India, April 22 -- Shakti Dubey, who clinched the top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, said she never imagined reaching the top, especially after four unsuccessful attempts. She also advised fellow aspirants to stay dedicated, but to never let an exam matter more than their well-being.

Dubey, who graduated from Allahabad University with a degree in a biochemistry, said that she missed the selection cut-off by 12 marks last year and did not expect to rank first this year.

When asked how her family reacted, Dubey said that her brother, who always believed in her, was sure that she would secure the top spot. "When I missed the cut-off, he told me that I would be able to clear the exam the following year as God had saved th...