Arijit Bose
Lucknow: In the narrow lanes of Rajajipuram, the silence is momentarily broken by bursts of cheer. Further down, in Aliganj, a modest home has become a magnet for visiting neighbors and media vans. In Hazratganj’s coaching hubs, students lean closer to notice rankers’ names on noticeboards—hope flickering in their eyes. This week, Lucknow is celebrating its own.
In the heart of Lucknow, beyond the hustle of Hazratganj and the quiet discipline of Gomti Nagar, six determined individuals are quietly scripting a new chapter of success—one built on grit, late-night study sessions, personal sacrifices, and undying hope. The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 results brought more than just numbers to the city—it brought stories of resilience, rebirth, and raw ambition.
From Army Legacy to IAS Glory: Kumud Mishra’s Journey
Topping the city’s achievers’ list is Kumud Mishra, who secured an impressive All India Rank 69. Daughter of a retired Army Captain, Kumud grew up in a home where discipline and duty were part of everyday life. After graduating in Political Science from Lucknow University, she cracked UPSC earlier with AIR 259 and joined the Indian Revenue Service. But the IAS dream lingered. Taking a bold step, she went on unpaid leave, distanced herself from the comforts of a secure job, and dived into preparation again.
“This time, I didn’t study harder—I studied smarter,” Kumud says, her calm voice belying the months of quiet struggle. “I knew I had to give it everything.”
Her mother, a homemaker, held the emotional fort at home while Kumud tackled mock tests and self-doubt. Their small home in Aliganj now holds not just books but a framed vision—of a young woman who never let go of her dream.
Prashant Singh: A Farmer’s Son Who Didn’t Give Up
For Prashant Singh (AIR 102), the journey has been nothing short of a battle. Hailing from Khalilpur village in Jaunpur, Prashant moved to Lucknow for better schooling and later pursued higher education at Delhi University. While others were cracking the exam in their first or second attempt, Prashant faced failures—three times.
“Even when I cleared prelims, I couldn’t make it to the final list. It shakes your confidence,” he admits. But this fourth attempt was different. He had matured, sharpened his strategy, and learned to silence the inner critic.
His secret? “Patience, honesty, and a brutally realistic timetable.”
Akash Nigam: The First-Time Wonder
Lucknow’s Rajajipuram has a new local hero in Akash Nigam, who cleared UPSC on his very first attempt with AIR 418. Originally from Lakhimpur Kheri, Akash has been studying Political Science at JNU, Delhi. Despite coming from a modest background and without the luxury of coaching centers, Akash built his preparation around self-study and strategic focus.
“This exam isn’t about how much you study, but how well you understand yourself and the syllabus,” he shares, his eyes lighting up with hope for more such ‘first-attempt success’ stories from smaller towns.
A Full-Time Job, A Personal Loss—Still He Made It
Utkarsh Narayan (AIR 850) is already serving in the Railway Protection Force in Kharagpur. Balancing a full-time security job with UPSC preparation is no cakewalk. Add to that the emotional blow of losing his father last year, and Utkarsh’s journey becomes even more remarkable.
“I studied whenever I could—in trains, during night shifts, between tasks. My father always told me I was meant for bigger things,” he says, his voice soft. “This rank is for him.”
Hailing from Sitapur, Utkarsh believes passion is key: “Choose an optional subject you love—it’s the only way to stay motivated during the worst days.”
The Silent Sloggers: Rajat and Anushree
Rajat Singh (AIR 132) and Anushree Sachan (AIR 220) may not be making headlines, but in the quiet corridors of their families, they are already legends. Their journeys were powered by everyday routines—early morning study hours, skipped festivals, and postponed vacations.
Their stories are reminders that not all heroes shout. Some just study.
National Stage, Local Pride
At the national level, Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj topped the 2024 UPSC exams, bringing pride to Uttar Pradesh once again. A gold medalist in both B.Sc and M.Sc (Biochemistry), Shakti cracked the exam in her third attempt.
From Komal Poonia of Saharanpur (Rank 6) to Riya Saini of Muzaffarnagar (Rank 22) and Shreya Tyagi (Rank 31), the spirit of Uttar Pradesh is clearly shining bright in the top ranks this year.
