A BCA graduate from Delhi University’s Maitreyi College, Mukta appeared for the UPSC exams for the fourth time last year while for brother Mukul, an Economics graduate from Sri Ram College of Commerce and currently a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University, this was a second attempt.

And Friday was a day that brought proud moments for the family. “My grandfather was a contract labourer and grandmother did odd jobs. But my father was bright and worked his way up. This is what is needed to excel in life,” Mukul says.

Seven women are among the top 20 in the list of successful candidates. Of the 734 recommended for appointment this year, OBC candidates account for 266 while 128 belong to Scheduled Castes and 54 to Scheduled Tribes. There are 580 men and 154 women on the list. The selected candidates include 22 physically challenged.

Out of the 20 top-rankers, seven are from engineering background while three are medicos. Interestingly, all the 20 toppers took their examinations in English.