
Shakti Dubey tops as UPSC Civil Services Final Results 2024 is out, get top 10 list here
UPSC Civil Services Final Result 2024: Shakti Dubey has topped the civil services Examination 2024, the results for which were declared on Tuesday, 22 April 2025. Harshita Goyal and Dongre Archit Parag have stood second and third, respectively. The final results of the UPSC Civil Service Examinations 2024 are available on the official website upsc.gov.in.
Candidates can check the full list by visiting the website or clicking on this direct link to check the UPSC Final Results 2024 here.
This year, 1009 names have been recommended for appointment to the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, and Central Services Group A and Group B.
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Indian Express
20 hours ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Essays Simplified: ‘If youth knew, if age could' — How to balance idealism with realism in an abstract previous year essay topic like this
Dear UPSC Aspirants, Abstract topics, often referred to as philosophical quotes in essay writing, come with their own set of challenges. Even when you have understood the topic, structuring the essay can take a lot of time. This becomes especially tricky when you are unsure how to balance the arguments and avoid vagueness. There is also pressure to start strong right from the introduction. How do you write an introduction that stands out, a body that keeps the reader engaged, and a conclusion that reflects vision and optimism? How do you ensure smooth transitions between different parts of the essay without losing the core message? Today, we will take up one such topic from previous year UPSC Main Examination (2002). The approach used in the model essay by our expert can be applied to other essays of a similar nature as well. By Pranay Aggarwal There is a tragicomic irony to life: When we are young, we brim with energy but lack wisdom; When we are old, we possess insight but are constrained by the debilitating afflictions of body and mind. But, instead of lament the gap between two of life's most potent forces – vitality and wisdom; what if we could bridge it? Youth is the season of dreams, rebellion, and endless possibilities. It is when one dares to defy odds and dream of building new worlds. Young people prefer not to wait for permission; they act. The youth create start-ups in garages, lead climate protests, volunteer in remote villages, and challenge orthodoxies. But in this very restlessness lies a blind spot – lack of experience. How many dreams collapse under the weight of uncalculated risks? How many youthful missteps could be avoided with the right guidance? If youth is fire, age is light. The elderly possess a wealth of experience, forged in the crucible of failures and successes, heartbreaks and comebacks. They understand nuance and the inevitability of failure. The Indian tradition and Hindu lawgivers have emphasized the role of elders in preserving social order. Even today, it is the aged who often counsel patience, advocate compromise, and remind us that life is not a sprint but a marathon. (FYI: What stands out about this introduction for a UPSC essay? A thought-provoking opening. An abstract topic needs an opening that is engaging right from the beginning. The use of the 'tragicomic irony of life' immediately hooks the reader. The introduction acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of both youth and age. This logical, balanced approach is expected in UPSC essays and is often rewarding. Also, a smooth transition within the introduction is as important as in the entire essay. From problems to the qualities of youth, and then to age – the introduction briefs the essay's intent, promising a clear structure and flow right from the beginning. The cherry on the cake is the effective use of metaphors and culture that make the essay stand out. Aspirants will note that there is a reflective question in the introduction, 'what if we could bridge it?' This line is an important tool to engage the examiner and makes her curious to read further. What is striking is that it suggests the essay will explore ideas. Now, let's see what goes in the body of the essay. ) When Generations Don't Talk Yet, how often do we see these two forces working at cross purposes? The young rue elders for being 'outdated', while the old dismiss the young as 'naïve'. I remember once ignoring my grandfather's advice during a college project. He warned me about stretching too thin. I, in my enthusiasm, brushed it off. A week later, overwhelmed and behind schedule, I realized the wisdom in his quiet counsel. Perhaps, it is the nature of youth – to learn only after stumbling? Unbridled youth can burn the house down. But disconnected elders can freeze progress, too. We see this globally – youth movements turning aggressive when not heard, and senior leadership failing to grasp digital revolutions. When Old and Young Walk Together History teaches us the power of inter-generational synergy. During India's freedom struggle, we saw the elderly Gandhi guiding a youthful Nehru. One brought moral clarity, the other brought political imagination. In governance, even today, young civil servants are shaped by seasoned mentors, ensuring continuity and innovation coexist. Be it in family or in educational institutions or in politics, the elderly must allow and enable the youth to flourish; while the young must continuously and actively seek the timeless counsel of the elderly. Even in India's start-up ecosystem, the most successful ventures blend youthful founders with wise investors or advisors. Yuva Shakti must flourish with the invaluable Margdarshan provided by the elderly. Here is a quick story. During an internship at a policy think tank, a young intern came up with a pretty radical idea to reform rural employment schemes. A senior analyst listened, smiled, and then gently explained how a similar proposal had failed before because of local resistance. Instead of shutting the idea down, they worked together to refine it. That senior analyst's experience didn't crush the intern's idealism—it actually shaped it. That moment taught the intern something important: wisdom and energy aren't rivals; they're partners. The real task is to institutionalize this wisdom-energy fusion. Families, schools, public service, and civil society must be designed (or redesigned?) as intergenerational spaces. Can we create mentorship programs where retired professionals guide college students? Can Panchayats include youth representatives alongside experienced elders? Institutions must become bridges, not barriers. The Indic tradition offers a template – at least a model worth trying, if not a sure shot answer. The Guru-Shishya parampara was not just about passing on knowledge; it is a sacred transmission of wisdom from the experienced to the eager. More than just a mode of education, it is a way of life where the Guru imparts not only knowledge but also values, discipline, and key life lessons. Rooted in mutual trust, reverence, and lifelong learning; it embodies the personal, spiritual and intellectual bond between teacher and disciple. The holiest of the sacred Hindu texts – the Bhagavad Gita, itself is a conversation between a confused Arjuna and a wise Krishna – youth guided by eternal wisdom. Dharma, or righteous action, is best learned when wisdom speaks and youth listens. ( FYI: How is the body of the essay engaging for a UPSC examiner? An impressive body of the essay must demonstrate maturity, depth, and structure. There should be no attempt to oversimplify. The body avoids one-sidedness and presents both sides clearly. Lucidity is a must, as needed. In such a topic, remaining optimistic and respectful is important. Examples and anecdotes are not just fillers; they are illustrations that make essays memorable and create credibility. Note that formal discussion is mixed with storytelling. Connecting ideas with culture, history, and current scenarios makes the essay relevant to the Indian perspective. After all, you are aiming to serve India. A solution-oriented approach is important because, as a civil servant, UPSC expects you to be both a problem identifier and a problem solver. This should be reflected in the body of the essay as well. Appreciate the intergenerational cooperation along with other progressive elements discussed, rather than just focusing on problems. Remember, engagement is the key. Therefore, storytelling elements help keep the essay lively.) A Vision for India Call it destiny or demographic accident, India is poised to benefit from the synergy of youth and age. With a median age of 28.4 years, India at present is a youthful nation. To put things in perspective, the median age is around 37 years in China and in USA, 45 years in Western Europe, and 49 years in Japan. Our large young population endows us with an energetic workforce and a huge domestic market. India will have more than a billion working-age people by 2030, which will spur economic output and drive consumption. While India boasts of a large and young population, we are also witnessing a surge in the numbers of senior citizens. The 60 years+ aged population is expected to double, from the current around 10% of the population to over 20% by mid-century. As India enters the Amrit Kaal, we must harness both youth and age to build Shreshtha Bharat. Political consensus, a vibrant civil society, and strong democratic traditions already lay a sound foundation. What we need is a people's movement that channels the dreams of the young and the discernment of the old into national transformation. If youth knew and age could, the world would be perfect. If it is anything less than that, together, We – the young and the old, can strive for it. Let young hearts seek counsel, and let old minds stay open. Let the fire of youth be lit by the lamp of wisdom. For when energy meets experience; nations rise, aspirations awaken, and civilizations thrive. (FYI: What makes this conclusion impactful in your UPSC essay paper? A conclusion like this demonstrates vision and optimism, and it connects the theme with values. It must be noted that the conclusion is not merely a summary. In fact, it motivates and mobilizes, maintaining an engaging, active, and mature tone. While data adds credibility, it is the solid interpretation that truly adds value. Also, there is no attempt to overload the conclusion with poetic language or philosophical quotes; the use is just enough to remain impactful. What makes the ending smooth is the natural closure, not a hurried one.) About our Expert: Pranay Aggarwal is an educator and mentor for aspirants preparing for UPSC Civil Services exam. With more than 10 years of experience guiding civil service aspirants, he is acknowledged as an expert on civil service exam preparation, especially on subjects like Social Issues and Sociology. He is the India representative on the Research Committee on Education, Religion and Political Sociology for UNESCO's International Sociological Association and a committee member of Indian Sociological Society and its committee on social movements. He is also the Convenor of Indian Civil Services Association, a think tank of senior bureaucrats. Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. For your queries and suggestions write at Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More


Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on evolution of yoga and Ken-Betwa River Link Project (Week 108)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at The Ken-Betwa River Link Project represents a significant milestone in India's river interlinking initiatives, aimed at addressing water scarcity in drought-prone regions. Discuss its potential benefits and associated ecological and socio-economic challenges. Discuss the evolution of the term 'yoga' in Indian literature—from the Vedas and Upanishads to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: The Ken-Betwa River Link Project represents a significant milestone in India's river interlinking initiatives, aimed at addressing water scarcity in drought-prone regions. Discuss its potential benefits and associated ecological and socio-economic challenges. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) envisions moving water from the Ken to the Betwa rivers, both of which are tributaries of the Yamuna. — The Ken-Betwa Link Canal will be 221 km long, including a 2-kilometer tunnel. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will provide yearly irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP), supply drinking water to about 62 lakh people, and create 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The Ken-Betwa Link Project comprises two phases. Phase I will comprise the construction of the Daudhan Dam complex and its component units, including the Low Level Tunnel, High Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and power plants. Phase II will include three components: Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage. — The notion of joining the Ken and the Betwa received a significant boost in August 2005, when the Centre and the two states signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding for the creation of a detailed project report (DPR). In 2008, the Centre designated the KBLP as a National Project. Later, it was added to the Prime Minister's package for the development of the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. — The project is in Bundelkhand, which includes 13 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will greatly assist the water-stressed region, particularly the districts of Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri, and Raisen in Madhya Pradesh, and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi, and Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh. — 'It will pave the way for more river interlinking projects to ensure that scarcity of water does not become an inhibitor for development in the country,' according to a press release from the Ministry. Conclusion: — The river-linking project has come under considerable examination for its possible environmental and socioeconomic impact. The project will involve extensive deforestation in the heart of the Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve. — PM Modi recently laid the foundation stone for the Daudhan Dam. Daudhan Dam is 2,031 metres long, with 1,233 metres being earthen and the remaining 798 metres being concrete. The dam's height will be 77 meters. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will sink around 9,000 hectares of land, affecting ten communities. — It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for River Interlinking, which was created in 1980. This plan includes 16 projects under its peninsular component, including the KBLP. Aside from this, 14 linkages are envisioned in the Himalayan Rivers Development Plan. (Source: PM Modi lays foundation stone: What is the Ken-Betwa river linking project, environmental concerns around it by Harikishan Sharma and Nikhil Ghanekar) Points to Ponder Other river linking projects in India What are the project's likely environmental and social impacts? Related Previous Year Questions The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (2020) The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (2024) QUESTION 2: Discuss the evolution of the term 'yoga' in Indian literature—from the Vedas and Upanishads to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Yoga originated in ancient India. However, it is impossible to determine exactly how ancient it is. While the term '5,000-year-old tradition' is frequently used, the existing evidence does not support such specificity. — The term 'yoga' appears in the Vedic corpus (1,500-500 BCE), the oldest (surviving) literature from the subcontinent. However, it appears in a setting that is very different from postural or even meditational exercise, as it is commonly understood today. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — Two key pieces of archaeological evidence are often cited as proof of yoga's antiquity. (i) The first is a tiny staetite seal unearthed from Mojenjodaro, an Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) site in Pakistan. According to historian Alistair Shearer's book The Story Of Yoga: From Ancient India To The Modern West (2020), the seal from around 2,500-2,400 BCE depicts a seated figure with legs crossed in the mulabandhasana posture, which was later popular among tantric yogis. (ii) The other, more recent, archaeological find is from Balathal, Rajasthan, one of the chalcolithic Banas culture's 90 or so sites. A nearly 2,700-year-old skeleton was excavated from the site 'sitting in the samadhi position,' a stance 'that many yogis adopt for meditation and is also assumed at the time of their burial,' according to Shearer. — The Mahabharata, written spanning six centuries from 300 BCE to 300 CE, is where yoga is employed in the way that we know it today. 'Some of these citations [in the Mahabharata] refer to yoga in a philosophical sense,' whilst others employ it 'when describing arduous physical penances and austerities performed by holy men,' according to Shearer. Contemporary and subsequent writings, such as the Upanishads, use the phrase similarly. — According to one school of thought, yoga has no Vedic beginnings and instead derives from heterodox traditions of the first millennium BCE (and earlier), particularly Buddhism and Jainism. 'The unifying feature of this freelance religious movement was the practice of yoga,' Vivian Worthington asserts in A History of Yoga (1982). Yoga is mentioned in a variety of Buddhist and Jain scriptures. — The Yoga Sutra of Maharishi Patanjali is the most well-known text on the subject, having been written around 350 CE and being the oldest text dedicated completely to it. Most experts agree that this literature affected their current knowledge of yoga. Conclusion: — None of the sources listed above provide definitive, empirical answers about the origins of yoga. This is largely due to the fact that India lacks a history-writing tradition like the West, where a clear distinction is made between history, which is founded on empirical data, and myth, whose credibility stems from its meaning rather than its accuracy. — There are no contemporary sources on yoga that can provide empirical information on its origins. While examining textual evidence can provide insights about the changing meaning of the term and the growth of the practice, it cannot definitively pinpoint when yoga originated. (Source: International Yoga Day: Why is it hard to pinpoint the origin of yoga?) Points to Ponder Read more about Yoga Read about Upanishads and Yoga Sutra of Maharishi Patanjali Related Previous Year Questions Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the Later Vedic period. (2024) Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (2020) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 107) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Udupi Youth Shreyans Gomes Achieves UPSC Success, Celebrated by Church and Bishop
UDUPI: Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of the Udupi Diocese lauded Shreyans Gomes, a member of the Udupi Church, for his outstanding achievement in securing the 372nd rank in the Union Public Service Commission ( ) examination. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The felicitation ceremony took place at the Bishop House on Friday, where Bishop Lobo formally recognised Gomes' accomplishment on behalf of the Udupi Diocese. Bishop Lobo emphasised the significance of members of the Christian community attaining positions within the govt sector, noting that such successes reflect positively on both the community and the Udupi district as a whole. He stated that the Diocese previously set an ambitious goal of having at least 25 individuals from the community secure top govt positions. While acknowledging that the Diocese did not fully achieve this target, Bishop Lobo expressed satisfaction that several community members demonstrated remarkable achievements. He further emphasised that Shreyans Gomes, through his dedicated and understated preparation for the UPSC exam, set a commendable example for others to emulate. Bishop Lobo conveyed his conviction that Shreyans' future role as a govt officer would bring pride to his parents, the community, and the district. Rev. Denis D'Sa, Public Relations Officer for the Udupi Diocese, acknowledged the widespread aspiration to succeed in highly competitive examinations such as the UPSC and subsequently contribute to govt service. He underscored the arduous nature of these examinations, requiring sustained effort and rigorous preparation. Rev. D'Sa expressed his delight at Shreyans Gomes' accomplishment, achieved despite the inherent challenges. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He also highlighted that numerous individuals, inspired by the Bishop's vision, have successfully entered govt service and are achieving notable success, a development he deemed a source of pride for the Diocese. Shreyans Gomes' father, S. J. Gomes, originally hailing from Ternamakki, Bhatkal, currently holds the position of Station Master at the Udupi Indrali Railway Station. His mother, Mabel Shanti, is a homemaker. Shreyans obtained his engineering degree from RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru. The Gomes family resides within the parish boundaries of Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi.