UPSC Mistake: Bulandshahr Woman Claims Rank 113 by Name, Fails Roll Number Check

March 12, 2026: In an era where viral success stories often precede official verification, a case from Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a cautionary tale for UPSC aspirants and the media alike. Shikha Gautam, a resident of Bulandshahr, has admitted to making a false claim regarding her success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025.

The controversy began when Shikha and her family celebrated her “achievement” of securing All India Rank (AIR) 113, a feat that was widely reported across national and local news platforms. However, an administrative investigation has now revealed that she did not even clear the Main examination.

The “Success” That Never Was

Following the declaration of the UPSC CSE 2025 final results, the Gautam household in the Ambedkar Nagar area of Bulandshahr was transformed into a site of celebration. The story was particularly moving: Shikha, the daughter of a Class IV employee (peon), had allegedly defied the odds to become an IAS officer on her second attempt.

The emotional narrative gained massive traction online:

• Grand Celebrations: Shikha was welcomed with drums, garlands, and public felicitations upon her return to Bulandshahr.
• Viral Emotions: A video of her grandfather breaking down in tears of joy was shared extensively on social media, symbolizing a family’s triumph over poverty.
• Media Frenzy: Multiple news outlets interviewed Shikha, who shared advice on perseverance and her “16-hour-a-day” study routine.

The Crack in the Story

The celebrations were cut short when another candidate, also named Shikha, hailing from Delhi, raised an objection. The Delhi-based candidate, who is currently serving as a Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) in Haryana, asserted that AIR 113 actually belonged to her.

Seeking clarity, the Delhi candidate emailed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which subsequently directed the Bulandshahr district administration to verify the local claim.

Investigation Reveals the Truth

Under the direction of District Magistrate Shruti, an investigation was launched. Sadar Tehsildar Manoj Rawat was sent to Shikha Gautam’s residence to verify her documents. The findings were stark:

1. Mains Failure: The investigation confirmed that Shikha Gautam had not cleared the UPSC Main examination and was therefore never eligible for the interview stage.
2. Identity Discrepancy: Discrepancies were found in her official documents, where her name appeared as “Shikha Rani” rather than Shikha Gautam.
3. The “Name-Only” Error: The family reportedly admitted that the confusion arose because they checked the merit list by name only, failing to verify the roll number.

“The family expressed regret and acknowledged that the actual rank belonged to the candidate from Delhi. They have reportedly reached out to the genuine rank holder to apologize for the confusion,” noted administrative sources.

A Recurring Trend?

This incident is not an isolated one. Recently, a similar controversy surfaced in Bihar regarding candidate Akanksha Singh, where two individuals with the same name claimed the same rank. Experts suggest that the pressure for instant social media validation often leads candidates and families to announce results prematurely without cross-referencing unique roll numbers.

The Lesson for Aspirants

The UPSC merit list is an official document where the roll number is the only definitive identifier. While the desire to celebrate is natural, this incident serves as a reminder to the media and the public to verify claims through official credentials before amplifying “success stories.”

For now, the drums have fallen silent in Bulandshahr, leaving behind a stark reminder that in the race to become an IAS officer, there is no room for a “hurry” that skips the facts.