Vibhor Bhardwaj UPSC Topper 2024 (AIR 19)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the Civil Services Examination 2024 results on April 22, 2025. Among the top achievers, Vibhor Bhardwaj secured the All India Rank (AIR) 19, marking a significant milestone in his journey towards public service. His journey underscores the power of perseverance, especially for aspirants transitioning from non-humanities backgrounds.
Biography of Vibhor Bhardwaj
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Vibhor Bhardwaj |
| Hometown | Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh |
| Father’s Name | Shri Satish Chandra (Deputy Manager, Mechanical Engineer) |
| Mother’s Name | Smt. Lata Devi (Homemaker) |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Medium of Examination | English |
| Optional Subject | Physics |
| Number of Attempts | 3 |
| Previous UPSC Rank | AIR 743 (UPSC CSE 2022) – Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) |
| Current Posting | Selected for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Hobbies | Playing guitar, gardening |
| Scholarships & Awards | INSPIRE Scholarship (5 years), State-level Vedic Maths competitions |
| Extracurriculars | National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteer, active in social service |
UPSC Journey: From IRMS to IAS
Vibhor embarked on his UPSC journey in May 2021. In his first attempt in 2022, he secured AIR 743 and was allotted the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). Opting for a one-year Extraordinary Leave (EOL), he prepared for his second attempt in 2023, reaching the interview stage but narrowly missing the final selection. Undeterred, his third attempt in 2024 culminated in an impressive AIR 19, fulfilling his aspiration to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Preparation Strategy: Consistency and Smart Planning
Transitioning from a physics background, Vibhor faced challenges adapting to humanities subjects. He emphasized completing the Mains syllabus, including his optional subject, before focusing on Prelims preparation. His strategy included:
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Enrolling in online coaching programs.
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Regular revision and solving previous years’ question papers (PYQs).
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Participating in test series to assess preparation levels.
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Engaging with peer groups for mutual support and motivation.
Vibhor’s approach highlights the importance of structured preparation and the value of a supportive study environment.
Educational Background of Vibhor Bhardwaj
| Level | Institution | Board/University | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 10 | Local school in Bulandshahr | UP Board | 87.2% |
| Class 12 | Local school in Bulandshahr | UP Board | 91% |
| B.Sc. (Hons) Physics | Hansraj College, Delhi | University of Delhi | 91% |
| M.Sc. Physics | Hansraj College, Delhi | University of Delhi | 9.1 CGPA |
Interview Experience
In his UPSC interviews, Vibhor encountered questions spanning international relations, military affairs, and federal finances. His prior experience as an IRMS officer provided practical insights, enhancing his responses. The diverse range of questions tested his analytical abilities and understanding of complex issues.
Final Thoughts: A Beacon for Aspirants
Vibhor Bhardwaj’s journey from a rural town to the prestigious IAS cadre exemplifies how determination and strategic planning can overcome challenges. His story serves as an inspiration for countless aspirants, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds, affirming that with consistency and resilience, success in the UPSC CSE is attainable.
List of all Top 20 Candidates
| S. No. | Roll No | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0240782 | Shakti Dubey |
| 2 | 0101571 | Harshita Goyal |
| 3 | 0867282 | Dongre Archit Parag |
| 4 | 0108110 | Shah Margi Chirag |
| 5 | 0833621 | Aakash Garg |
| 6 | 0818290 | Komal Punia |
| 7 | 6902167 | Aayushi Bansal |
| 8 | 6613295 | Raj Krishna Jha |
| 9 | 0849449 | Aditya Vikram Agarwal |
| 10 | 5400180 | Mayank Tripathi |
| 11 | 8200949 | Ettaboyina Sai Shivani |
| 12 | 5809367 | Ashi Sharma |
| 13 | 5912548 | Hemant |
| 14 | 0818331 | Abhishek Vashishtha |
| 15 | 1010403 | Banna Venkatesh |
| 16 | 6907627 | Madhav Agarwal |
| 17 | 0810414 | Sanskriti Trivedy |
| 18 | 2604936 | Saumya Mishra |
| 19 | 0833456 | Vibhor Bhardwaj |
| 20 | 2200688 | Trilok Singh |
