The recently declared results of the UPSC exam 2024 have created a stir across the country, not just for the grit and determination of the candidates, but also for the inspiring journey that took them there. From Tamil Nadu to Karnataka and viral Instagram Stories, the UPSC CSE continues to showcase stories of perseverance, passion, and purpose.
Tamil Nadu’s ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ Scheme Fuels Civil Service Dreams
Tamil Nadu’s government-backed initiative, the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ scheme, is credited with increasing the number of candidates clearing the UPSC exam from the state. According to Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, the number of students clearing the UPSC CSE from Tamil Nadu has declined significantly in the recent past, falling to just 27 in 2021. However, the introduction of this dedicated assistance programme under the Special Programme Implementation Department has brought about a positive change.
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The scheme provides financial assistance for both prelims and mains preparation. In 2024, 47 candidates cleared the exam – a 30% increase over the previous year. The momentum continued in 2025 as well, with 57 candidates clearing, 50 of whom were beneficiaries of the scheme. The state aims to revive its legacy of producing a large number of civil servants through such focused efforts.
Bengaluru Doctor Clears UPSC in Sixth Attempt
Another inspiring story comes from Bengaluru, where Dr R Rangamanju secured AIR 24 in the UPSC exam, and emerged as the state topper. The son of a former IPS officer, Rangamanju’s path was marked by resilience. Despite several setbacks, his sixth attempt was successful.
Without enrolling in formal coaching for the prelims or mains, she relied on self-study and group discussions with peers. For the interview, she sought guidance from a private academy. Rangamanju’s story serves as a reminder that cracking the UPSC CSE doesn’t always require expensive coaching – dedication and strategy often matter more.
This year, over 30 candidates from Karnataka cleared the UPSC exam, including notable names like Anupriya Shakya (AIR 120) and Dr Dayanand (AIR 615), further proving the state’s growing presence in the civil services landscape.
UPSC Results Go Viral: A New Era of Celebrations
In the age of social media, UPSC CSE results are also no longer confined to newspaper headlines. One of the most heartwarming and widely shared moments in the 2024 results was that of Poorva Choudhry, who secured the 533rd rank. Her brother posted a celebratory video on Instagram, titled “UPSC passed… serving this face card”, which quickly went viral and garnered over two million views.
The video showed glimpses of Poorva’s journey, including a photo in front of the UPSC building, presumably from the day of her interview. On her Instagram page, she described her success as “sealed with shukrana and lots of prayers”, reflecting the deeply emotional journey behind such a significant achievement.
Big Picture: UPSC Exam is Still One of the Toughest
The UPSC exam is one of the most challenging exams in the world, with a selection rate of just 0.2%. This year, 1,009 candidates cleared the final stage of the UPSC CSE, including 725 men and 284 women. With nearly 10 lakh applicants and only a fraction making it to the final list, the success stories get even brighter.
The UPSC exam 2024 was topped by Shakti Dubey, who shared practical advice with future aspirants—focus on consistency and commitment, but never let exams define your self-worth. His grounded approach adds a human touch to what is often seen as a purely academic challenge.
Conclusion
From policy advocacy like Tamil Nadu’s ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ to personal grit shown by candidates like Dr. Rangamanju and Poorva Choudhry, the UPSC exam continues to be a mirror of India’s diversity, determination, and dreams. With leaders like Shakti Dubey inspiring future batches, the journey of UPSC CSE aspirants remains a powerful story of what is possible with the right mindset and support.
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