Vibhor Bhardwaj UPSC AIR 19 2024: Biography, Education, Optional Subjects and more

On April 22, 2025, the UPSC announced the final results of the Civil Services Examination 2024, celebrating the success of candidates from across India. Among the top rankers was Vibhor Bhardwaj, who secured All India Rank 19, making a powerful statement about perseverance and strategic planning—particularly for aspirants coming from science and engineering backgrounds.

Vibhor Bhardwaj: Quick Profile

Vibhor Bhardwaj: UPSC Profile Overview

Educational Background

Vibhor has consistently excelled in academics, having completed his education in Physics from Hansraj College, University of Delhi. His strong academic performance earned him prestigious scholarships and laid a solid foundation for his UPSC journey.

Vibhor Bhardwaj: Educational Background

UPSC Journey: From IRMS to IAS

Vibhor began his UPSC preparation in May 2021. In his first attempt (2022), he secured AIR 743 and joined the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). However, his goal was clear—the IAS.

Taking a year of Extraordinary Leave (EOL), he prepared for his second attempt in 2023, reaching the interview stage but missing the final list. Remaining steadfast, Vibhor attempted UPSC again in 2024, and this time, he achieved AIR 19, fulfilling his long-standing aspiration.

Preparation Strategy: Focused and Adaptive

Coming from a Physics background, Vibhor faced the added challenge of mastering a traditionally humanities-dominated syllabus. His preparation was both structured and flexible:

• Completed Mains syllabus (including optional) before diving into Prelims

• Used online coaching platforms for concept clarity and answer writing

• Solved previous year questions (PYQs) to understand exam trends

• Participated in test series to benchmark his performance

• Engaged in peer discussions and accountability groups for motivation

His approach emphasizes consistency, planned revision, and the value of peer support in sustaining long-term preparation.

UPSC Interview Experience

In his final interview round, Vibhor was tested on a broad spectrum of issues, including:

• India’s role in international relations

• Defence and military policy

• Fiscal federalism and governance

His earlier work experience in IRMS added depth to his answers, allowing him to link theoretical concepts with practical understanding—something that likely strengthened his overall impression before the board.

Final Thoughts: A Rural Star Rises

Vibhor Bhardwaj’s transformation from a small-town science graduate to an IAS officer is a testament to what persistence, clarity of purpose, and smart strategy can achieve. His story is especially relevant for aspirants with non-humanities backgrounds, reinforcing the truth that UPSC is an equal-opportunity exam—one that rewards resilience, depth, and discipline.

FAQs related to Vibhor Bhardwaj

Q1. Who is Vibhor Bhardwaj in the context of UPSC 2024?

Ans. Vibhor Bhardwaj secured All India Rank 19 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 and is now selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Q2. What was Vibhor Bhardwaj’s optional subject in the UPSC exam?

Ans. His optional subject was Physics, reflecting his academic background in science.

Q3. How many attempts did Vibhor Bhardwaj take to crack UPSC CSE?

Ans. He cleared the exam in his third attempt, showing steady progress from AIR 743 in 2022 to AIR 19 in 2024.

Q4. What strategy did Vibhor use to succeed in UPSC from a science background?

Ans. He focused on early completion of the Mains syllabus, practiced extensively with test series and PYQs, and used online resources for answer writing and peer discussions.

Q5. What is Vibhor Bhardwaj’s educational background?

Ans. Vibhor holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from Hansraj College, University of Delhi, with outstanding academic records throughout.