Now Reading: Analyzing Excellence: Where IAS Srushti Deshmukh Topped in Her Viral UPSC Marksheet
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Analyzing Excellence: Where IAS Srushti Deshmukh Topped in Her Viral UPSC Marksheet
Analyzing Excellence: Where IAS Srushti Deshmukh Topped in Her Viral UPSC Marksheet
The marksheet of IAS Srushti Jayant Deshmukh, the 2018 UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) All India Rank (AIR) 5 holder and the female topper of her batch, remains a major point of interest and inspiration for aspirants years after her achievement. Her remarkable success in her very first attempt at one of the country’s toughest examinations is a testament to strategic preparation and sustained effort.
A closer look at her subject-wise scores, which have widely circulated online, reveals not just an impressive overall performance but also where she truly excelled, demonstrating a mastery in certain papers that contributed significantly to her top rank.
The Breakdown: Srushti Deshmukh’s UPSC Marksheet
Srushti Deshmukh secured a total of 1068 marks out of a maximum of 2025 (Mains Written + Interview). Her performance in the written Mains examination totaled 895 marks, and she scored 173 marks in the Personality Test (Interview).
Analyzing her Mains marks provides clear insight into her strongest areas:
| Subject (Paper) | Marks Secured (Out of) |
| Essay (Paper I) | 113 (Out of 250) |
| General Studies I (Paper II) | 120 (Out of 250) |
| General Studies II (Paper III) | 111 (Out of 250) |
| General Studies III (Paper IV) | 115 (Out of 250) |
| General Studies IV – Ethics (Paper V) | 124 (Out of 250) |
| Optional Subject I (Sociology) (Paper VI) | 162 (Out of 250) |
| Optional Subject II (Sociology) (Paper VII) | 150 (Out of 250) |
| Total Written Score | 895 (Out of 1750) |
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Where She Achieved Her Highest Score
Based on the publicly available figures, IAS Srushti Deshmukh topped in her Optional Subject, specifically Optional Subject Paper I (Sociology), where she scored an exceptional 162 marks out of 250.
This score is noteworthy for several reasons:
- High Scoring Optional: Scoring 162 in a single Mains paper is considered an outstanding achievement and a significant factor in securing a top-five rank. High marks in optional subjects often make the difference between qualifying and being a topper.
- Strategic Subject Choice: Despite her background in Chemical Engineering, Srushti chose Sociology as her optional subject. Her impressive combined score of 312 out of 500 (162 + 150) in the optional papers vindicates her strategic choice, highlighting her deep interest and command over the subject.
The Second Strongest Pillar: General Studies-IV (Ethics)
While her optional paper was the clear highest scorer, her performance in the General Studies papers was consistently strong, with a standout score in the General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) paper, where she secured 124 marks.
This score is critical as the Ethics paper is often considered demanding and challenging to score highly in. Her mark demonstrates excellent grasp of ethical concepts and the ability to apply them effectively in case studies—a vital skill for a future civil servant.
In summary, IAS Srushti Deshmukh’s marksheet is a perfect illustration of a multi-pronged approach to success. Her Optional Subject (Sociology Paper I) was the definite area where she topped among the Mains papers, providing the massive boost needed for AIR 5, while her strong performance in the Ethics Paper (GS-IV) further solidified her place among the top ranks. Her journey continues to inspire countless aspirants, emphasizing the power of targeted preparation, strategic optional selection, and consistent effort.
