about IAS Tina Dabi a few years ago, she didn’t know it would end up changing her life. It was 2018, and she had just wrapped up her post-graduation in Biochemistry. At the time, she wasn’t even sure what to do next. “I had no clue about UPSC or what it even meant to be an IAS officer,” she said.
But reading Tina Dabi’s story did something. “It sort of stayed with me. I didn’t know her, obviously, but I just felt like… maybe this is something I could try,” Shakti recalled.
Fast forward to 2025, and she’s topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination with All India Rank 1.
From Deoria to Delhi Dreams
Shakti comes from a small village called Bairiya in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district. Her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, is a sub-inspector with the state police. Growing up, she often heard him talk about civil servants—district magistrates, IPS officers, and all that. “He never pushed me or anything, but those stories kind of stayed in my head,” she said.
She did her schooling in Prayagraj, then went on to earn a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Allahabad University, followed by a gold medal-winning M.Sc. from BHU. But even with those degrees, she wasn’t feeling satisfied. “I was considering research. But I wasn’t sure if I saw myself in a lab forever,” she explained.
That’s when the Dabi article came up—randomly. “I wasn’t even looking for it. It just showed up while I was scrolling.”
No Coaching, Just Grind
Shakti didn’t have access to fancy coaching institutes. Most of her UPSC prep happened at home, with help from online materials and books. Her early attempts didn’t go well. “I failed the prelims three times. It wasn’t fun,” she admitted. “But I knew I wasn’t going to quit. That just wasn’t me.”
She said there were times she cried alone, got frustrated, or even questioned her choice. “I’d look at my notes and wonder if it was all pointless. But then I’d remember why I started.”
In her fifth attempt, she changed her optional subject to Political Science and International Relations (PSIR). That seemed to make a difference. Her writing improved, her confidence grew, and she finally cleared all three stages.
“And then the result came,” she laughed. “It didn’t feel real.”
Why Tina Dabi Meant So Much
For Shakti, Tina Dabi wasn’t just a role model—she was a turning point. “It wasn’t that I wanted to be like her exactly, but seeing someone so young, so confident… it made UPSC feel possible,” she said.
In small towns like hers, she said, most people don’t even know about the exam or what it means. “There’s no one around to guide you. It’s just you, your books, and your hope.”
Sisterhood and Support
Her younger sister, Pragati, is also preparing for competitive exams. The two often studied together. “We had each other’s backs. That made a big difference,” she said. “Even when I didn’t believe in myself, she did.”
There were no big celebrations after the result. Just a quiet moment at home with her family. “I think they were more emotional than me,” Shakti smiled.
Lessons for Other Aspirants
Here’s what she wants others to know:
- “Don’t panic if you fail.” That was her reality for the first three years. “It sucks, but it’s not the end.”
- “You don’t need coaching if you can stay disciplined.” Online resources helped her cover everything.
- “Choose an optional you actually enjoy.” Switching to PSIR gave her a fresh start.
- “Find your reason.” For her, it was that article and those conversations at home.
Looking Ahead
Now that she’s topped the exam, Shakti says she’s excited—but also aware of the responsibility. “It’s not about the rank. It’s about what you do with it.”
As she prepares to join the LBSNAA training academy, she hopes to work in areas that impact rural education and health. “That’s where I come from. I get it,” she said.
Her journey, with all its messiness and setbacks, feels like something others can relate to. It didn’t happen overnight. It didn’t follow a perfect script. But it happened—because she stayed in the fight.
Source: Based on statements given after the UPSC CSE 2025 result and verified background details shared with media.
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Raghav Mishra is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, specializing in daily coverage of career development and education. A student at BHU, Raghav brings a practical perspective to his reporting, exploring academic insights, professional pathways, and skill-building opportunities. He is dedicated to empowering readers with information to navigate their educational and career journeys effectively.
- Raghav M.https://hindustanherald.com/authors/raghav_m/
