From Himachal village to Hindu College and KBC: How Vikas Singh Panwar secured AIR 159 in his first UPSC attempt
At 22, Vikas Singh Panwar has already achieved two milestones that are difficult enough on their own. The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 result placed him at All India Rank 159 in his very first attempt. Months earlier, while preparing for the same examination, he had appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17 and walked away with Rs 50 lakh.For Vikas, however, the UPSC achievement is also a story of where he started. He comes from Jubli village in Kupvi, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, and moved from the hills to Delhi for higher education and competitive-exam preparation.From Shimla school to Delhi’s Hindu CollegeVikas completed his schooling at DAV New Shimla School before joining Hindu College, University of Delhi, where he pursued a BA (Honours) in Political Science.The subject later became central to his UPSC preparation, with Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as his optional subject. His academic record also includes qualification in the UGC-NET examination, while he is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Political Science.His family background provided another connection to education and public service. His father, Chater Singh, is a government school principal, giving Vikas early exposure to both teaching and public service.Preparing for the Civil Services Examination can involve considerable financial and academic demands, particularly when aspirants move to coaching hubs such as Delhi.Vikas received a 100% scholarship through the NEXT IAS National Scholarship Test, enabling him to join the institute for structured UPSC preparation. His profile is also listed among students associated with its GS Foundation and Current Affairs courses.The opportunity came at a crucial stage as he prepared for what would eventually become his first UPSC attempt.
Rs 50 lakh on KBC, AIR 159 in UPSC: How 22-year-old Vikas Singh Panwar achieved both while preparing for civil services
From KBC contestant to Rs 50 lakh winnerWhile his UPSC preparation was underway, Vikas appeared on Amitabh Bachchan-hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17 in November 2025.His performance on the quiz show brought him into the national spotlight. He chose to quit after reaching the Rs 50 lakh question rather than risk his winnings on the Rs 1 crore question.There was an interesting twist afterwards. When asked to guess the answer to the Rs 1 crore question, Vikas gave the correct answer despite having already decided to leave the game.The episode showcased his knowledge and composure months before the UPSC result added another major achievement to his record.AIR 159 in his first UPSC attemptVikas secured 988 marks out of 2,025 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.His score included 787 marks in the Written (Mains) Examination and 201 marks in the Personality Test. With this performance, he secured AIR 159 in his first attempt.His choice of Political Science and International Relations as the optional subject also connected his academic background directly with his civil services preparation.A journey that began in a Himalayan villageWhat makes Vikas’s profile particularly striking is the range of milestones he has achieved at a young age — from studying Political Science at one of Delhi University’s prominent colleges and qualifying UGC-NET to winning Rs 50 lakh on television and subsequently securing a place among the top candidates in the country’s toughest competitive examination.His journey also illustrates how access to higher education, scholarships and structured preparation can help students from smaller towns and villages compete at the national level.From Jubli village in Himachal Pradesh to Delhi’s classrooms, a national television quiz show and finally the UPSC merit list, Vikas Singh Panwar’s story has unfolded across very different stages — with education remaining a common thread throughout.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and inputs. TOI Education has not independently verified all claims mentioned above.
