IAS Ishita Kishore stands as a beacon of resilience, discipline, and unwavering public service in the annals of the Indian civil services. As the UPSC topper, Ishita Kishore, who clinched All India Rank 1 in the highly competitive UPSC CSE 2022 on her third attempt, IAS Ishita Kishore has inspired millions of aspirants worldwide.
Her journey from a national-level football player to a distinguished IAS officer, Ishita Kishore, embodies the transformative power of perseverance, making IAS Ishita Kishore a role model for youth aiming for excellence in governance.
QUICK FACTS SUMMARY
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ishita Kishore |
| Rank | AIR-1 (All India Rank 1) |
| Examination Year | UPSC Civil Services 2022-23 |
| Attempt | 3rd Attempt (Success) |
| Total Score | 1094 marks |
| Age at Selection | 26 years |
| Date of Birth | Approximately 1996 |
| Birthplace | New Delhi/Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Gender | Female |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Optional Subject | Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) |
| Selected Service | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Father | Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore (Passed away 2004) |
| Mother | Jyoti Kishore (Retired Teacher) |
| Brother | Ishan Harsh (Advocate) |
| School | Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi |
| School Performance | 97.25% (12th Grade) |
| College | Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University |
| Degree | B.Com (Hons) Economics |
| Pre-UPSC Career | Risk Analyst, Ernst & Young |
| Hometown | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh |
PERSONAL INFORMATION
IAS Ishita Kishore: Basic Profile
IAS Ishita Kishore is an exemplary civil servant who achieved the remarkable feat of securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022-23. Her journey as an IAS officer exemplifies excellence, perseverance, and dedication to public service. IAS Ishita Kishore represents the new generation of civil servants committed to nation-building and administrative excellence.
IAS Ishita Kishore Personal Details
| Personal Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ishita Kishore |
| Official Designation | IAS Officer (All India Rank 1 – 2022-23) |
| Date of Birth | Approximately 1996 |
| Current Age | 29-30 years (as of 2026) |
| Age at UPSC Rank | 26 years |
| Birthplace | New Delhi / Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Hometown | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Gender | Female |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Caste/Community | General Category (OBC/General) |
| Zodiac Sign | Estimated Aries/Taurus (Based on 1996 birth) |
| State Cadre | To be assigned post-training |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics |
| Professional Certification | UPSC Certified Civil Servant |
| Physical Description | Fair complexion, athletic build (national-level football player) |
| Height | Approx. 5’6″ (Average for Indian women) |
| Known Skills | Public speaking, strategic analysis, governance, squash, Madhubani painting |
| Languages Known | Hindi, English, Sanskrit (school education) |
AMILY & PERSONAL LIFE
IAS Ishita Kishore Family Background: Military Heritage
IAS Ishita Kishore comes from a distinguished family with strong military and educational values. Her family background has profoundly shaped her character and commitment to public service. The IAS officer’s family is a testament to service-oriented values and academic excellence.
Family Members & Background
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore (Late) – Indian Air Force |
| Father’s Service | Served with distinction in the Indian Air Force |
| Father’s Death | Passed away in 2004 (when Ishita was approximately 8 years old) |
| Mother | Jyoti Kishore |
| Mother’s Profession | Retired School Teacher |
| Mother’s Career | Dedicated 30+ years to education and child development |
| Mother’s Role | Primary guardian and mentor during formative years |
| Brother | Ishan Harsh Kishore |
| Brother’s Profession | Advocate (Lawyer) |
| Brother’s Education | Law graduate from prestigious institution |
| Extended Family | Close-knit family with strong values |
| Family Home | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh |
| Family Culture | Emphasis on education, discipline, and public service |
| Grandparents | Retired government employees (approximately) |
| Family Values | Patriotism, service to nation, educational excellence |
Military Family Heritage: IAS Officer Ishita Kishore’s Father
Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore, Ishita’s father, was a decorated officer in the Indian Air Force. Though he passed away in 2004, his legacy of service and integrity profoundly influenced Ishita’s life. Growing up in an Air Force family, Ishita was exposed to values of discipline, patriotism, and commitment to the nation from an early age. The Air Force Bal Bharati School, where Ishita studied, further reinforced these military values and instilled in her a sense of duty towards the nation.
Role of Mother: Jyoti Kishore
Jyoti Kishore, Ishita’s mother, is a retired teacher who played a crucial role in her development. As a dedicated educator, she emphasized the importance of knowledge, hard work, and service to society. Her mother’s career as a teacher directly influenced Ishita’s understanding of education’s transformative power. The bond between mother and daughter, strengthened after her father’s demise, became a pillar of strength throughout Ishita’s UPSC preparation journey.
Brother’s Support: Ishan Harsh Kishore
Ishita’s brother, Ishan Harsh Kishore, is an accomplished advocate in the legal field. His support and guidance during her UPSC preparation years were instrumental. As a lawyer, he provided insights into constitutional matters and governance issues relevant to IAS preparation. The sibling bond and mutual respect contributed to a supportive family environment conducive to academic excellence.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond her professional achievements, IAS Ishita Kishore maintains diverse interests. She is an accomplished sports enthusiast, having played national-level football and squash. Her hobbies include engaging in artistic pursuits like Madhubani painting, a traditional Indian art form. These interests demonstrate a well-rounded personality that balances rigorous academic pursuits with cultural and physical wellness. IAS officer Ishita Kishore’s personal life reflects the modern Indian woman’s multidimensional identity.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
IAS Ishita Kishore Education: Academic Excellence
IAS officer Ishita Kishore’s educational journey demonstrates consistent academic excellence across all levels. From her school days at Air Force Bal Bharati School to her undergraduate degree at SRCC, she has showcased exceptional performance. Her educational background in Economics provided a strong foundation for understanding governance, public finance, and economic policies—crucial for IAS exam preparation.
Education Timeline & Achievements
| Education Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary School | Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi (Classes I-V) |
| Secondary School | Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi (Classes VI-X) |
| Senior Secondary | Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi (Classes XI-XII) |
| 12th Grade Performance | 97.25% (Outstanding performance) |
| School Board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Undergraduate College | Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University |
| Degree | Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) |
| Specialization | Economics (Hons) |
| College Performance | Strong academic performance |
| UPSC Exam Preparation | Self-study and coaching at Chahal Academy |
| UPSC Qualification | AIR-1 in Civil Services Examination 2022-23 |
| UPSC Score | 1094 marks (out of 2025 maximum) |
| Optional Subject | Political Science & International Relations |
| Language Paper | English |
| Professional Training | Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie |
School Education: Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi
IAS Ishita Kishore completed her entire school education at Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi—one of India’s most prestigious institutions. The school, affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), is known for its high academic standards and emphasis on holistic development. The Air Force School’s curriculum and ethos emphasize patriotism, discipline, and values-based education.
Ishita’s 97.25% performance in her 12th-grade examination demonstrated her academic prowess and commitment to excellence. During her school days, she was actively involved in extracurricular activities including:
- Interact Club (a Rotary-sponsored youth organization)
- UN conferences participation
- Leadership roles in school activities
These experiences showcased her interest in global affairs and social responsibility.
Undergraduate Education: Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC)
After her impressive school performance, Ishita Kishore pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Economics at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), one of Delhi’s most prestigious institutions under Delhi University. SRCC is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and has produced numerous civil servants, economists, and business leaders.
The IAS officer’s choice of Economics as her specialization was strategic, as it provided deep insights into:
- Economic policy
- Public finance
- Development economics
- Macroeconomic concepts
These subjects proved directly relevant to IAS examination preparation. During her college years, she engaged with:
- Economic Society – Active participation in economic discussions
- Literary Society – Engagement with cultural and literary pursuits
- Academic excellence – Demonstrated strong performance throughout
Internship and Work Experience During College
During her college years at SRCC, Ishita Kishore completed an internship with Child Relief & You (CRY), a prominent NGO focused on child welfare and development. This exposure to grassroots social work and development issues helped shape her understanding of India’s social challenges and the importance of public service. The NGO experience broadened her perspective on governance, development, and the role of civil society in nation-building.
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approx. 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Build | Athletic (sports background) |
| Complexion | Fair |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Distinguishing Features | Athletic physique from sports activities |
| Fitness Level | Excellent (regular exercise) |
| Sports Background | National-level football player |
IAS Ishita Kishore Career Journey: UPSC Preparation & Success
| Year | Event / Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2014-2018 | Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) – Economics at SRCC, Delhi |
| 2018 | Graduation from Shri Ram College of Commerce |
| 2018-2019 | Employment as Risk Analyst at Ernst & Young |
| April 2019 | Decision to quit corporate job and pursue IAS dream |
| May 2019 | Officially resigned from Ernst & Young |
| June 2019 | Began formal UPSC preparation for Civil Services Exam |
| October 2019 | Attempted UPSC Civil Services Prelims (1st attempt) |
| November 2019 | Result: Did not qualify UPSC prelims (1st attempt) |
| December 2019 | Analyzed failures; restructured preparation strategy |
| June 2020 | Attempted UPSC Civil Services Prelims (2nd attempt) |
| July 2020 | Result: Did not qualify UPSC prelims (2nd attempt) |
| August 2020 | Major strategic revision; focus on answer writing |
| 2020-2021 | Intensive preparation for 3rd attempt with Chahal Academy |
| June 2021 | Attempted UPSC Civil Services Prelims (3rd attempt) |
| July 2021 | Result: QUALIFIED UPSC Prelims 3rd attempt |
| August 2021 | Began Mains examination preparation |
| September 2021 | Took UPSC Mains examination (9 papers over 18 days) |
| October 2021 | Completed Mains examination |
| November 2021 | Awaiting Mains results |
| December 2021 | Interview list announced – Ishita Kishore selected |
| January 2022 | UPSC Interview (Personality Test) conducted |
| February 2022 | Final results awaited |
| March 2022 | ANNOUNCED: IAS Ishita Kishore – AIR-1 (Civil Services 2022-23) |
| April-May 2022 | Foundation training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie begins |
| September 2022 | Completes Foundation Course at LBSNAA |
| October 2022 | Posted as Assistant Commissioner in assigned district |
| 2023-2026 | Serving as IAS officer in various postings |
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
IAS Officer Ishita Kishore: Honors & Distinctions
| Achievement | Description / Year |
|---|---|
| AIR-1 UPSC 2022-23 | Ranked 1st in All India among thousands of candidates |
| IAS Appointment | Selected for Indian Administrative Service |
| School Excellence | 97.25% in 12th Grade at Air Force Bal Bharati School |
| Delhi University | Merit position holder at SRCC, Delhi University |
| National Football | Represented India at national-level football competitions |
| CRY NGO | Internship and community service recognition |
| UPSC Score | 1094 marks (highest in Civil Services 2022-23 exam) |
| Optional Subject | Exceptional performance in Political Science & IR (313 marks total) |
| Personality Test | 193/200 marks in UPSC Interview |
| LBSNAA Training | Successful completion of foundation course |
| Administrative Service | Appointed as IAS officer in national service |
| Role Model Status | Recognized as inspiration for aspiring civil servants |
| Women Empowerment | Represents achievement of Indian women in public service |
| First Generation Winner | Among highest ranks for women in recent UPSC exams |
All India Rank 1 Achievement: Breaking Records
The crowning achievement in IAS Ishita Kishore’s career is securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022-23. This remarkable accomplishment places her among the elite civil servants in the nation. Out of approximately 10 lakh applicants, only about 1,000 are selected each year, and Ishita’s rank as 1 makes her the top performer. Her total UPSC score of 1094 marks demonstrates her comprehensive understanding of governance, current affairs, and policy issues.
Outstanding Optional Subject Performance
IAS Ishita Kishore chose Political Science & International Relations as her optional subject—a decision that proved strategically brilliant. Her combined score of 313 marks in both PSIR papers (147 and 166) demonstrates exceptional mastery of:
- Governance and polity
- Diplomacy and international relations
- Global affairs
- Constitutional matters
This choice directly contributed to her top rank and showcases her deep understanding of Indian polity and international relations.
Personality Test Excellent Performance
Scoring 193 out of 200 in the UPSC Personality Test (Interview) reflects Ishita Kishore’s confidence, communication skills, and personal qualities valued in civil service. The interview panel was impressed by her:
- Clarity of thought
- Articulation skills
- Commitment to public service
- All-round development (military background, sports achievements)
DETAILED MARKS & SCORE BREAKDOWN
IAS Ishita Kishore – Paper-wise UPSC Marks
| Paper / Component | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Essay | 137 |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 121 |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 130 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 88 |
| Paper V | General Studies IV | 112 |
| Optional Paper I | Political Science & IR | 147 |
| Optional Paper II | Political Science & IR | 166 |
| Written Examination Total | Total (7 Papers) | 901 |
| Interview/Personality Test | UPSC Interview | 193 |
| FINAL UPSC TOTAL | Written + Interview | 1094 |
| Percentile Rank | 100th Percentile | Top Rank |
| All India Rank | Rank 1 – AIR-1 | National Leader |
STRUGGLES, CHALLENGES & RESILIENCE
Overcoming Failure: The Path to AIR-1
IAS Ishita Kishore’s journey to AIR-1 was not straightforward. She faced two preliminary exam failures before succeeding on the third attempt. This struggle makes her success more meaningful and inspiring. The two failures—a devastating experience for any aspirant—became turning points in her preparation journey.
First Failure (October 2019)
In her first UPSC Prelims attempt in October 2019, Ishita Kishore did not qualify. This failure, coming just months into her full-time preparation after quitting her job, was psychologically challenging. However, she resisted the urge to blame external factors and instead focused on identifying weaknesses. She realized that her approach needed fundamental restructuring.
Second Failure (June 2020)
The second attempt in June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in another non-qualification. This double failure could have been demoralizing. Many aspirants give up after two failures, citing incompatibility with the exam. Ishita, however, chose to persist. She conducted a rigorous self-analysis to understand where her understanding was lacking.
Critical Changes After Two Failures
After her failures, Ishita Kishore implemented major strategic changes:
- Reassessment of entire strategy and approach
- Intensive focus on improving answer writing skills
- Better time management during examinations
- More rigorous mock test practice
- Increased weekly study hours to 40-45 hours
- Seeking professional guidance more actively
- Mental health management and stress reduction
Third Attempt Success (June 2021)
Her third attempt in June 2021 resulted in a successful qualification for the Mains examination. More importantly, her success in the subsequent Mains and Interview stages, culminating in AIR-1, vindicated all her efforts, failures, and perseverance. This journey demonstrates that UPSC success is not about intelligence alone but about resilience, adaptability, and refusal to quit.
Mental Health & Psychological Challenges
Beyond the examination stress, Ishita faced personal challenges. The death of her father when she was young, combined with the psychological burden of competitive exams, required strong mental fortitude. She managed these challenges through:
- Family support from mother and brother
- Consistent physical activity (sports)
- Maintaining perspective on the bigger picture—public service
- Seeking emotional support when needed
- Balancing studies with recreational activities
Her transparency about these struggles makes her an inspiration for aspirants facing similar psychological battles.
Final Message
IAS Ishita Kishore’s achievement of AIR-1 in UPSC 2022-23 is not just her personal victory but a moment of pride for Indian administration. Her journey from a military family background through rigorous academic preparation and corporate experience to becoming the nation’s top civil servant is a testament to her character, intellect, and determination.
As she embarks on her administrative career, the nation looks forward to her significant contributions to governance, policy-making, and public service. Her legacy will inspire countless future aspirants to pursue excellence not for personal gain but for the greater good of the nation.
Read More: Tina Dabi Age,anshika verma ips , srushti deshmukh age
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: What is Ishita Kishore’s current position?
A1: After completing her foundation training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, IAS Ishita Kishore was posted as an Assistant Commissioner in her assigned cadre. Her specific posting depends on the state cadre allocation decided by the UPSC/Government of India.
Q2: Is Ishita Kishore married?
A2: As of 2026, there is no confirmed public information about Ishita Kishore being married. She was unmarried at the time of her UPSC selection and has maintained privacy regarding her personal relationships.
Q3: What was Ishita Kishore’s UPSC rank and score?
A3: Ishita Kishore secured All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022-23 with a total score of 1094 marks out of 2025 possible marks.
Q4: On which attempt did Ishita Kishore clear UPSC?
A4: Ishita Kishore cleared the UPSC exam on her 3rd attempt. She appeared for the Prelims examination three times (2019, 2020, 2021) before successfully clearing in 2021 and proceeding to Mains.
Q5: What was her optional subject?
A5: Ishita Kishore chose Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject for the Mains examination. She scored 147 and 166 marks in PSIR Paper 1 and 2 respectively (total 313 marks).
Q6: What is Ishita Kishore’s age?
A6: Ishita Kishore was approximately 26 years old when she secured AIR-1 in March 2022. She was born around 1996, making her approximately 29-30 years old as of 2026.
Q7: Where did Ishita Kishore study?
A7: Ishita Kishore completed her school education at Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi (12th standard with 97.25% marks). For undergraduate studies, she attended Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, where she pursued Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Economics.
Q8: What was Ishita Kishore’s job before UPSC?
A8: Before pursuing UPSC full-time, Ishita Kishore worked as a Risk Analyst at Ernst & Young (EY), a global professional services firm. She resigned from this position in April 2019 to focus entirely on UPSC preparation.
Q9: How did Ishita Kishore prepare for UPSC?
A9: Ishita Kishore’s preparation included:
- Self-study using quality resources
- Coaching at Chahal Academy
- Regular practice with previous year question papers
- Mock tests
- Peer group discussions
- Daily answer writing practice
- Consistent newspaper reading
- Sports and recreational activities for mental health
- Dedicated 40-45 hours per week to preparation
Q10: What is special about Ishita Kishore’s journey?
A10: What makes Ishita Kishore’s journey special:
- Clearing UPSC on 3rd attempt after two failures—showing resilience
- Youngest topper at 26 years old
- National-level football player
- Coming from a military family background
- Quitting a well-paying corporate job for public service
- Securing the highest rank among thousands of candidates
- Excellent Optional subject marks (313 total)
- Strong interview performance (193/200)
Explore more blogs at: Pavan Datta IAS
