IAS Tina Dabi: The Journey of the UPSC AIR 1 Topper Who Inspired a Generation

New Delhi | December 22, 2025 — Even a decade after her historic win, IAS Tina Dabi remains one of the most recognized names in Indian bureaucracy. As the first-ever Dalit woman to top the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) in her first attempt at just 22, her story continues to be a blueprint for millions of aspirants.

As of late 2025, Dabi is back in the spotlight—not just for her administrative leadership as the District Collector of Barmer, but also due to her viral academic records and recent national accolades.

Educational Excellence: The Foundation

Tina Dabi’s academic brilliance was evident long before her UPSC success. Born in Bhopal and raised in Delhi, she attended the Convent of Jesus and Mary.

• Class 12 Boards: She secured 93% in her CBSE exams, notably scoring a perfect 100/100 in Political Science and History.
• Graduation: She studied Political Science at the prestigious Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College, Delhi University. She was awarded the ‘Student of the Year’ title and a University Gold Medal for her performance.

The UPSC Scorecard: Breaking Down the Marks

In the 2015 Civil Services Examination, Tina Dabi secured All India Rank 1. Her marksheet reflects a balanced excellence across all stages of the grueling exam.

In the Mains, her highest scores were in her optional subject, Political Science & International Relations (Paper II), where she scored 171 marks.

The Winning Timetable: 11 Hours of Discipline

Tina Dabi’s preparation was characterized by “quality over quantity.” She followed a structured 11-hour daily study routine that she split into three focused “slots.”

• 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Wake up and Newspaper reading.
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Slot 1): Focus on “Big Topics” or complex subjects when energy is highest.
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Current Affairs revision.
• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Slot 2): Medium-length topics or Answer writing practice.
• 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dedicated Revision (Dabi emphasizes revising every topic at least three times).
• 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Slot 3): Light reading or finishing pending tasks.
• 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Leisure time/Social Media (to avoid burnout).

“The road to success is long and hard; the only way to come out successful is to remain consistent.” — Tina Dabi

Current Status and Recent Achievements

In 2025, Tina Dabi continues to make waves in the Rajasthan cadre. Recently, she led the Barmer district to win the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) Award for excellence in water conservation, receiving a national honor and a ₹2 crore grant for further development.

Despite occasional social media controversies regarding her “celebrity” status, her work in the border districts of Rajasthan remains a testament to her transition from a “star aspirant” to a “seasoned administrator.”