Komal Punia AIR 6 UPSC CSE 2024 | Journey, Booklist, Marital Status, Profile Summary
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 results, announced on April 22, 2025, marked a moment of pride for aspirants across the country. Among the top rankers was Komal Punia, who secured an outstanding All India Rank 6, showcasing her resilience, intellect, and commitment to public service.
Komal Punia AIR 6 UPSC Profile Overview
|
Attribute |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Name |
Komal Punia |
|
Hometown |
Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
|
Undergraduate |
B.Tech in Physics, IIT Roorkee |
|
Age |
32 years |
|
Caste Category |
General |
|
Marital Status |
Married |
|
Husband’s Name |
Raghav Sharma (Software Engineer & UPSC Mentor) |
|
UPSC Attempt |
Second |
|
UPSC AIR |
Rank 6 (CSE 2024) |
|
Preferred Service |
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
|
Interests |
Education reform, Women empowerment, Science policy |
Komal Punia’s Early Life and Education
|
Attribute |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Birthplace |
Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
|
Class 12 Score |
97% (Completed in 2021) |
|
Graduation |
B.Tech in Physics from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee |
|
Academic Strengths |
Analytical thinking, discipline, and conceptual clarity |
Komal was known for her academic brilliance from a young age. Her strong performance in Class 12 laid the foundation for her scientific and analytical journey through IIT Roorkee.
Marital Status of Komal Punia
|
Attribute |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Marital Status |
Married |
|
Husband’s Name |
Raghav Sharma |
|
Husband’s Profession |
Software Engineer & UPSC Mentor |
Komal’s husband has been a strong emotional and strategic support in her UPSC journey, guiding her especially during the second attempt.
Komal’s Shift to Civil Services
|
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Background |
Strong academic and STEM background |
|
Initial Failure |
Did not clear UPSC in her first attempt |
|
Turning Point |
After introspection, revamped strategy and reattempted with focused mindset |
|
Inspiration |
Driven by a desire to contribute to inclusive governance and education |
UPSC CSE 2024 Journey and Success
|
Stage |
Timeline |
Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
Preliminary Examination |
May 2024 |
Cleared with command over current affairs and time discipline |
|
Mains Examination |
September 2024 |
Strong essay writing, GS papers, and depth in optional (Physics) |
|
Interview (PT) |
Jan–Apr 2025 |
Articulate, confident, and policy-aware answers |
|
Final Result |
April 22, 2025 |
Achieved AIR 6 in her second attempt |
Booklist Followed by Komal Punia
|
Subject |
Books/Resources Used |
|---|---|
|
Polity |
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth |
|
History |
Spectrum Modern History, NCERT Class 6–12 |
|
Geography |
NCERTs, GC Leong’s Physical Geography, Oxford Atlas |
|
Economy |
Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania, Budget, Economic Survey |
|
Environment |
Shankar IAS Environment |
|
Ethics (GS4) |
Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude, Toppers' Notes |
|
Optional (Physics) |
HC Verma Vol I & II, Resnick-Halliday, Notes from IIT Roorkee Professors |
|
Current Affairs |
The Hindu, Indian Express, Vision IAS Monthly Magazines |
Key Strategies Followed by Komal Punia
|
Strategy |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Focused Revision |
Regular revision of static subjects and mock test reviews |
|
Time-bound Study |
Prioritized quality over quantity; consistent 7–8 hrs daily routine |
|
Peer Learning |
Participated in study groups and discussion forums |
|
Mock Tests |
Took test series for Prelims and Mains with answer review and improvement tracking |
|
Conceptual Clarity |
Emphasized understanding over rote learning, especially in Physics and Ethics |
|
Stress Management |
Followed yoga and journaling to manage pressure during Mains prep |
Full Profile Summary of Komal Punia
|
Attribute |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Name |
Komal Punia |
|
Hometown |
Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
|
Graduation |
B.Tech in Physics from IIT Roorkee |
|
UPSC Attempt |
Second |
|
UPSC AIR |
Rank 6 (CSE 2024) |
|
Marital Status |
Married |
|
Husband’s Name |
Raghav Sharma |
|
Interests |
Education reform, Science policy, Inclusive governance |
Inspirational Takeaways from Komal Punia’s Journey
|
Lesson |
Insight |
|---|---|
|
Resilience |
Overcame initial failure with strategic overhaul and second attempt success |
|
Scientific Approach |
Used her STEM training to bring structure and logic into GS and optional preparation |
|
Balanced Life |
Maintained a steady routine and emotional balance throughout the UPSC process |
|
Purpose-Driven |
Committed to leveraging her education for societal transformation |
LIST Of UPSC 20 Toppers 2024
| 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 |
Conclusion: From Science to Service
Komal Punia’s journey is a shining example of what focused preparation, resilience, and smart strategy can achieve. Her success in UPSC CSE 2024 will undoubtedly inspire a generation of aspirants, especially women from smaller towns. With AIR 6, she is now poised to contribute as an Indian Administrative Service officer and make tangible changes at the grassroots.
FAQs about Komal Punia and UPSC CSE 2024
Q1. What is Komal Punia’s rank in UPSC 2024?
A: She secured All India Rank 6.
Q2. What was her optional subject in UPSC?
A: Physics.
Q3. How many attempts did she take?
A: She cleared UPSC in her second attempt.
Q4. Is Komal Punia married?
A: Yes, she is married to Raghav Sharma, a software engineer.
Q5. What books did Komal Punia follow for UPSC?
A: Standard books like Laxmikanth, Spectrum, Shankar IAS, GC Leong, and Vision IAS current affairs.