Ishita Kishore is a name that represents excellence and hard work in the world of Indian civil services. She is best known for being the woman who secured the All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. This prestigious title makes her one of the most respected young administrators in the country today.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to climb to the very top of India’s toughest exam after facing initial failure? Ishita’s story is not just about a rank; it is a masterclass in resilience and staying power. Despite failing to clear the preliminary round in her first two attempts, she didn’t give up, proving that your past setbacks do not define your future success.
Born in 1996, the 27-year-old topper comes from a disciplined family with a strong background in public service. Her father served as a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force, while her mother worked as a dedicated teacher. Additionally, Ishita studied Economics at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) before pursuing her dream of serving the country as an IAS officer.
Ishita Kishore Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Ishita Kishore |
| Profession | IAS Officer |
| Famous For | Securing Rank 1 in UPSC Civil Services Exam 2022 |
| Date of Birth | 1996 |
| Age | Around 27 years (as of 2023) |
| Birthplace | Begusarai, Bihar, India |
| Hometown | Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Economics (Honours) |
| College/University | Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University |
| UPSC Rank | AIR 1 (2022) |
| Optional Subject | Political Science and International Relations |
| Previous Job | Risk Analyst at Ernst & Young (EY) |
| Hobbies | Football, Reading, Traveling |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
Ishita Kishore Age and Early Life
As of 2024, Ishita Kishore will be 28 years old, having been born in Hyderabad in 1996. She grew up in a family that valued service, as her father was a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force. Because of her father’s career, she spent her early years in different cities before the family settled in Greater Noida. Even as a young student, Ishita was known for being versatile and active. She was not just good at her studies but was also a very talented national-level football player. Her early life was a mix of disciplined military values and a passion for both academics and sports.
Ishita Kishore Education Qualification
Ishita Kishore has a strong academic background. She completed her early schooling in Delhi. She was always a bright and active student. Later, she studied at the famous Shri Ram College of Commerce. She earned a degree in Economics (Honours). During college, she also took part in sports and other activities. Her education helped her build strong analytical and communication skills. These skills later helped her succeed in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
| Education Level | Institution | Field of Study | Location | Key Details |
| Schooling | Air Force Bal Bharati School | General Studies | Delhi, India | Completed her early education and built strong academic foundations |
| Undergraduate Degree | Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University | Economics (Honours) | Delhi, India | One of the top commerce colleges in India |
| University | Delhi University | Economics | Delhi, India | Developed strong analytical and economic knowledge |
| Competitive Exam Preparation | UPSC Civil Services Examination | Political Science and International Relations (Optional) | India | Prepared for one of the toughest exams in the country |
| Professional Learning | Ernst & Young (EY) | Risk Analysis and Corporate Work | Gurgaon, India | Gained practical experience before joining civil services |
Ishita Kishore Family Background
Ishita Kishore comes from a supportive and educated family. Her family always encouraged her to study and follow her dreams. Her father worked in the Indian Air Force and inspired her with discipline and dedication. In her life, her mother has been a strong pillar of support. Ishita also has a brother who motivated her during her UPSC preparation. Her family values education, hard work, and honesty. This positive environment helped Ishita stay focused on her goals and achieve success in the UPSC examination.
| Family Member | Name / Information | Profession / Role | Contribution to Ishita’s Success |
| Father | Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore | Officer in the Indian Air Force | Inspired discipline, leadership, and dedication |
| Mother | Name Not Publicly Known | Homemaker | Provided emotional support and encouragement |
| Brother | Name Not Publicly Known | Private Profession | Motivated and supported her during studies |
| Grandparents | Not Publicly Known | – | Encouraged education and strong values |
| Family Background | Educated and disciplined family | – | Created a positive environment for learning |
| Family Values | Hard work, honesty, dedication | – | Helped Ishita stay focused on her goals |
| Support System | Parents and siblings | – | Constant motivation during UPSC preparation |
| Childhood Environment | Supportive and encouraging | – | Helped build confidence and ambition |
Ishita Kishore UPSC Journey
Ishita Kishore’s path to success was a test of true grit and patience. She did not clear the preliminary exam in her first two attempts, but she refused to give up on her dream. For her third attempt, she changed her strategy and focused deeply on answer writing and consistent revision. She chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject because it matched her interest in governance. Her hard work finally paid off when she secured All India Rank 1 in the 2022 exam with a total of 1,094 marks.
Ishita Kishore Rank in UPSC
Ishita Kishore achieved the incredible feat of securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. This top rank is especially inspiring because she reached it on her third attempt after not being able to clear the preliminary stage in her first two tries. By earning a total of 1,094 marks—901 in the written mains and 193 in the personality test—she proved that persistence can turn past failures into a historic victory. Her success made her a national role model, highlighting the growing presence of women at the very top of India’s most prestigious competitive exam.

Ishita Kishore Optional Subject
Choosing the right optional subject is a turning point for any UPSC aspirant. Ishita Kishore chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject. Despite having a graduation degree in Economics, she felt PSIR aligned better with her interests in governance and global affairs. This choice proved to be a game-changer for her. The subject had a lot of overlap with her General Studies papers, which helped her save time and study more effectively. Her deep understanding of the subject was clear in her results, as she scored an impressive 313 marks in her optional papers alone.
Ishita Kishore Strategy for UPSC Preparation
Ishita Kishore followed a very disciplined study plan to achieve her top rank. She dedicated about 40 to 45 hours every week to her preparation, focusing on quality rather than just counting hours. Her strategy centered on “Read, Revise, and Re-Revise” to keep her knowledge fresh. She chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject because it overlapped with many general studies topics. To improve her performance, she solved over 10 years of previous question papers and took many mock tests. This helped her master time management and build the confidence needed to succeed on her third attempt.
Ishita Kishore Previous Job and Career
Before her historic win in the UPSC exam, Ishita Kishore built a solid career in the corporate world. After graduating from the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in 2017, she joined Ernst & Young (EY), one of the world’s leading consultancy firms. She worked there for two years as a Risk Analyst, where she gained valuable professional experience and a high-paying salary. However, her passion for public service was stronger than the lure of a corporate life. In 2019, she made the bold decision to quit her stable job and dedicate herself entirely to her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
Ishita Kishore Achievements and Awards
Ishita Kishore has achieved great success through hard work and dedication. She became widely famous after securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. This is one of the toughest competitive exams in India. Her success inspired many young students who dream of becoming civil servants. Before joining the civil services, she also worked as a risk analyst and performed well in her professional career. Ishita has received appreciation from many educators and institutions for her remarkable achievement. Her journey shows that strong focus, discipline, and consistent study can lead to great results.
| Year | Achievement / Award | Details |
| 2022 | UPSC Civil Services Examination Topper | Secured AIR 1 in one of the toughest exams in India |
| 2022 | National Recognition | Received nationwide recognition after topping UPSC |
| 2023 | Inspiration for UPSC Aspirants | Became a role model for thousands of civil service aspirants |
| College Years | Sports Participation | Actively participated in football during her college life |
| Professional Career | Corporate Experience | Worked as a Risk Analyst at Ernst & Young (EY) before UPSC |
| Academic Life | Strong Academic Record | Known for consistent performance in school and college |
Ishita Kishore Net Worth
Ishita Kishore’s net worth mainly comes from her career as an IAS officer. Civil servants in India receive a stable salary and government benefits. As a newly appointed IAS officer, her income is based on the government pay scale. She may also receive housing, travel, and other official facilities. Her overall net worth is still growing as she continues her public service career.
| Source | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $50,000 – $80,000 (approx.) |
| Monthly Salary | ₹56,100+ (basic IAS salary) |
| Income Source | Government Salary |
| Other Benefits | House, travel, and official allowances |
Ishita Kishore Salary as an IAS Officer
As an entry-level IAS officer, Ishita Kishore receives a starting basic pay of 56,100 per month. This amount is set by the 7th Pay Commission for all new officers at Level 10 of the pay matrix. In addition to her basic salary, she is entitled to several allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA). When these perks are added together, her gross monthly salary can range from 82,000 to over 95,000, depending on her city of posting. Beyond the money, she also receives benefits like government housing, an official vehicle, and medical facilities.
Ishita Kishore Posting and Current Position
Ishita Kishore is currently serving as an IAS officer in her home state. She was allocated the Uttar Pradesh cadre after securing the top rank in the UPSC 2022 exam. At present, she is gaining field experience as a Joint Magistrate in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. In this role, she handles local administrative tasks and works closely with the public to solve their issues. Her position allows her to implement government policies at the grassroots level and fulfill her dream of serving the nation.
Ishita Kishore Hobbies and Interests
Ishita Kishore is a person of many talents who believes in living a balanced life. She is a national-level football player and even competed in the famous Subroto Cup in 2012. Besides her love for sports, she enjoys the traditional art of Madhubani painting and likes to play squash in her free time. During her college days, she was very active in the Literary and Economic societies, showing that she always valued both physical fitness and creative thinking.
Ishita Kishore Inspirational Story
Ishita’s path to success is a powerful lesson in never giving up on your dreams. Even though she was a brilliant student and a national-level football player, she faced a huge setback when she failed the UPSC preliminary exam twice. Instead of losing hope or returning to her high-paying corporate job, she chose to work even harder. She spent 40 to 45 hours every week studying and refining her strategy. By her third attempt, her “never-say-die” attitude paid off, and she made history by securing All India Rank 1. Her journey reminds us that failure is not the end, but simply a stepping stone to achieving something great.

Ishita Kishore Study Routine
Ishita Kishore followed a very disciplined and balanced study plan to top the UPSC exam. She dedicated about 40 to 45 hours every week to her preparation, which averages to roughly 8 to 9 hours per day. Instead of studying for 15 hours straight, she focused on high-quality sessions and regular breaks to avoid burnout. Her routine included reading newspapers daily, practicing answer writing, and solving many previous years’ question papers. She also made sure to include time for her hobbies, like sports and painting, to keep her mind fresh and focused.
Ishita Kishore Tips for UPSC Aspirants
Ishita Kishore believes that consistency is the most important part of your preparation. She suggests that you should not focus on the number of study hours but on the quality of your learning. In her third attempt, she studied for about 40 to 45 hours every week and made sure to stay disciplined even on tough days. She strongly advises aspirants to solve previous year questions at least ten times to understand the exam’s language. According to Ishita, you should keep your study sources limited and focus on making your own digital notes for better revision. She also emphasizes the need for a strong support system of family and friends to manage the mental pressure of the exam.
Ishita Kishore Success Story
Ishita Kishore’s journey to the top is a powerful example of resilience. She did not succeed right away and actually failed the preliminary exams in her first two attempts. Instead of giving up, she quit her corporate job at Ernst & Young to focus entirely on her dream. She stayed disciplined by studying for nearly 45 hours every week and constantly improved her answer-writing skills. On her third try, her hard work paid off when she secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC 2022 exam. Her story reminds every aspirant that persistence can turn even the biggest setbacks into a historic victory.
Ishita Kishore School and College Life
Ishita was a bright student from a very young age. She completed her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School in New Delhi. After finishing school, she managed to get admission into the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC). There, she studied Economics Honours and graduated in 2017. During her college days, she was not just focused on books but was also an active sportsperson. She even represented India at the Euro 2015 tournament as a talented football player.
Ishita Kishore Height and Physical Appearance
Ishita Kishore has a graceful and confident personality that reflects her background as an athlete. She stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and maintains a fit physique, thanks to her years as a national-level football player. She has black hair and dark brown eyes, often seen with a simple and professional look that suits her role as a civil servant. Her disciplined lifestyle and focus on fitness have always been an important part of her overall persona.
Ishita Kishore Boyfriend or Relationship Status
Many people are curious about the personal life of the UPSC topper, but Ishita Kishore is currently single and unmarried. She has always kept her private life away from the limelight, focusing entirely on her career and goals. There are no public reports or mentions of her being in a relationship or having a boyfriend. At this stage of her life, she seems dedicated to her new journey as an IAS officer and serving the public.
Ishita Kishore Social Media Presence
Ishita Kishore keeps a very low profile on social media. She focuses more on her career and public service. After becoming the UPSC 2022 topper, many students started searching for her online. However, she is not very active on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Her interviews and preparation tips are mostly shared through news channels and educational platforms.
| Platform | Presence |
| Not officially active | |
| Twitter (X) | No confirmed account |
| Limited professional presence | |
| Media Interviews | Available on YouTube and news channels |
Interesting Facts About Ishita Kishore
Ishita Kishore is more than just a brilliant mind; she is a former national-level football player who even competed in the prestigious Subroto Cup. Before choosing the path of an IAS officer, she gained professional experience as a risk analyst at the global firm Ernst & Young. Beyond her athletic and corporate success, she has a creative side and enjoys the traditional art of Madhubani painting. Her journey is truly unique because she managed to secure the top rank in the country on her third attempt, showing that a balanced lifestyle and deep perseverance can lead to incredible results.
Lessons to Learn from Ishita Kishore
Ishita’s journey teaches us that failure is a part of the process, not the end of the road. She failed her preliminary exams twice but stayed patient and never lost hope. One of her biggest secrets was being honest with herself and fixing her mistakes instead of repeating them. She also showed that you don’t need to study 20 hours a day; instead, you need to be consistent and focus on quality work. By making her own notes and trusting her preparation, she proved that self-belief and steady effort can turn anyone into a topper.
Conclusion
Ishita Kishore’s journey is truly inspiring. She worked hard and stayed focused on her goal. Her success in the UPSC exam shows that dedication and discipline can lead to great achievements. Many students feel motivated after learning about her story.
Her life also teaches an important lesson. Success does not come in one day. It requires patience, effort, and strong belief in yourself. Ishita Kishore’s journey encourages young people to follow their dreams and never give up.
FAQs
1. Who is Ishita Kishore?
Ishita Kishore is an IAS officer who topped the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2022.
2. What is Ishita Kishore’s educational background?
She studied Economics (Honours) at Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University.
3. What was Ishita Kishore’s previous job?
She worked as a Risk Analyst at Ernst & Young (EY) before joining UPSC.
4. Is Ishita Kishore active on social media?
No, she maintains a low profile and is not very active on platforms like Instagram or Twitter.
5. What can we learn from Ishita Kishore’s journey?
Her journey teaches the importance of hard work, focus, and patience to achieve success.
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