Twenty-two-year-old Vikas Singh Panwar from Jubli village in the Kupvi area of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, has secured All India Rank (AIR) 159 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 in his first attempt. The Union Public Service Commission announced the final result on March 6, 2026.
Panwar’s achievement came after he had already gained national attention on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, where he won ₹50 lakh in November 2025 while preparing for the civil services examination. His journey from a rural part of Shimla to Delhi University, KBC’s hot seat and the UPSC merit list at the age of 22 has since drawn attention from students and civil services aspirants.
Early Life And Education
Panwar was born in a rural area of Shimla district and completed his schooling at DAV New Shimla in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. He later moved to Delhi to pursue a BA (Hons) in Political Science from Hindu College, University of Delhi. He is pursuing postgraduate studies in Political Science and chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as his optional subject for UPSC CSE. His father, Chater Singh Panwar, is a government school principal in Delhi, according to reports about his background.
KBC Before UPSC – Before his civil services success, Panwar became known to television audiences after appearing on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17. He reached the hot seat and won ₹50 lakh through his general knowledge and composed approach to the questions. Panwar also reached the ₹1 crore question but decided to quit the game because he was not completely confident about the answer. After leaving the game, he reportedly identified an option as his likely answer, which later turned out to be correct. His KBC appearance came while he was preparing for the UPSC examination.
Preparation And Strategy
Panwar’s UPSC preparation was supported by NEXT IAS, where he undertook General Studies and current-affairs preparation, according to the institute. He also received a 100% scholarship after clearing the institute’s National Scholarship Test, as reported by the organisation. In an interview with the institute, Panwar discussed how techniques developed during UPSC preparation helped him while answering questions on KBC, particularly the process of eliminating unlikely options. His experience highlights how analytical thinking and broad knowledge can be useful across different competitive settings.
First Attempt, AIR 159
Panwar cleared CSE 2025 in his first attempt and secured AIR 159 at the age of 22. According to the UPSC’s official marks record, he secured 988 marks in total, including 787 marks in the written examination and 201 marks in the Personality Test. The result followed the complete civil services examination process, which includes the written stages and interview. Panwar’s selection places him among the candidates recommended for appointment through CSE 2025.
From Shimla To Delhi
Panwar’s achievement has particular significance because his journey began in a rural part of Shimla. After completing his schooling in Shimla, he moved to Delhi for higher education at Hindu College. He continued his academic work in Political Science while preparing for the civil services examination. His success at 22, following his ₹50 lakh KBC win, has made his journey distinctive among the stories emerging from the UPSC CSE 2025 results.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Vikas Singh Panwar’s journey is a reminder that talent and ambition can emerge from places far beyond India’s major educational centres. His experience also shows the value of curiosity, consistent learning and staying composed while making decisions under pressure.
At the same time, exceptional success stories should inspire rather than create unrealistic expectations for every young aspirant. Students from rural and smaller communities need access to quality education, mentorship and opportunities to pursue their goals.
As Panwar moves towards a career in public service, what can India do to ensure more young people get the opportunity to turn their potential into achievement?
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