How Akanksha Singh, 24, beat odds to clear UPSC
Akanksha Singh, 24, just landed all-India rank 301 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026 on her second try. She's now set to join the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).
She cleared the exam on her second attempt and made it through mains and interviews in 2026.
Who is Akanksha Singh
Akanksha is the daughter of Indu Bhushan Singh and Rinku Singh. She studied at Catholic Mission School and earned an English degree from HD Jain College.
Her routine was all about consistency, eight to 10 hours of study daily, which helped her bounce back after her initial setback.
Overcoming a tough legacy
Akanksha's family background is complicated: her grandfather Brahmeshwar Mukhiya led the Ranveer Sena and was accused in multiple murder cases before being killed in 2012.
During her UPSC interview, she even answered questions about folk artist Bharat Singh Bharti.
By earning a spot in civil services despite a tough legacy, Akanksha is showing other aspirants that hard work really can change your story, no matter where you start from.