Row over UPSC rank 301 as two candidates named Akanksha Singh stake claim

A controversy has surfaced following the declaration of the UPSC results, with two women from different States claiming the same rank. The dispute centres on the 301st rank, with both candidates named Akanksha Singh claiming the position.

On one hand, Akanksha Singh from Ara in Bihar, granddaughter of Brahmeshwar Singh, founder of the banned militia Ranvir Sena, has been widely reported to have secured the rank.

On the other hand, another candidate, also named Akanksha Singh from Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh, has claimed that the rank belongs to her. The row intensified after an admit card circulating on social media appeared to show the same name and roll number, further complicating the matter.

With conflicting claims emerging, attention is now on the Union Public Service Commission for an official clarification. Speaking to reporters on Friday (March 6, 2026), Brahmeshwar Singh’s granddaughter, Ms. Singh, claimed that she secured the 301st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 in her second attempt.

“I was confident about securing the result this time around. This was my grandfather’s dream. He had a lot of belief in me,” she said. Brahmeshwar Singh was murdered in 2012. Ms. Singh said she studied for eight to 10 hours daily during her preparation.

“I used to study 8–10 hours a day. My parents played a great role in my success. Last year, when I failed to clear the exam, they kept supporting me without any frustration or anger,” she said. Meanwhile, another Akanksha Singh from Ghazipur posted on Facebook alleging impersonation.

“It has come to light that my rank and identity are being impersonated by others,” she wrote, attaching two documents that she claimed were her original ID and e-summon in the FB post. While the name and roll numbers are the same, the fathers’ names differ. She, however, could not be contacted for further comments.