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Welcomed with drums and sweets distributed across the city, investigation later reveals that Shikha, originally from Delhi and not UP, has secured the 113th rank in the UPSC.
Shikha from Delhi (L); Shikha from UP (R)
Passing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of India’s most prestigious exams, is the dream of millions of young people. However, sometimes false claims about this exam arise, leading to controversy. Recently, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, a young woman claimed to have secured the 113th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. However, an administrative investigation later found this claim to be false.
According to Hindustan Live, Shikha Gautam, a resident of Bulandshahr, claimed to have secured the 113th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 after results were announced. This news spread rapidly and was widely discussed locally. However, another Shikha, a resident of Delhi, later refuted this claim, stating she had secured the 113th rank. The matter then reached the authorities, prompting an investigation.
Shikha from Delhi emailed the UPSC, demanding clarification. Consequently, the commission directed Bulandshahr District Magistrate Shruti to investigate. The District Magistrate assigned the ADM Administration to the case, who then sent Sadar Tehsildar Manoj Rawat to Shikha Gautam’s home. According to administrative sources, the family could not provide any concrete evidence during the investigation.
UP’s Shikha Did Not Clear Mains Exam
Local media reports revealed that the Tehsildar’s investigation found Shikha Gautam had not even passed the UPSC Mains exam and therefore was not eligible for the interview. Additionally, her documents showed her name as Shikha Rani, not Shikha Gautam. Later, the family apologised to the authorities, confirming that Shikha from Delhi held the correct rank.
Reports indicate that Shikha from Delhi secured the 113th rank in the UPSC. Several pieces of evidence supporting her selection surfaced on social media. Shikha from Delhi is reportedly working as a Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) in Haryana. Her family in Bulandshahr spoke to her over the phone and apologised for their mistake.
Shikha from Bulandshahr gained significant attention because she was described as the daughter of a Class IV employee. Numerous media reports published her story with headlines like “Peon’s daughter becomes IAS.” When she arrived in Bulandshahr, she was welcomed with drums and garlands and interviewed at several locations. Her grandfather was moved to tears by her supposed success, with photos and videos of this going viral on social media.
A similar case had previously emerged in Bihar, where a young woman named Akanksha Singh claimed to have secured the 301st rank in the UPSC exam. However, the commission later clarified that the 301st rank belonged to Akanksha Singh from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, proving the initial claim false.
March 12, 2026, 15:38 IST
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