Two Akanksha Singhs, one UPSC rank: How the 301 controversy unfolded

A strange controversy has surfaced following the declaration of the Civil Services Examination 2025 results by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), with two candidates named Akanksha Singh claiming the same All India Rank (AIR) 301 . What began as celebratory news for one aspirant quickly turned into a debate over identity, documents and verification.

One of the claimants is Akanksha Singh from Ara in Bihar , who told the media that she secured the rank in her second attempt and had prepared by studying eight to ten hours daily. She also said clearing the examination fulfilled the dream of her grandfather, Brahmeshwar Singh , founder of the banned militia Ranvir Sena who was killed in 2012.

However, another candidate with the same name from Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh soon challenged the claim. The Ghazipur aspirant, a doctor currently working at AIIMS Patna , posted documents online alleging that her rank and identity were being misused . She said she had appeared in all stages of the examination and shared what she described as her official records and a summon letter.

The issue intensified when admit cards circulating on social media appeared to show the same name and roll number , creating confusion among viewers. However, a key detail reportedly differed, with the father’s name mentioned in the documents not matching , raising questions about whether one set of documents might be incorrect or manipulated.

Some television channels reportedly scanned the QR codes printed on the admit cards , claiming that the roll number linked to the result matched the candidate from Ghazipur. Yet, no official confirmation has been issued so far .

Observers say such disputes are rare because UPSC records include multiple identifiers such as roll number, date of birth and application details , making it difficult for genuine mix ups to occur. If any discrepancy exists, it is expected to be clarified quickly through the Commission’s verification system.

Also two real candidates cannot legally share the same UPSC roll number . If it appears so, one of the documents or claims is almost certainly incorrect.