Ishita Kishore, IAS, is a name that resonates with determination, resilience, and excellence. Securing All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022, she has become an icon for aspirants across India. A Delhi University graduate, national-level footballer, and daughter of an Indian Air Force officer, Ishita’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is a testament to her unwavering commitment and strategic brilliance. This biography delves into her early life, education, UPSC preparation, personal challenges, and her aspirations as a civil servant, offering insights into why she’s celebrated as one of India’s brightest minds as of February 22, 2025.
Early Life and Family Background
Ishita Kishore was born in 1996 in Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana, into a family with a strong sense of discipline and service. Her father, Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore, served in the Indian Air Force until his untimely passing in 2004. His military background instilled in Ishita a deep respect for duty and nation-building—values that would later shape her career choice. Her mother, Jyoti Kishore, a retired private school teacher, provided a nurturing environment, emphasizing education and moral grounding. Ishita has an elder brother, Ishan Harsh, a lawyer, who has been a pillar of support throughout her journey.
Growing up, Ishita spent her formative years in Patna, Bihar, before the family settled in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Raised in a Kayastha Hindu household, she balanced academics with a passion for sports and extracurriculars, laying the foundation for her multifaceted personality. Her childhood was marked by academic excellence—scoring 96.6% in her 10th-grade exams and 98% in her 12th-grade exams at Air Force Bal Bharti School, Lodhi Road, Delhi. These achievements foreshadowed the brilliance she would later exhibit in the UPSC exam.
Educational Journey: From SRCC to Corporate Life
Ishita’s academic prowess led her to Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Hons.), graduating in 2017. SRCC, one of India’s premier institutions, sharpened her analytical skills and exposed her to diverse perspectives on governance and society—knowledge that proved invaluable in her UPSC preparation. During her college years, she was an active member of the Commerce Society, serving as its Secretary from 2015 to 2016, and participated in the Economic and Literary Societies. She also represented India in a youth delegation to China under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, showcasing her early leadership potential.
Post-graduation, Ishita briefly ventured into the corporate world, joining Ernst & Young (EY) as a Risk Analyst from June 2017 to March 2019. Her role involved assessing financial risks for multinational clients, honing her problem-solving abilities. However, a deeper calling emerged. Inspired by her father’s service-oriented legacy and a desire to impact society directly, Ishita resigned in 2019 to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination—a decision that would catapult her to national prominence.
The UPSC Journey: Triumph Over Setbacks
The path to becoming the UPSC 2022 topper was not without hurdles. Ishita Kishore’s IAS journey began with two unsuccessful attempts, failing to clear the Preliminary stage in both. These setbacks, rather than discouraging her, became learning opportunities. She recalibrated her approach, focusing on self-discipline, consistency, and quality over quantity in her studies. Her third attempt in 2022 proved to be the charm, earning her AIR 1 with a total score of 1094 out of 2025—an extraordinary feat that placed her among the elite in Indian civil services.
Preparation Strategy: The Key to Success
Ishita’s UPSC preparation strategy has become a blueprint for aspirants. She dedicated 8–10 hours daily, totaling 40–45 hours weekly, emphasizing conceptual clarity over rote learning. Her mantra—consistency and discipline—guided her through the grueling process. Here’s a breakdown of her approach:
- Optional Subject: Ishita chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject, scoring an impressive 313 out of 500 (147 in Paper I, 166 in Paper II). Despite her Economics background, she opted for PSIR due to its relevance to governance and her ability to grasp its concepts.
- Study Materials: She relied on standard books like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and NCERTs for foundational knowledge, supplementing them with self-made notes from newspapers like The Hindu for current affairs.
- Mock Tests and Revision: Ishita practiced extensively with previous years’ question papers and mock tests from ForumIAS, where she was enrolled. She analyzed her mistakes meticulously, ensuring they weren’t repeated.
- Answer Writing: Rigorous practice refined her writing skills, evident in her Mains scores—137 in Essay, 121 in GS I, 130 in GS II, 88 in GS III, and 112 in GS IV.
- Interview Prep: She conducted peer-group mock interviews, sharpening her articulation and confidence, which earned her 193 in the personality test.
Her Prelims scores—113.13 in GS Paper I and 91.97 in CSAT—cleared the cutoff comfortably, a stark contrast to her earlier failures. Ishita’s ability to adapt after setbacks underscores her resilience, a trait she credits to her family’s unwavering belief in her.
UPSC CSE 2022: A Historic Achievement
On May 23, 2023, the UPSC declared the CSE 2022 results, with Ishita Kishore topping the list. Her marksheet reflects her excellence: 901 in the Mains (written) and 193 in the Interview, totaling 1094. The achievement was historic—not only for her personal triumph but also for highlighting women’s growing dominance in the exam, with 14 of the top 25 ranks secured by female candidates. Ishita’s success as the IAS topper 2022 inspired countless aspirants, especially young women, to pursue civil services.
The Indian Air Force congratulated her via social media, proud of their alumnus’s daughter. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari personally extended his regards, noting her connection to Air Force Bal Bharti School. Ishita’s victory was a “dream come true,” as she told PTI, reaffirming her commitment to serve the nation.
Personal Life and Interests
At 28 years old as of February 22, 2025, Ishita Kishore remains unmarried, focusing on her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Her personal life reflects simplicity and passion. A national-level footballer, she competed in the Subroto Cup in 2012, showcasing her athletic side. She enjoys squash, Madhubani painting, and spending time with family—hobbies that balance her rigorous professional life.
Ishita’s family has been her rock. Her mother and brother supported her emotionally and logistically, ensuring she stayed motivated despite early failures. This support system, combined with her father’s legacy, fueled her ambition to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with a preference for the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
Challenges and Resilience
Ishita’s journey wasn’t smooth. Failing the Prelims twice tested her resolve, bringing moments of self-doubt. The pressure of competing in one of India’s toughest exams, coupled with leaving a stable corporate job, was daunting. Yet, she turned challenges into strengths. She addressed weak areas—particularly time management and answer writing—through structured practice and mentorship for her optional subject. Balancing mental health with preparation was another hurdle she overcame, emphasizing the importance of downtime with loved ones.
Contributions and Aspirations as an IAS Officer
Currently undergoing training at LBSNAA, Ishita Kishore, IAS, is poised to make a mark in public administration. Her stated goals include women’s empowerment and uplifting marginalized communities—issues close to her heart. She aims to leverage her position to address societal inequities, drawing from her Economics background to devise sustainable solutions. Her vision aligns with the IAS ethos of service, governance, and development, promising a impactful career ahead.
Why Ishita Kishore Inspires
Ishita Kishore’s biography resonates because it’s a story of perseverance. From a corporate analyst to UPSC topper 2022, her transformation showcases the power of hard work and adaptability. Her success challenges stereotypes, proving that women can excel in competitive fields like civil services. For UPSC aspirants, her journey offers practical lessons—focus on quality study, learn from failures, and stay disciplined.
Her extracurricular involvement—from leading the Interact Club in school (organizing mock UN sessions) to interning at CRY (teaching at Tihar Jail’s child shelter)—reveals a well-rounded individual committed to social good. This blend of intellect, athleticism, and empathy makes her a role model.
Legacy and Impact
As of February 22, 2025, Ishita Kishore, IAS, stands as a beacon for millions. Her handwritten notes and answer sheets, shared on platforms like ForumIAS, guide aspirants. Her story has sparked conversations about women in civil services, with her AIR 1 rank symbolizing a shift toward gender parity in India’s bureaucracy. The Uttar Pradesh cadre awaits her contributions, where she’ll likely tackle grassroots issues with the same zeal that earned her the top spot.
Conclusion: A Star on the Rise
Ishita Kishore’s IAS journey—from Hyderabad to Delhi to LBSNAA—is a narrative of grit and glory. Her UPSC 2022 triumph at age 26 (now 28) inspires not just IAS hopefuls but anyone chasing a dream against odds. As she steps into her role, her commitment to public service promises to leave a lasting legacy. Searching “Ishita Kishore IAS biography” or “UPSC topper 2022 strategy”? Her story offers answers and motivation. What’s your take on her incredible rise? Share below!
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