UPSC rank 301 turns into a mystery as two candidates named Akanksha Singh claim it

Civil Services Examination results typically bring celebrations for successful candidates and their families. But one rank in the list has now turned into an unexpected controversy.According to a report by PTI, two women named Akanksha Singh from different states are claiming the same rank in the exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The dispute centres on rank 301.One of the claimants is Akanksha Singh from Ara in Bihar. As reported by PTI, she is the granddaughter of Brahmeshwar Singh, founder of the banned militia Ranvir Sena.She said that she secured the 301st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 in her second attempt.“I was confident about securing the result this time around. This was my grandfather’s dream. He had a lot of belief in me,” she said. Brahmeshwar Singh was murdered in 2012.Speaking about her preparation, she said she followed a disciplined routine while preparing for the exam.“I used to study 8–10 hours a day. My parents played a great role in my success. Last year, when I failed to clear the exam, they kept supporting me without any frustration or anger,” she said.Meanwhile, another candidate with the same name from Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh has also claimed that the rank belongs to her.As reported by PTI, she posted on Facebook alleging that her identity was being misused.“It has come to light that my rank and identity are being impersonated by others,” she wrote, sharing documents that she said were her original ID and e-summon.The controversy intensified after an admit card circulating on social media appeared to show the same name and roll number. This detail added to the confusion surrounding the claim.However, there is one key difference. While the name and roll numbers appear similar, the fathers’ names mentioned in the documents are different.With conflicting claims emerging, attention has now turned to the Union Public Service Commission for an official clarification.Until the commission responds, the unusual situation involving two candidates with the same name claiming rank 301 continues to draw attention online.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)