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Ishita Kishore AIR 1: Biography, Marks, Strategy, Optional Subject & Success Story

Ishita Kishore AIR 1 in UPSC 2022 secured the top rank in her third attempt with Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject. Known for her disciplined preparation, strong answer-writing skills, and consistent revision, she scored 1094 marks and became an inspiration for UPSC aspirants across India.
authorImageSoumya Tiwari26 Mar, 2026
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Ishita Kishore AIR 1

The success story of Ishita Kishore UPSC topper is one of determination, resilience, and smart strategy. Securing Ishita Kishore rank 1 UPSC in the Civil Services Examination 2022, she proved that consistency and the right approach matter more than anything else in this highly competitive exam.

Her journey was not easy. From failing to clear prelims in her initial attempts to becoming UPSC topper Ishita Kishore, her story is a perfect example of how persistence and self-improvement can lead to extraordinary success.

Ishita Kishore UPSC 2022 Topper Overview

Particulars

Details

Name

Ishita Kishore

Age (at qualifying)

26 years

Rank

AIR 1 (UPSC 2022)

Attempt

3rd Attempt

Optional Subject

Political Science & International Relations (PSIR)

Family Background

Father (late Wing Commander, Indian Air Force), Mother (retired teacher), Brother (advocate)

Hometown

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

School

Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi

College & Stream

Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University – Economics (Hons)

Selected Service

Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

Ishita Kishore Biography

When discussing Ishita Kishore biography, her background reflects a mix of discipline, academic excellence, and strong values. She was born in Hyderabad but spent much of her early life in Bihar before moving to Delhi. Coming from a defence background, her father served as a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force, while her mother worked as a teacher.

This environment instilled discipline and a sense of responsibility in her from a young age. Apart from academics, she was also active in sports and even played football at the national level, showcasing her all-round personality.

Ishita Kishore Education

Talking about Ishita Kishore education, she completed her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School in New Delhi, where she performed exceptionally well in academics. She later pursued Economics (Hons.) from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, one of the most prestigious colleges in India.

After graduation, she worked as a Risk Analyst at Ernst & Young. However, her passion for civil services led her to leave her corporate job and fully dedicate herself to UPSC preparation, which turned out to be a defining decision in her life.

Ishita Kishore Attempt and Journey

The story of Ishita Kishore attempt is one of persistence. She cleared UPSC in her third attempt, which makes her journey highly relatable for aspirants.

Attempt Journey

  • 1st Attempt: Did not clear prelims

  • 2nd Attempt: Again missed prelims

  • 3rd Attempt: Secured AIR 1

Instead of giving up, she analysed her mistakes and improved her preparation strategy.

Ishita Kishore Optional Subject

The Ishita Kishore optional subject was Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), which played a crucial role in her success.

Why PSIR Worked for Her

  • Strong overlap with General Studies

  • Helps in essay and interview

  • Improves analytical thinking

  • Useful for current affairs linking

Her optional choice added depth to her answers and boosted her overall score.

Ishita Kishore Marks & Marksheet

The Ishita Kishore marks highlight her balanced and consistent performance across all papers. Her strong score in both General Studies and optional subject played a key role in securing Ishita Kishore AIR 1 in UPSC 2022.

Ishita Kishore Marksheet (UPSC 2022)

Paper / Subject

Marks Obtained

Essay (Paper I)

137

General Studies I (Paper II)

121

General Studies II (Paper III)

130

General Studies III (Paper IV)

88

General Studies IV (Paper V)

112

Optional Paper I (PSIR)

147

Optional Paper II (PSIR)

166

Written Total

901

Personality Test (Interview)

193

Final Total

1094

 

Ishita Kishore Preparation Strategy

The Ishita Kishore strategy focused on consistency, clarity, and smart preparation rather than studying excessively. She emphasized strong fundamentals, regular practice, and continuous improvement through analysis.

  • Focused on NCERTs and limited standard books for strong basics

  • Practised daily answer writing to improve structure and presentation

  • Followed regular revision cycles with short, crisp notes

  • Managed time effectively with a disciplined study routine

  • Attempted mock tests regularly and analysed mistakes deeply

  • Prioritized quality study over quantity to maintain consistency

Ishita Kishore FAQs

Q1. Who is Ishita Kishore?

Ishita Kishore is the UPSC 2022 topper who secured AIR 1 in the Civil Services Examination.

Q2. What is Ishita Kishore optional subject?

Her optional subject was Political Science and International Relations (PSIR).

Q3. In which attempt did Ishita Kishore clear UPSC?

She cleared the exam in her third attempt.
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