Akansh Dhull, an SRCC graduate, has secured All India Rank 3 in the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. His remarkable journey from Chandigarh and Delhi underscores the power of dedication, strategic preparation, and unwavering pursuit of a childhood dream to contribute to public service.

Who is Akansh Dhull, the SRCC Graduate who achieved AIR 3 in UPSC CSE 2025?

Akansh Dhull is a distinguished alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), who has achieved the prestigious All India Rank 3 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. His accomplishment places him among the top candidates in one of India’s most challenging competitive exams, marking him as an inspiring figure for aspiring civil servants.

Akansh Dhull’s Educational Journey and Background

Born in Rohtak, Akansh Dhull’s family later relocated to Panchkula, where he completed his schooling in Chandigarh. He pursued his higher education at the esteemed Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in New Delhi, graduating with a BCom (Hons) degree. His strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his ambitious pursuit of a career in civil services.

The Road to AIR 3: Dedication and Strategic Preparation

Dhull’s journey to AIR 3 was not an overnight success but a testament to sustained effort and strategic planning. He commenced his UPSC preparation in 2021, demonstrating a long-term commitment to his goal. Notably, he opted to skip campus placements at SRCC, prioritizing his “childhood dream” of joining the civil services.

This dedicated approach bore fruit progressively. In his previous attempt, UPSC CSE 2023, Akansh secured an All India Rank of 342. This significant improvement from a respectable rank to a top-3 position highlights his ability to learn, adapt, and intensify his preparation. From my experience observing countless candidates, this upward trajectory is a critical indicator of a candidate’s potential to refine strategies, address weaknesses, and maintain peak performance under pressure. It exemplifies how perseverance through multiple attempts, rather than viewing a non-top rank as a setback, can be a springboard to ultimate success.

Motivation Behind His Civil Services Aspiration

Akansh Dhull’s motivation stems from a blend of personal inclination and a profound understanding of the civil services’ impact. In mock interviews, he shared that his parents encouraged him, recognizing his academic aptitude. More significantly, growing up in Haryana, he witnessed firsthand how civil services can profoundly affect people’s lives, fostering a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to society. His mother, a school principal, likely instilled a strong sense of discipline and purpose, further solidifying his resolve.

UPSC CSE 2025 Results at a Glance

The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 saw a total of 958 candidates recommended for various positions across the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other Central Services. While Akansh Dhull secured AIR 3, the top spots were claimed by Anuj Agnihotri (AIR 1) and Rajeshwari Suve (AIR 2).

Breakdown of Vacancies for Key Services:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS): A total of 180 vacancies, including 74 for General, 47 for OBC, 28 for SC, 18 for EWS, and 13 for ST categories. Additionally, 42 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS): A total of 55 vacancies, comprising 22 for General, 15 for OBC, 8 for SC, 6 for EWS, and 4 for ST categories.

These figures underscore the highly competitive nature of the examination and the limited opportunities available, making Akansh Dhull’s achievement even more commendable.

Key Takeaways for Future Aspirants

Akansh Dhull’s success story offers invaluable lessons for anyone aspiring to crack the UPSC CSE. It highlights the importance of:

• Early Goal Setting: Commencing preparation early and having a clear long-term vision.
• Strategic Sacrifices: Prioritizing the UPSC goal over immediate career opportunities if alignment with one’s dream is strong.
• Resilience: Using previous attempts, even if not top-ranked, as learning experiences to fuel subsequent efforts.
• Intrinsic Motivation: Understanding the real-world impact of civil services can provide enduring drive.

His journey from an SRCC graduate to an AIR 3 topper is a powerful narrative of ambition, diligence, and the profound impact of civil service on nation-building, reflecting the caliber of individuals drawn to this challenging yet rewarding path.