Some were already serving the public, others came from activism and academia — the UPSC 2025 results highlight the diverse paths to India’s top services
New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the final results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 today. A total of 958 candidates have been recommended for the IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Central Services.
With International Women’s Day only two days away, this year’s result sends a strong message — women are not just appearing for the exam anymore; they are achieving top ranks.
While Anuj Agnihotri from Rajasthan secured All India Rank (AIR) 1, three talented women made it into the top 10, showing how determination, experience in public service, and smart preparation are helping women break barriers.
UPSC 2025 Top 10 List
Here are the top 10 candidates, along with their backgrounds:
- Anuj Agnihotri (Male) – MBBS graduate from AIIMS Jodhpur, Rajasthan; 3rd attempt; previously selected in DANICS.
- Rajeshwari Suve M (Female) – Electrical & Electronics Engineering graduate from Tamil Nadu; former Deputy Collector and TNPSC Group-I topper.
- Akansh Dhull (Male) – Commerce graduate from SRCC, Delhi.
- Raghav Jhunjhunwala (Male)
- Ishan Bhatnagar (Male) – Law graduate; 2nd attempt.
- Zinnia Aurora (Female) – Economics & Political Science graduate from St Stephen’s College; PeaceX co-founder and activist; jumped from AIR 156 in 2024.
- A R Rajah Mohaideen (Male)
- Pakshal Secretry (Male)
- Astha Jain (Female) – Known for consistent performance.
- Ujjwal Priyank (Male)
Among the top 25 candidates, 11 are women, including Ananya Sharma (Rank 13), Surabhi Yadav (Rank 14), and Simrandeep Kaur (Rank 15).
Out of the 958 recommended candidates, about 299 are women and 659 are men, showing that the number of women clearing the exam is steadily increasing.
The 3 Women Who Stood Out
This year’s story becomes truly special because of the journeys of these three women.
From Deputy Collector to AIR 2: Rajeshwari Suve M’s Inspiring Journey
Rajeshwari Suve M from Tamil Nadu had already achieved a lot before this exam. She had cleared the TNPSC Group-I exam and was working as a Deputy Collector, serving people at the grassroots level.
But she wanted to aim higher. While continuing her government job, she prepared for UPSC and succeeded in securing All India Rank 2.
She completed B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University, and her journey shows that public service does not stop at one level — it can grow to a bigger platform.
Activist to Topper: Zinnia Aurora’s Huge Rank Jump
Zinnia Aurora from Haryana/Delhi is the co-founder of PeaceX and has been actively involved in social work.
In 2024, she secured AIR 156.
In 2025, she improved dramatically to AIR 6.
A graduate in Economics and Political Science from St Stephen’s College, her success shows that real-world experience combined with focused preparation can make a big difference.
Astha Jain: The Power of Consistency
The third woman in the top 10 is Astha Jain, who secured AIR 9.
Her journey represents consistent effort and determination. Together, these three women represent three different paths to success:
• Upgrading from state service to national service
• Moving from activism to administration
• Achieving success through steady preparation
Women’s Growing Presence in Civil Services
The number of women clearing UPSC has been increasing over the years.
• 2019: 24% women qualified
• 2023: 35% women qualified (397 out of 1,132)
• 2025: Around 31% of the 958 candidates recommended, and 44% of the top 25
This clearly shows that women are not just clearing the exam — they are reaching the top ranks more frequently every year.
How This Can Change Governance in India?
When more women become administrators, it can influence policies and governance in important ways.
Issues like women’s safety, menstrual hygiene, and social welfare programs often receive better attention. Women officers also bring greater empathy and sensitivity in district administration, which directly affects millions of citizens.
As many successful candidates say:
“We don’t just join the system; we humanise it.”
Lessons for UPSC Aspirants This Women’s Day
There are important lessons from these success stories:
• Start from wherever you are – Rajeshwari was already serving as a Deputy Collector.
• Turn passion into preparation – Zinnia used her activism experience as strength.
• Consistency matters most – Astha Jain’s journey proves steady effort works.
• Previous failures or lower ranks are not the end – they can be stepping stones.
A Message for Women Aspirants
This Women’s Day 2026, the focus should not only be on rights but also on achievements.
These three women — along with the many other women who cleared the exam — prove that when girls get opportunities, they don’t just participate; they lead.
The full merit list and marksheets will soon be available on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission.
To every girl dreaming of training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, your time has come.
Jai Hind. Happy Women’s Day in advance.
Mansi Sharma is a journalist covering Global Affairs, and wellness, known for turning complex ideas into sharp, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by curiosity, depth, and a constant urge to question and explore. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her diving into new ideas—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, one sip at a time.