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| Ishita Kishore, IAS |
Ishita Kishore is a name synonymous with perseverance, dedication, and academic excellence. As the All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) topper of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022, she has inspired countless aspirants across India. Her journey from a high-paying corporate job to becoming a trailblazing IAS officer is a testament to her resilience and commitment to public service.
Early Life and Family Background
Ishita Kishore was born in 1997 in Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana, though she spent much of her life in Delhi and is also considered a native of Patna, Bihar. She grew up in a family that valued education and discipline. Her father, a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force, tragically passed away while on duty, leaving a profound impact on Ishita’s life. Her mother, a private school teacher, single-handedly raised Ishita and her elder brother, who is now a practicing lawyer. This upbringing instilled in Ishita a sense of responsibility and determination to make a mark in the world.
Hailing from Greater Noida, Ishita’s early years were marked by a blend of academic rigor and extracurricular engagement. She was an active participant in sports, particularly football, and even competed at the national level in the Subroto Cup football tournament in 2012. Her involvement in sports complemented her academic pursuits, fostering a well-rounded personality that would later aid her in conquering one of India’s toughest examinations.
Educational Journey
Ishita Kishore’s academic journey is nothing short of exemplary. She attended Air Force Bal Bharti School in Delhi, where she excelled in her studies. Her passion for learning led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Hons) from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. Graduating in 2017, Ishita was actively involved in college societies, including the Economic Society and Literary Society, which honed her analytical and communication skills.
During her college years, she also interned with the NGO Child Rights and You (CRY), showcasing her early inclination toward social service. Her academic excellence and extracurricular involvement laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors, including her preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Professional Beginnings
Before embarking on her UPSC journey, Ishita Kishore worked in the corporate sector. After completing her graduation, she joined Ernst & Young (EY), a multinational firm, where she served in the risk advisory department for two years. Despite the allure of a high-paying job, Ishita felt a calling toward public service and decided to leave her corporate career to focus on preparing for the UPSC CSE. This bold decision reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact on society.
UPSC Journey and Success
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is renowned for its rigor and competitiveness, with lakhs of aspirants vying for a limited number of positions each year. Ishita Kishore’s journey to becoming the UPSC 2022 topper was not without challenges. She attempted the examination twice before, learning from her mistakes and refining her strategy. Her third attempt in 2022 proved to be a turning point, as she secured AIR 1 with an impressive score of 1094 marks (901 in the written exam and 193 in the personality test).
Ishita chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subjects, leveraging her academic background and interest in governance. Her preparation strategy was disciplined and focused, involving 8–9 hours of daily study. She emphasized consistency, sincerity, and a smart approach to cracking the exam, as shared in interviews with outlets like PTI and News18. Ishita credited her success to guidance from mentors like Shubhra Ranjan, a renowned UPSC coach, and institutions like Pragnya IAS in Hyderabad.
Her marksheet, which went viral after the results were announced on May 23, 2023, revealed her exceptional performance across papers:
- Essay (Paper I): 137 marks
- General Studies I (Paper II): 121 marks
- General Studies II (Paper III): 130 marks
- General Studies III (Paper IV): 88 marks
- Political Science and International Relations (Optional Papers V and VI): High scores that contributed significantly to her total.
Ishita’s achievement was particularly notable as it marked a historic moment for women in UPSC, with the top three ranks in 2022 secured by female candidates: Ishita Kishore (AIR 1), Garima Lohia (AIR 2), and Uma Harathi N (AIR 3).
Recent News and Career Developments
Since topping the UPSC CSE 2022, Ishita Kishore has embarked on her journey as an IAS officer. After completing her training, she was assigned to the Uttar Pradesh cadre, her top preference. In April 2024, she received her first posting as Assistant Collector in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. By November 2024, she took charge as Tehsildar Judicial in Jaunpur, a significant milestone in her career. Her appointment was celebrated locally, with an introductory ceremony held at the Advocates’ Association building, as reported by Hindustan.
Ishita’s focus as an IAS officer centers on governance, public service, and women’s empowerment. In interviews, she has expressed her desire to uplift marginalized communities and promote gender equality, aligning her career goals with her personal values. Her posting in Jaunpur has placed her in a position to address local administrative challenges, and she is expected to make a significant impact in the region.
Controversies
As of the latest available information, Ishita Kishore has not been directly linked to any major controversies. Her journey has been portrayed as one of hard work and merit, with no significant negative reports or scandals associated with her name. However, the UPSC examination and its toppers often attract scrutiny, particularly regarding coaching institutes and their claims of success. Some discussions on platforms like X have questioned the role of coaching centers like Pragnya IAS, which highlighted Ishita’s success as a testament to their training. Critics argue that such claims can oversimplify the individual effort required to crack the UPSC exam. Nonetheless, these discussions do not directly implicate Ishita in any wrongdoing but rather reflect broader debates about the UPSC preparation ecosystem.
Personal Profile
Ishita Kishore, now 28 years old (as of 2025), is known for her disciplined lifestyle and multifaceted personality. She is unmarried and has kept her personal life private, focusing primarily on her professional responsibilities. Her hobbies include playing football, reading, and engaging in activities that promote social good. Her background as a national-level football player highlights her ability to balance academics with extracurriculars, a trait that likely contributed to her success in the UPSC exam.
Ishita’s family remains a pillar of support. Her mother’s resilience in raising her after her father’s passing and her brother’s legal career have shaped her perspective on life and service. She is admired for her humility and determination, qualities that resonate with UPSC aspirants and the public alike.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Ishita Kishore
- UPSC Topper 2022: Ishita secured AIR 1 in the UPSC CSE 2022 with a total of 1094 marks, outshining over 5.73 lakh candidates.
- Third Attempt Success: She cracked the UPSC exam on her third attempt, learning from previous mistakes to perfect her strategy.
- Corporate Background: Before UPSC, Ishita worked at Ernst & Young in the risk advisory department for two years.
- Economics Graduate: She graduated with a degree in Economics (Hons) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, in 2017.
- National-Level Footballer: Ishita participated in the Subroto Cup football tournament in 2012, showcasing her athletic prowess.
- Daughter of an Air Force Officer: Her father was a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force who passed away on duty.
- Mentored by Shubhra Ranjan: She joined Shubhra Ranjan’s Political Science course, which played a key role in her success.
- Uttar Pradesh Cadre: Ishita chose the Uttar Pradesh cadre for her IAS service, reflecting her commitment to serving in a challenging region.
- Women’s Empowerment Advocate: She has expressed a strong desire to work toward gender equality and uplifting marginalized communities.
- Viral Marksheet: Her UPSC marksheet, detailing her subject-wise scores, went viral on social media, inspiring aspirants nationwide.
FAQs About Ishita Kishore
1. Who is Ishita Kishore?
Ishita Kishore is an IAS officer who topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 with AIR 1, scoring 1094 marks. She is currently posted as Tehsildar Judicial in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Ishita Kishore is an IAS officer who topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 with AIR 1, scoring 1094 marks. She is currently posted as Tehsildar Judicial in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh.
2. What is Ishita Kishore’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Hons) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, completed in 2017.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Hons) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, completed in 2017.
3. How many attempts did Ishita Kishore take to clear UPSC?
She cleared the UPSC CSE on her third attempt in 2022.
She cleared the UPSC CSE on her third attempt in 2022.
4. What was Ishita Kishore’s optional subject in UPSC?
She chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subjects.
She chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subjects.
5. What is Ishita Kishore’s current posting?
As of November 2024, she is serving as Tehsildar Judicial in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh.
As of November 2024, she is serving as Tehsildar Judicial in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh.
6. What is Ishita Kishore’s family background?
Her father was a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force who passed away on duty, and her mother is a private school teacher. Her elder brother is a lawyer.
Her father was a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force who passed away on duty, and her mother is a private school teacher. Her elder brother is a lawyer.
7. Did Ishita Kishore take coaching for UPSC?
Yes, she received guidance from Shubhra Ranjan’s coaching institute and Pragnya IAS, though she emphasized self-discipline and hard work.
Yes, she received guidance from Shubhra Ranjan’s coaching institute and Pragnya IAS, though she emphasized self-discipline and hard work.
8. What are Ishita Kishore’s hobbies?
She enjoys playing football, reading, and participating in social service activities.
She enjoys playing football, reading, and participating in social service activities.
9. Has Ishita Kishore been involved in any controversies?
As of now, there are no major controversies directly associated with Ishita Kishore.
As of now, there are no major controversies directly associated with Ishita Kishore.
10. What are Ishita Kishore’s goals as an IAS officer?
She aims to work toward women’s empowerment and the upliftment of marginalized communities through effective governance.
She aims to work toward women’s empowerment and the upliftment of marginalized communities through effective governance.
Conclusion
Ishita Kishore’s journey from a corporate professional to the UPSC 2022 topper is a story of grit, determination, and purpose. Her academic excellence, disciplined preparation, and commitment to public service make her a role model for aspirants. As she takes on her responsibilities as an IAS officer in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, her focus on women’s empowerment and governance promises to leave a lasting impact. With no major controversies to her name, Ishita’s story remains one of inspiration, proving that with hard work and a clear vision, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
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