With less than three percent of Muslim candidates qualifying, the community voices disappointment amid rising fears of underrepresentation and bias
NEW DELHI — The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced its final results for the 2024 Civil Services Examination on Tuesday (April 22). While the country celebrated the success of 1,009 candidates selected for prestigious administrative and police services, the Muslim community expressed deep concern and disappointment over a significant decline in their representation. Only 30 Muslim candidates made it through this year’s tough examination, marking a drop to less than three percent of the total successful candidates.
The civil services exam, regarded as one of India’s most competitive and respected recruitment processes, selects candidates for key positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others. Despite the examination’s inclusive promise, Muslim representation in this year’s results has been notably low.
Among the top 100 successful candidates, only two Muslim candidates appeared: Iram Chaudhary, who secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 40, and Farkhanda Qureshi with an AIR of 67. Both women made their community proud by achieving this rare feat, yet the overall Muslim presence among toppers remains alarmingly low.
“It is disheartening to see such a drop in Muslim representation in the UPSC results,” said Dr Asad Malik, a social activist working for minority rights. “This reduction threatens to marginalise a community that already faces several socio-economic challenges in India.”
Other Muslim candidates who cleared the exam include Mohd Muneeb Bhat (rank 131), Aadiba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed (142), Wasim ur Rehman (281), Mohd Nayab Anjum (292), Mohd Harris Mir (314), Mohd Shaukat Azim (345), Alifa Khan (417), Nadia Abdul Rashid (429), and Najma A Salam (442). They are part of a total of 34 Muslims among the top 500.
When compared with previous years, this year’s figures reveal a stark decline. In 2023, 50 Muslims cleared the exam out of 1,016 successful candidates, while in 2022, 42 out of 933 were Muslims. The 2024 results mark the lowest Muslim success rate in nearly a decade.
In 2021, 25 Muslims succeeded out of 685 candidates. Earlier years showed more hopeful numbers: 31 in 2020, 42 in 2019, 27 in 2018, 50 in 2017, and 52 in 2016. These figures suggest that the current year’s result is an unusual and concerning dip.
“The continuous decrease is troubling. The government must examine the reasons behind this underrepresentation and take steps to ensure fair opportunities for Muslim candidates,” said Prof Shaheen Farooq, a renowned academic specialising in social equity.
Experts and community leaders suspect systemic bias and unequal access to resources as major factors behind the shrinking numbers. Many point to the growing influence of Hindutva ideologies and political pressure, which have made the environment difficult for minority candidates to thrive.
“The UPSC is supposed to be impartial and merit-based, but Muslims increasingly feel sidelined,” said Ayesha Khan, a civil services coach from Delhi. “The pressure on Muslim students to perform under social and political hostility is immense. This affects their preparation and performance.”
The growing role of the pseudo nationalist groups, such as the BJP and ABVP, in influencing educational institutions and examination boards has been criticised for creating an atmosphere unfavourable to minority candidates. Critics accuse these organisations of pushing agendas that undermine India’s secular and pluralistic foundations.
“These results reflect not just individual performances but a wider societal issue where Muslim youth are deprived of equal chances,” remarked Saeed Ahmad, a rights activist.
Muslim organisations across the country have called for an urgent review of the examination process, greater outreach and support programmes for minority aspirants, and strict measures to prevent discrimination.
“We demand transparency in the evaluation process and better facilities for Muslim candidates preparing for UPSC,” said Maulana Imran Qasmi, spokesperson for a prominent Muslim welfare organisation. “Our youth deserve equal opportunity to serve the nation with dignity and respect.”
The shrinking Muslim presence in India’s top administrative services raises broader questions about social justice and inclusiveness in the country’s governance. As the government celebrates the UPSC’s role in selecting India’s future leaders, many ask whether this elite gateway remains open to all communities on equal terms.
| Year | Total Successful Candidates | Muslim Successful Candidates |
| 2024 | 1009 | 30 |
| 2023 | 1016 | 50 |
| 2022 | 933 | 42 |
| 2021 | 685 | 25 |
| 2020 | 761 | 31 |
| 2019 | 829 | 42 |
| 2018 | 769 | 27 |
| 2017 | 980 | 50 |
| 2016 | 1099 | 52 |
The year 2024 stands out as a worrying sign for the Muslim community aspiring to join India’s civil services. Activists are urging the government and UPSC to urgently address this imbalance and restore faith among minority candidates who seek to serve the nation.
