UPSC Officially Identifies Rank 301 Holder in Civil Services Exam 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) issued a definitive clarification on Monday, putting an end to the confusion surrounding two candidates named Akanksha Singh who both claimed to have secured rank 301 in the highly competitive Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The Commission's statement, released through the Press Information Bureau (PIB), provides official confirmation of the successful candidate's identity.
Official Statement from UPSC Resolves Media Speculation
The UPSC addressed widespread media reports and social media discussions that had created uncertainty about which Akanksha Singh actually achieved the 301st rank in the examination, whose final results were declared on Friday. "There are various media reports, wherein two candidates of the same name, i.e. Akanksha Singh, are claiming to have secured the same rank 301 in the final result of the Civil Services Examination, 2025," the Commission stated in its official communication.
According to the UPSC's verified records, the legitimate holder of rank 301 is Akanksha Singh with roll number 0856794, daughter of Ranjit Singh and Neelam Singh, and a resident of Abhaipur village in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh. This clarification comes after days of conflicting claims and public speculation about the examination results.
Background of the Controversy and Conflicting Claims
The controversy gained momentum when another candidate also named Akanksha Singh, hailing from Ara in Bihar, was reported by multiple media outlets to have secured the same 301st rank. This candidate was identified as the granddaughter of Brahmeshwar Singh, the founder of the banned militia Ranvir Sena who was murdered in 2012. The situation became increasingly complex when an admit card began circulating on social media platforms, appearing to show identical name and roll number details for both candidates.
The Ara-based Akanksha Singh had previously told reporters that she achieved the 301st rank on her second attempt at the examination. Meanwhile, the Ghazipur candidate raised serious concerns about identity impersonation through a Facebook post, stating: "It has come to light that my rank and identity are being impersonated by others." She supported her claim by attaching what she identified as her original identification documents and e-summons.
Professional Background and Further Clarifications
In a video message released to address the confusion, the Ghazipur-based Akanshka Singh revealed her professional background, stating: "I am a gynaecologist by profession, currently practising at Patna AIIMS. I have come to know that another girl is claiming the 301st rank." She provided additional verification methods, suggesting that scanning the QR codes on both admit cards would clearly resolve the matter and establish her legitimate claim to the rank.
The UPSC's intervention has now provided authoritative resolution to this unusual situation, ensuring that the examination process maintains its integrity and that the rightful candidate receives proper recognition for her achievement in one of India's most challenging competitive examinations.
