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
|
Attribute |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Name |
Vibhor Bhardwaj |
|
Hometown |
Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh |
|
Father’s Name |
Shri Satish Chandra (Deputy Manager, Mechanical Engineer) |
|
Mother’s Name |
Smt. Lata Devi (Homemaker) |
|
Date of Birth |
Not Publicly Disclosed |
|
Medium of Exam |
English |
|
Optional Subject |
Physics |
|
UPSC Attempts |
3 |
|
Previous Rank (2022) |
AIR 743 – Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) |
|
Current Rank (2024) |
AIR 19 – Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
|
Hobbies |
Playing guitar, gardening |
|
Awards |
INSPIRE Scholarship, Vedic Maths state-level winner |
|
Volunteering |
National Service Scheme (NSS), active in social service |
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
|
Level |
Institution |
Board/University |
Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Class 10 |
Local school, Bulandshahr |
UP Board |
87.2% |
|
Class 12 |
Local school, Bulandshahr |
UP Board |
91% |
|
B.Sc. (Hons) Physics |
Hansraj College, Delhi |
University of Delhi |
91% |
|
M.Sc. Physics |
Hansraj College, Delhi |
University of Delhi |
9.1 CGPA |
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.
| 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 |