Aakash Garg UPSC AIR 5 2024: Biography, Education, Optional Subjects, Strategies and more
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 once again highlighted the strength of determination and strategic clarity. Among the 1009 successful candidates, Aakash Garg secured an impressive All India Rank 5 in his second attempt, proving that consistent effort, smart revision, and self-belief are key to cracking one of India’s most competitive exams.
Aakash Garg: Profile Overview
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Name | Aakash Garg |
Hometown | Rohini, North West Delhi |
Graduation | B.Tech in Computer Science from MAIT, GGSIPU |
UPSC Attempt | 2nd |
UPSC AIR | Rank 5 (2024) |
Marks Obtained | 1032 |
Optional Subject | Sociology |
Interests | AI, F1 Racing |
Preferred Service | IAS (Expected) |
Academic Background & UPSC Journey
Born and raised in Delhi, Aakash completed his schooling from CRPF Public School, Rohini, and graduated in Computer Science from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, under GGSIPU, in 2022. His interest in technology and public governance motivated him to pursue civil services.
Despite failing to clear Prelims in his first attempt in 2023, Aakash did not give up. He reassessed his weaknesses and treated his second attempt in 2024 as his last, preparing with a focused mindset. The result: AIR 5.
Level | Institution | Year | Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
Schooling | CRPF Public School, Rohini, Delhi | Completed in 2018 | General (Science likely) |
Undergraduate (B.Tech) | MAIT, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) | Graduated in 2022 | Computer Science Engineering |
Aakash Garg’s UPSC Strategy
Aakash adopted a simple, focused strategy across all three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview. His approach emphasized limited resources, multiple revisions, consistent answer writing, and self-awareness.
Stage | Key Strategies |
|---|---|
Prelims | 1. Concise handwritten notes with updates from mock tests. |
Mains | 1. Daily answer writing with GS2/GS3 focus. |
Optional (Sociology) | 1. Relied on IGNOU, Haralambos, and Upendra Sir’s notes. |
Interview | 1. DAF-specific preparation (AI, background). |
Booklist Followed by Aakash Garg
Subject | Booklist |
|---|---|
Polity | M. Laxmikanth |
History | Spectrum Modern History, NCERTs |
Economy | Ramesh Singh |
Geography | NCERTs + G.C. Leong |
Environment | Shankar IAS Environment |
Ethics (GS4) | Lexicon |
Sociology | IGNOU Notes, Upendra Sir, Haralambos & Holborn |
Current Affairs | The Hindu, Indian Express, Vision Monthly Magazines |
Conclusion
Aakash Garg’s journey from not clearing Prelims to securing AIR 5 in just one year highlights the power of mental resilience, course correction, and belief in oneself. His example shows that even with a technical background, a well-chosen optional and consistent revision can lead to top ranks.
His success is a reminder that UPSC is not about perfection but persistence. From engineering to ethics, from AI to administration—Aakash is set to be one of India’s promising young IAS officers.
Top 20 UPSC 2024 Toppers List:
AIR Rank | Topper Name | Roll Number |
1 | 0240782 | |
2 | 0101571 | |
3 | 0867282 | |
4 | 0108110 | |
5 | 0833621 | |
6 | 0818290 | |
7 | 6902167 | |
8 | 6613295 | |
9 | 0849449 | |
10 | 5400180 | |
11 | 8200949 | |
12 | 5809367 | |
13 | 5912548 | |
14 | 0818331 | |
15 | 1010403 | |
16 | 6907627 | |
17 | 0810414 | |
18 | 2604936 | |
19 | 0833456 | |
20 | 2200688 |
FAQs about Aakash Garg UPSC AIR 5
Q1. Who is Aakash Garg?
A. Aakash Garg, a Delhi-based UPSC aspirant, secured All India Rank 5 in the 2024 Civil Services Examination with Sociology as his optional, showcasing determination and strategic preparation.
Q2. How many attempts did Aakash Garg take to clear UPSC?
A. He cleared the UPSC exam in his second attempt; he did not qualify in his first attempt in 2023.
Q3. What was Aakash Garg UPSC score?
A. He scored a total of 1032 marks in the UPSC CSE 2024.
Q4. What was Aakash Garg's preparation strategy?
A. His strategy included consistent self-study, regular mock tests, answer writing practice, and integrating current affairs with his optional subject.