Madhav Agarwal UPSC AIR 16 2024: Biography, Education, Optional Subject and More

The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 results, declared on April 22, 2025, celebrated the success of many dedicated aspirants—including Madhav Agarwal, who achieved an impressive All India Rank 16. Hailing from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Madhav’s journey reflects remarkable perseverance and a deep commitment to public service.

Dual Success in UPSC

This wasn’t Madhav’s first triumph. In 2023, he cleared the UPSC exam with AIR 211 and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS). However, driven by a greater ambition, he appeared again in 2024—and his second attempt brought him closer to his goal: the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Madhav Agarwal: UPSC Profile Overview

Strategy That Worked

Madhav’s second attempt wasn’t just about more effort—it was about smarter planning. He reflected on his first performance, fine-tuned his methods, and tackled each stage with purpose. His key strategies included:

• Structured daily study targets

• Emphasis on NCERTs and standard books for core understanding

• Consistent current affairs revision

• Regular answer-writing practice for Mains

• Efficient time management in both Prelims and Mains

UPSC Journey Summary

What Aspirants Can Learn

• Consistency is key: Cracking UPSC twice reflects discipline and dedication.

• Aim higher: Even after selection into IPS, Madhav pursued his dream of joining the IAS.

• Strategic preparation matters: His success shows that smart planning often outperforms sheer hard work.

Final Words

Madhav Agarwal’s journey is an inspiration to every UPSC aspirant. With a background in Chartered Accountancy and a relentless drive to serve the nation, he exemplifies how focused ambition and refined strategy can lead to exceptional outcomes in the civil services exam.

Top 20 UPSC 2024 Toppers List:

FAQs related to Madhav Agrawal

Q1. Who is Madhav Agarwal?

Ans. Despite initial ambitions in finance, Madhav redirected his focus to UPSC Civil Services at his father's urging, facing multiple setbacks over five attempts. His persistence paid off with an All India Rank of 16 in UPSC CSE 2024, securing a coveted position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Q2. What is the lowest score in UPSC interview?

Ans. The lowest scores in the UPSC interview, or Personality Test, are typically around 50-55 marks out of 275. While there's no minimum qualifying score to pass the interview, scores usually range from 40% to 80%. The interview contributes 275 marks to the overall Civil Services Examination score. 

Q3. Who got the highest marks in UPSC interview till date?

Ans. As per UPSC interview analysis, Zainab Syed has achieved the highest interview score in the IAS interview till now.

Q4. Who is the 22 year old IAS officer?

Ans. Vijayalakshmi Bidari has the honour of being the first person from Karnataka to top the Civil Service Examination in the history of the Civil Services in India.

Q5. What is the salary of IAS?

Ans. The starting monthly salary for an IAS officer in India is ₹56,100. This is based on the 7th Pay Commission and is for the Junior Time Scale. The salary increases with promotions and experience, reaching up to ₹2,50,000 per month for the Cabinet Secretary, the highest position in the IAS.