Vidarbha's Triumph: Seven UPSC 2025 Toppers Rise from Humble Beginnings
In a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, seven aspirants from the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra have cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination 2025, announced on Friday. Their success stories, marked by overcoming financial hardships and humble beginnings, have brought immense pride to their families and districts, highlighting the power of perseverance, self-study, and an unwavering determination to serve the nation through civil services.
The Grueling UPSC Journey
Considered one of India's toughest competitive exams, the UPSC process began with the preliminary test on May 25, followed by the mains examination held from August 22 to August 31. The final selection stage, the interview, concluded on February 27. As per past trends, the UPSC typically declares final results within a week after interviews, culminating in this year's achievement for these seven individuals.
Inspiring Success Stories
Bhagyashree Naikele from Nagpur secured an All India Rank (AIR) 647. Already in service and undergoing training in Hyderabad under the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), she is likely to be upgraded to the Indian Revenue Service (Customs) based on her rank. Her father works as an electrician, and the family lives in a rented house in Dighori. Despite financial constraints, Naikele prepared without formal coaching, stating, "Our financial condition was not very good, but I stayed focused and relied on self-study."
Prajwal Nasare from Wardha district, son of a farmer from Thanegaon in Karanja (Gadge), secured AIR 677 in his third attempt. Allocated the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), he is considering reappearing for a better rank. Nasare, the first in his family to enter civil services, was motivated by witnessing good governance during childhood. He studied at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Wardha and pursued BA and MA in political science through IGNOU, relying on online coaching and self-prepared notes while studying six to ten hours daily.
Pranjali Meshram, a 23-year-old from Nagpur, secured AIR 767 in her second attempt. A former student of St Xavier's School, she long aspired to work for societal betterment. Currently with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Meshram began preparation post-pandemic through the government initiative ‘Pre-IAS’, crediting family support and hoping to contribute meaningfully to society.
Hemkrushna Pisade, 26, from Gondia secured AIR 849 in his sixth attempt. A Fergusson College, Pune graduate, he cleared the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam in 2022 and is training as a tehsildar in Amravati. Son of a farmer, his interest in civil services began in primary school when a teacher introduced him to their roles. He previously reached the UPSC interview in 2023 but missed the final list by eight marks.
Other Achievers and Probable Topper
The probable topper, Rutuja Gaikwad who secured AIR 106, could not be contacted despite multiple attempts. Other successful candidates include Chetan Thakare (AIR 762) and Suresh Borkar (AIR 912). Their collective achievements underscore a broader narrative of regional empowerment and individual grit.
These stories from Vidarbha not only celebrate academic excellence but also serve as a beacon of hope for countless aspirants across India, proving that with determination and hard work, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome to achieve national service through civil services.
