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UPSC female toppers play a very important role in reshaping the narrative of women’s empowerment and leadership in India. Their achievements signify not only personal victories but also larger societal transformations. In a historically male-dominated society, their success shows the breaking of traditional barriers and the rise of gender equality. These female toppers serve as role models, inspiring countless others, especially young women, to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Their journey from preparation to getting rank in one of the toughest competitive exams shows huge dedication, resilience, and perseverance.
Moreover, UPSC female toppers bring a unique perspective to governance and policymaking, enriching the administrative field with empathy, inclusivity, and innovative solutions. Their presence in top administrative positions showcases a new era of leadership full of compassion, integrity, and effectiveness. Beyond personal victories, the importance of female UPSC toppers lies in their contribution to societal progress. By actively engaging in public service, they lead the causes that uplift marginalized communities, promote gender equity, and address pressing socio-economic challenges.
UPSC Female Toppers of 2023
Table of Contents
We have summarized the female toppers of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, along with their optional subjects, hometowns, and educational/professional backgrounds.
| Rank | Name | State | Attempts | Educational Background |
| 1 | Ishita Kishore | UP | 3 | Economics, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University |
| 2 | Garima Lohia | Bihar | 2 | Commerce, Kirorimal College, Delhi University |
| 3 | Uma Harathin N | – | – | Civil Engineering, IIT Hyderabad |
Must Read: How Many Questions in UPSC Prelims?
Other Famous UPSC Female Toppers
The female UPSC toppers from 2005 to 2016 show how women in India are inspiring generations, and contributing to transformative governance. We have summarized the female toppers of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, along with their optional subjects, hometowns, and educational/professional backgrounds.
| Year | Topper | Optional Subjects | Hometown | Background |
| 2016 | Nandini K R | Kannada Literature | Kolar, Karnataka | Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), IRS officer |
| 2015 | Tina Dabi | Political Science | Delhi | Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Schedule Caste |
| 2014 | Ira Singhal | Geography | Delhi | B.E. (Computer Science), MBA, IRS officer |
| 2012 | Haritha V Kumar | Economics, Malayalam Literature | Neyyattinkara, Kerala | Declined job offer from HCL, Trainee IPS |
| 2011 | Sheena Aggarwal | Medical Science, Psychology’ | Haryana | MBBS, AIIMS, IRS officer |
| 2011 | Divyadharshini Shanmugam | Law, Public Administration | Tamil Nadu | Law graduate, State Bank of India officer |
| 2008 | Shubra Saxena | Psychology, Public Administration | Bareli, Uttar Pradesh | IIT-Roorkee graduate, former software engineer |
| 2005 | Mona Pruthi | English Literature, Sociology | Haryana | B.A. (English), M.Phil |
Daily Schedule Followed by Female UPSC Toppers
This schedule allows for a balanced approach to both prelims and mains preparation, with dedicated time for optional subject study and current affairs review. Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences and study needs.
| Time | Activity |
| 6:00 – 6:30 | Wake up and morning routine |
| 6:30 – 7:00 | Exercise/Yoga |
| 7:00 – 8:00 | Breakfast and News Reading |
| 8:00 – 10:30 | General Studies – Prelims |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Break/Refreshments |
| 11:00 – 1:00 | Optional Subject Study |
| 1:00 – 2:00 | Lunch and Break |
| 2:00 – 4:00 | General Studies – Mains |
| 4:00 – 4:30 | Current Affairs Review |
| 4:30 – 6:00 | Revision of GS Prelims Topics |
| 6:00 – 6:30 | Snack/Relaxation |
| 6:30 – 8:30 | General Studies – Mains |
| 8:30 – 9:00 | Dinner |
| 9:00 – 10:00 | Optional Subject Study |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Current Affairs/News Analysis |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Relaxation/Leisure |
| 11:00 | Bedtime |
Must Read: UPSC Previous Year Question Papers For Last 10 Years
How UPSC Changed the Life of UPSC Toppers
UPSC transformed the lives of its toppers by providing career opportunities, societal recognition, inspiring leadership roles, personal growth through preparation, and a platform to contribute to positive societal change. Below we have described how UPSC changed the life female upsc toppers in detail:
- Empowerment: Enhanced confidence, leadership skills, and societal recognition post-success.
- Career Opportunities: Access to prestigious administrative positions, influencing policy decisions, and societal impact.
- Inspiration: Becoming role models, inspiring others, especially women, to pursue dreams.
- Personal Growth: Broadened perspectives, enhanced knowledge, and self-awareness through rigorous preparation.
- Social Impact: Contributing to positive change, addressing societal issues, and empowering marginalized communities.
Lessons From Female UPSC Toppers
Lessons from UPSC toppers include persistence, time management, adaptability, continuous learning, effective communication, self-belief, balance, service-oriented mindset, and resilience. Below we have described each of the traits in detail:
- Persistence and Resilience: Shows commitment despite challenges, and resilience in the face of obstacles.
- Time Management: Efficient task prioritization, to committed dy schedules, effective time allocation.
- Adaptability: Flexibility in study strategies, adapting to syllabus changes, and evolving exam patterns.
- Continuous Learning: Lifelong learning, staying updated with current affairs, self-improvement.
- Effective Communication: Clear, persuasive articulation, strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Self-belief and Confidence: Confidence in preparation, positive mindset, belief in own abilities.
- Balance and Well-being: Prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a balance between studies and personal life.
- Service-oriented Mindset: Empathy, compassion, sense of social responsibility, serving society.
Challenges Faced by Female UPSC Toppers
Female UPSC toppers face challenges such as societal expectations, gender bias, balancing family responsibilities, managing financial constraints, and overcoming pressure to excel in a competitive environment during their preparation. Below we have described the challenges faced by female upsc toppers in detail:
- Gender Bias: Overcoming societal stereotypes, proving their caliber regardless of gender.
- Work-Life Balance: Juggling intense preparation with personal commitments and responsibilities.
- Pressure and Stress: Managing the immense pressure of the exam, and maintaining mental well-being.
- Financial Constraints: Handling the financial burden of coaching, study materials, and exam fees.
- Social Expectations: Balancing family and societal expectations while pursuing their career.
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FAQs
Yes, several girls have topped UPSC exams over the years, demonstrating exceptional academic and leadership skills.
The number of girls passing UPSC exams varies annually, with a significant and increasing number achieving success each year.
The percentage of female IAS officers has been increasing steadily, reflecting a positive trend toward gender diversity and inclusivity.
The first woman topper of UPSC was Ira Singhal in 2015, setting a historic milestone in the realm of civil services examinations.
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