Women candidates are making unprecedented gains in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), with their representation doubling over 5 years, according to newly released government data. The figures presented in the Lok Sabha reflect a transformative shift in the gender distribution of India’s most competitive examination, marking a milestone for UPSC women candidates and equal participation in public service.
Women Candidates See the Sharpest Rise in 5 Years
The data shows a steady and significant increase in the number of women clearing the exam. In 2019, 220 women out of 922 qualified, accounting for 24% of the final list. By 2023, this number rose to 397 out of 1,132 candidates, pushing their share to 35%, the highest in recent years. Before assessing the year-wise progress, it helps to understand how fluctuations align with changes in the total number of qualified candidates and the evolving participation trends in the Civil Services Exam. The year-wise figures highlight both resilience and gradual improvement:
- 2019: 220 women qualified
- 2020: 238 women qualified
- 2021: Dip to 201 women
- 2022: Surge to 351 women
- 2023: Record high of 397 women
Experts link the 2021 dip to the reduced total qualifying numbers that year, while the rebound from 2022 onwards reflects stronger preparation access, improved mentorship, and rising awareness around governance careers.
Engineering Graduates Still Lead in UPSC Selections
A notable highlight from the data is the continued dominance of engineering graduates in UPSC results. In 2023, 554 engineers qualified, outnumbering candidates from humanities (368), science (137), and medical backgrounds (73). Education analysts say engineers continue to excel due to structured problem-solving skills, strong conceptual grounding, and disciplined exam preparation frameworks.
More Graduates Cracking UPSC as Participation Rises
Another significant trend is the increase in the number of bachelor’s degree holders clearing the exam. The count rose from 672 in 2019 to 848 in 2023, reflecting a broader pool of graduates preparing for and succeeding in the CSE. Before reviewing the selection steps and upcoming result updates, it is important to recall that the UPSC Civil Services Exam follows a rigorous 3-stage process:
- Preliminary exam
- Main written exam
- Personality test (interview)
The government confirmed that UPSC CSE 2024 results are under compilation, with the reserve list released on 10/28/2025, while CSE 2025 results are yet to be announced.
