Concerns raised over low representation of Muslims despite a marginal increase in total selections
NEW DELHI – The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday declared the results of the 2024 Civil Services Examination (CSE), but the outcome has reignited a debate over minority representation. This year, out of 1,009 candidates recommended for appointment, only 30 are from the Muslim community, amounting to just under 3% of the total.
Significantly, not a single Muslim candidate made it to the top 30 ranks this year. The highest-ranked Muslim candidate is Iram Chaudhary, who secured the 40th position, followed by Fakhda Qureshi at 67th. Only two Muslim candidates made it to the top 100.
In contrast, the topper of this year’s examination is Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj, followed by Harshita Goyal. Dubey did her graduation from Allahabad University and holds a postgraduate degree in Biochemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
Compared to 2023, this year’s Muslim representation has dropped noticeably. Last year, 50 Muslim candidates were successful out of 1,016 total selections — approximately 5%. Notably, Nausheen had ranked 9th and Vardha Khan secured the 18th spot. In total, four Muslims were in the top 100 in 2023.
In 2022, 29 Muslims cleared the exam out of 933 candidates, including one in the top 10. While the number of successful Muslim candidates this year has not fallen below 2022’s level, the decline from 2023 is being seen as a setback.
Reacting to the results, one of this year’s successful candidates, Iram Chaudhary (Rank 40), said in a brief statement: “This journey has not been easy, but it is proof that consistent effort pays off. I hope more students from underrepresented communities find the support they need to succeed.”
Fakhda Qureshi (Rank 67), another top-100 achiever, emphasised the role of inclusive mentorship: “We need more platforms and mentors that specifically guide aspirants from minority backgrounds. Talent exists — we just need to nurture it.”
Educationist and former bureaucrat Dr Rizwan Ahmad expressed concern at the low representation: “The UPSC examination is based on merit, but structural inequalities — educational and social — cannot be overlooked. There must be renewed efforts to support Muslim youth with targeted preparatory programmes and scholarships.”
Civil rights advocate Zakia Soman, co-founder of the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, added: “This underrepresentation is symptomatic of a wider issue. We must create educational ecosystems that encourage participation from marginalised communities, especially women.”
Below is the complete list of Muslim candidates (and their ranks) who cleared the Civil Services Examination this year: Iram Chaudhary (40), Fakhda Qureshi (67), Mohammad Muneeb Bhat (131), Adiba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed (142), Wasim ur Rehman (281), Mohd. Nayab Anjum (292) Mohammad Hai Ras Mir (314), Mohammad Shaukat Azeem (345), Alifa Khan (417), Nadia Al Rashid (429), Najma E Salam (442), Shakeel Ahmed (506), Shah Mohammad Imran Mohammad Irfan (553), Mohammad Aftab Alam (560), Mohsina Bano (585), Abusiliya Khan Kulkarni (588), Syed Mohammad Aarf Moin (594), Ghulam Haider (633), Hassan Khan (643), Nesreen P Fasim (703), Muhammad Salah T A (711), Sadaf Milkh (742), Yasar Ahmad Bhatti (768), Rayaz Watson J (791), Javed Mev (815), Peerzada M Umar (818), Adil Shukoor (822), Nazir Ahmad Bijran (847), Arshad Aziz Qureshi (993), and Iqbal Ahmad (998).
Analysts and former UPSC candidates are now urging institutions, NGOs, and state governments to revamp their civil service coaching schemes. While some states like Telangana, Kerala, and Delhi have taken steps by offering free coaching for minorities, many experts feel these programmes need better outreach and sustained funding.
While UPSC results continue to reflect academic excellence and competitive fairness, the recurring underrepresentation of Muslim candidates in top ranks raises questions about access, opportunity, and equity. Stakeholders across the board are calling for a multi-layered response — from school-level interventions to enhanced UPSC guidance — to ensure that India’s civil services truly reflect the diversity of its population.
