In a remarkable achievement for Himachal Pradesh, 22-year-old Vikas Panwar from Kupvi, Shimla district has cleared the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination in his very first attempt, securing an impressive 159th rank.
Panwar completed his schooling at DAV School, New Shimla, where he consistently topped his class in both Class 10 and Class 12. He later earned a BA (Honours) in Political Science from Hindu College, Delhi University.
His father, Chhatar Singh, is a Principal at a state government school and has previously served in the Panchayati Raj Department and as an Income Tax Inspector.
Before achieving success in the UPSC, Panwar had already made headlines nationally by winning Rs 50 lakh on the popular quiz show “Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC)” in November 2025, demonstrating his knowledge and quick thinking on a prominent platform.
Panwar’s journey from a quiz show champion to a successful civil services candidate has become a source of pride for Himachal Pradesh and serves as an inspiration to young aspirants, particularly from rural areas, who dream of joining the civil services.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
