Lucknow : The Uttar Pradesh Police’s official podcast series “Beyond the Badge”, which was launched earlier this year under the directive of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has steadily gained popularity for sharing remarkable stories from within the force and the community. Its 15th episode features a compelling tale of determination and family support—centering around UPSC 2024 topper Shakti Dubey.
Shakti, who secured All India Rank 1 in the prestigious Civil Services Examination, is the daughter of UP Police Sub-Inspector Devendra Dubey. Her story reflects the spirit of perseverance, made stronger by her family’s unwavering belief in her dreams.
During the episode, Sub-Inspector Dubey opened up about the family’s financial and technological limitations—pointing out that they had no computer, printer, or laptop at home. “When Shakti needed study material, I would get it printed from outside so her preparation never halted,” he recalled. Even after three unsuccessful interview attempts, the Dubey family stood firmly behind her, urging her to pursue one final attempt—one that ultimately led to her historic success.
Speaking candidly, Shakti admitted there were times when she contemplated giving up. “There were low points when I felt like quitting. But my mother constantly reminded me of my purpose and that kept me grounded,” she said.
She also offered valuable insights for aspiring candidates. According to Shakti, a well-structured approach, understanding the syllabus thoroughly, and prioritizing study material are essential. She recommended focusing on NCERT books, practicing previous years’ question papers, and having a clear plan for each stage of the exam—from prelims to interview.
Acknowledging the competitive nature of the exam, she stressed the need for a backup career plan. “Less than 1% make it, so it’s wise to have an alternative path to avoid disillusionment,” she noted.
The podcast episode goes beyond the surface to explore Shakti’s mental resilience, her strategies to stay motivated after setbacks, and how she maintained clarity under pressure. It offers listeners both practical advice and emotional encouragement—making it especially valuable for civil services aspirants.
Through stories like that of Shakti Dubey, Beyond the Badge is evolving into more than just a police communications platform. It is emerging as a source of inspiration for the larger public, highlighting human stories of grit, sacrifice, and achievement.
