UPSC Success Story: Meet Archit, VIT Grad Who Quit IT Job To Crack Civil Services, Secures Rank 3 – News18

Last Updated:April 22, 2025, 18:42 IST

Among the UPSC 2024 toppers, Archit Parag Dongre from Pune stood out with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 3.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) today, 22 April, declared the results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024. A total of 1,009 candidates have qualified this year, with three names standing out at the top: Shakti Dubey, Harshita Goyal, and Dongre Archit Parag.

While Shakti Dubey secured the All India Rank (AIR) 1, followed by Harshita Goyal at AIR 2, it is Dongre Archit Parag from Maharashtra who has caught the attention of many, especially in Pune, for securing the third rank nationwide.

Who Is Archit Parag Dongre?

Archit Parag Dongre, a B.Tech graduate from Pune, has achieved All India Rank (AIR) 3. According to the UPSC press release, he completed his B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering at VIT, Vellore, and passed the exam with Philosophy as an elective.

Dongre Archit Parag chose Philosophy, a subject that requires deep reasoning and clarity of thought, as his elective.

He hails from Pune, where he attended junior college, before completing his studies in Mumbai. He left his position at an IT company after a year to focus on preparing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). Archit appears to be the top candidate from Maharashtra, despite the UPSC not releasing a state-by-state merit list.

This is not his first attempt; in 2023, Archit achieved a score of 153 in the UPSC CSE. However, he was not deterred and returned in 2024 with renewed determination, securing a place in the Top 3, making him the highest-ranked candidate from Maharashtra this year.

ALSO READ: What Did UPSC 2024 Toppers Study In College? Check Degrees, Optional Subjects Hereax

His journey — which included schooling in Mumbai, junior college in Pune, and ultimately competing for Maharashtra nationally — is a testament to perseverance and goal-setting.

Now that the UPSC Civil Services Examination results are out, the final service allotment will be based on rank, preferences, and category eligibility. Within 15 days, the UPSC will release detailed marks and cut-offs on upsc.gov.in.

At this moment, India celebrates these brilliant minds, not just for their ranks, but for their unwavering pursuit of a higher purpose.