Meet Vikas Singh Panwar: UPSC in 1st attempt at 22; from village to Hindu College to KBC ₹50 lakh cash | Success Story

22-year-old Vikas Singh Panwar has made history by securing a remarkable feat in his very first attempt at the UPSC CSE 2025. He achieved an All India Rank of 159, marking a significant accomplishment for a young candidate from a rural background. Prior to this achievement, Vikas made an appearance on the popular TV quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati, Season 17, hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.

During the show, Vikas showcased his extensive knowledge and composure by correctly answering a question worth ₹50 lakh. He chose to quit the show at that point, opting not to risk it all for a chance at ₹1 crore. This decision demonstrated his strategic thinking and ability to prioritize financial stability alongside his aspirations in the field of public service.

Vikas hails from Jubli village in Kupvi, Shimla district. His journey began when he moved to Delhi for higher education. He completed his schooling at DAV New Shimla School and later pursued a BA (Honours) in Political Science from Hindu College, University of Delhi. His academic expertise in Political Science and International Relations proved instrumental in his UPSC strategy.

The 12th-grade state topper secured an impressive 988 marks out of 2,025, with his written exam contributing 787 marks and the personality test adding another 201 marks. His total score secured him the coveted All India Rank 159 in the UPSC examination. This outstanding performance was achieved through the support of scholarships, including a full scholarship from NEXT IAS through their National Scholarship Test.

This scholarship enabled Vikas to join their structured coaching programme, including the GS Foundation Course and Current Affairs course, which were crucial in equipping him for his first attempt at the UPSC examination.