Shakti Dubey
IAS Shakti Dubey is the All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) in the 2024 Civil Services Examination (CSE), known for her perseverance, a successful switch from a science background to public administration, and a strategic preparation approach. She is a graduate in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad, with Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject for the exam. Her story is inspiring to many, as she achieved the top rank on her fifth attempt.
Overview
Medium
Rank / Percentage
1st
Daily Routine
6:00 AM to 8:00 AM: Revision and current affairs
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Study of core subject (Politics/History/Economics, etc.)
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Optional/India-related subject
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Practice multiple-choice questions or answer writing
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Revision + light reading (newspaper or notes)
Tip: 7-8 hours of focused study per day + weekly mock tests = consistent progress. Exam-focused curriculum
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Study of core subject (Politics/History/Economics, etc.)
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Optional/India-related subject
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Practice multiple-choice questions or answer writing
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Revision + light reading (newspaper or notes)
Tip: 7-8 hours of focused study per day + weekly mock tests = consistent progress. Exam-focused curriculum
Booklist
The Complete Advanced Booklist for UPSC Preparation :-
Polity:
Indian Polity For Civil Services Examination. Authored by M Laxmikant.
Economy:
Indian Economy for Civil Services. Authored by Nitin Singhania
Ancient & Medieval History:
Ancient and Medieval India. Authored by Poonam Dalal Dahiya.
Modern Indian History:
A Brief History of Modern India. Spectrum Publication
Indian Struggles for Independence. Authored by Bipin Chandra
Indian Art and Culture:
Indian Art and Culture. Authored by Nitin Singhania
Environment and Biodiversity:
Shankar IAS Book
Geography:
Indian Geography. Authored by Majid Hussain or Indian Geography authored by D. R Khullar (Read as per your choice)
Certificate Physical and Human Geography:- GC Leong
General Science:
General Science Books of class-9 and 10 standard
Current Affairs:
Read a good newspaper. (The Hindu or Indian Express)
The Complete Basic Booklist for UPSC Preparation :-
Apart from the advanced books, a candidate ought to cover some basic academic books. Because UPSC sometimes asks direct questions from them.
For Economy: (New Version)
Macroeconomics NCERT, Class-12th standard
Indian Economic Development, Class-11th standard
For Ancient History:
Old NCERT by Satish Chandra (Selective Reading)
Medieval History:
Old NCERT by Satish Chandra (Selective Reading)
Modern Indian History:
Old NCERT by Bipin Chandra (Selective Reading)
Art & Culture:
An Introduction to Indian Art- Class XI NCERT
Heritage Crafts: Living Crafts Tradition of India- NCERT.
Geography: (New Version)
Fundamental of Physical Geography- XI NCERT
India: Physical Environment-XI NCERT
Fundamentals of Human Geography- XII NCERT
India: People and Economy- XII NCERT
Polity:
Indian Polity For Civil Services Examination. Authored by M Laxmikant.
Economy:
Indian Economy for Civil Services. Authored by Nitin Singhania
Ancient & Medieval History:
Ancient and Medieval India. Authored by Poonam Dalal Dahiya.
Modern Indian History:
A Brief History of Modern India. Spectrum Publication
Indian Struggles for Independence. Authored by Bipin Chandra
Indian Art and Culture:
Indian Art and Culture. Authored by Nitin Singhania
Environment and Biodiversity:
Shankar IAS Book
Geography:
Indian Geography. Authored by Majid Hussain or Indian Geography authored by D. R Khullar (Read as per your choice)
Certificate Physical and Human Geography:- GC Leong
General Science:
General Science Books of class-9 and 10 standard
Current Affairs:
Read a good newspaper. (The Hindu or Indian Express)
The Complete Basic Booklist for UPSC Preparation :-
Apart from the advanced books, a candidate ought to cover some basic academic books. Because UPSC sometimes asks direct questions from them.
For Economy: (New Version)
Macroeconomics NCERT, Class-12th standard
Indian Economic Development, Class-11th standard
For Ancient History:
Old NCERT by Satish Chandra (Selective Reading)
Medieval History:
Old NCERT by Satish Chandra (Selective Reading)
Modern Indian History:
Old NCERT by Bipin Chandra (Selective Reading)
Art & Culture:
An Introduction to Indian Art- Class XI NCERT
Heritage Crafts: Living Crafts Tradition of India- NCERT.
Geography: (New Version)
Fundamental of Physical Geography- XI NCERT
India: Physical Environment-XI NCERT
Fundamentals of Human Geography- XII NCERT
India: People and Economy- XII NCERT
Tips for Other Students
1. Study consistently – study a little bit every day, but never take long breaks.
2. Understand the syllabus and PYQ thoroughly – these are the keys to success.
3. Use limited sources, but revise frequently.
4. Take mock tests and learn from every mistake.
5. Believe in yourself – hard work + patience = IAS rank.
2. Understand the syllabus and PYQ thoroughly – these are the keys to success.
3. Use limited sources, but revise frequently.
4. Take mock tests and learn from every mistake.
5. Believe in yourself – hard work + patience = IAS rank.