Banna Venkatesh UPSC Topper 2024 AIR 15 - Biography, Educational Background
In a country where lakhs aspire every year to crack the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination, stories like that of Banna Venkatesh stand out as beacons of hope and perseverance. Coming from a humble background in a small Andhra Pradesh village, Venkatesh’s rise to secure All India Rank (AIR) 15 in the UPSC 2024 exam is nothing short of inspirational.
Let’s explore his journey — from a rural upbringing to becoming an IAS officer — and understand the grit, determination, and sacrifices that powered his success.
Biography of Banna Venkatesh
|
Attribute |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Name |
Banna Venkatesh |
|
Age |
Approximately 28 years (as of 2025) |
|
Hometown |
Alladapet, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh |
|
Parents |
Chandra Rao (father), Rohini (mother) |
|
Current Rank |
AIR 15, UPSC 2024 |
|
Previous Rank |
AIR 467, UPSC 2023 (selected for IPS) |
|
Attempts |
Two |
|
Optional Subject |
Geography |
|
Hobbies |
Cricket, Mathematics, Digital VLSI |
Banna Venkatesh Educational Background
|
Stage |
Institution |
Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
Schooling |
Keshav Reddy School, Srikakulam |
Solid academic base |
|
Intermediate |
Sri Chaitanya Junior College |
Scored 98.4% (2015) |
|
Undergraduate |
B.Tech Electronics & Communication Engg., NIT Trichy (2015–2019) |
CGPA 9.49, member of cricket team |
|
Internship |
IIT Hyderabad (Machine Learning in Astronomy) |
Research exposure |
|
Professional Work |
VLSI Engineer at Qualcomm (2019–2021) |
Worked in tech industry |
|
UPSC Coaching |
ForumIAS Mains Guidance Program (MGP) |
Structured preparation |
Early Life and Academic Excellence
Born to agriculturist parents in the small village of Alladapet in Srikakulam district, Banna Venkatesh experienced the realities of rural life firsthand. With limited resources but abundant determination, he excelled academically from an early age. After completing his schooling at Keshav Reddy School, he joined Sri Chaitanya Junior College, where he stood out by scoring an impressive 98.4% in his intermediate exams.
His passion for technology and academics took him to one of India’s top engineering institutes — NIT Trichy — where he graduated with a stellar 9.49 CGPA in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Besides academics, Venkatesh also showed his versatility by representing the institute’s cricket team, reflecting a well-rounded personality.
Transition from Tech to Civil Services
After completing a summer internship at IIT Hyderabad focused on machine learning applications in astronomy, Venkatesh secured a role at Qualcomm in Chennai as a VLSI Engineer. Despite a promising future in the tech industry, the pull of public service was too strong to ignore.
Motivated by the socio-economic challenges he observed in his village and inspired by the impact an IAS officer can make, Venkatesh made the bold decision to resign from his job in August 2021 and dedicate himself fully to UPSC preparation.
UPSC Journey and Achievements
In his first attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2023, Venkatesh achieved AIR 467, earning a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). Not one to rest on his laurels, he attempted the exam again the following year, and in 2024, his efforts paid off spectacularly — AIR 15, securing a coveted position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
He attributes part of his success to structured guidance from ForumIAS’ Mains Guidance Program (MGP), along with relentless self-study, discipline, and the unshakeable support of his family.
Key Takeaways from Banna Venkatesh’s Story
✅ Perseverance Pays Off: Even after a strong first result, he kept pushing for his dream of IAS.
✅ Courage to Pivot: Leaving a stable job at Qualcomm wasn’t easy, but it allowed him to follow his passion.
✅ Balanced Preparation: Academic strength, coaching, self-study, and managing hobbies like cricket kept him motivated.
✅ Rooted in Purpose: His commitment was always tied to improving the conditions of people in his home region.
TOP 20 UPSC 2024 toppers List
| AIR Rank | Topper Name | Roll Number |
| 1 | SHAKTI DUBEY | 0240782 |
| 2 | HARSHITA GOYAL | 0101571 |
| 3 | DONGRE ARCHIT PARAG | 0867282 |
| 4 | SHAH MARGI CHIRAG | 0108110 |
| 5 | AAKASH GARG | 0833621 |
| 6 | KOMAL PUNIA | 0818290 |
| 7 | AAYUSHI BANSAL | 6902167 |
| 8 | RAJ KRISHNA JHA | 6613295 |
| 9 | ADITYA VIKRAM AGARWAL | 0849449 |
| 10 | MAYANK TRIPATHI | 5400180 |
| 11 | ETTABOYINA SAI SHIVANI | 8200949 |
| 12 | ASHI SHARMA | 5809367 |
| 13 | HEMANT | 5912548 |
| 14 | ABHISHEK VASHISHTHA | 0818331 |
| 15 | BANNA VENKATESH | 1010403 |
| 16 | MADHAV AGARWAL | 6907627 |
| 17 | SANSKRITI TRIVEDY | 0810414 |
| 18 | SAUMYA MISHRA | 2604936 |
| 19 | VIBHOR BHARDWAJ | 0833456 |
| 20 | TRILOK SINGH | 2200688 |