Ishita Kishore Biography, Net Worth, Parents, Cars, Career

Ishita Kishore is a name synonymous with perseverance, dedication, and academic excellence. She achieved the prestigious All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward public service.

Profile

Early Life and Background

Ishita Kishore was born in 1996 in Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. While her birthplace is Hyderabad, she is a native of Patna, Bihar, and has spent a significant part of her life in Delhi, where she considers herself a “true Delhiite.” Her upbringing was shaped by a family that valued education, discipline, and service to the nation, which played a pivotal role in her development.

Ishita’s father, Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore, was an officer in the Indian Air Force until his untimely demise in 2004. His legacy of discipline and commitment to serving the country profoundly influenced Ishita’s aspirations to pursue a career in public service. Her mother, Jyoti Kishore, a retired private school teacher, provided unwavering support and guidance throughout Ishita’s academic and professional journey. Ishita is the younger of two siblings, with an elder brother, Ishan Harsh, who is an advocate by profession. This family environment fostered a strong sense of responsibility and ambition in Ishita from a young age.

Growing up, Ishita displayed exceptional academic prowess and a passion for extracurricular activities. Her early years were marked by a balance of intellectual rigor and a competitive spirit, particularly in sports, where she excelled as a national-level football player.

Ishita Kishore Education

Ishita’s academic journey is a testament to her intellectual capabilities and disciplined approach to learning. She completed her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School in Delhi in 2014, specializing in the Commerce stream with a focus on mathematics. Her academic excellence was evident as she secured an outstanding 97.25% in her Class 12 examinations, along with 96.6% in her Class 10 exams, showcasing her consistency and dedication.

After high school, Ishita pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honours) at the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, from 2014 to 2017. Her choice of Economics provided her with a strong foundation in understanding complex societal and economic issues, which later proved beneficial in her UPSC preparation. During her college years, she was actively involved in co-curricular activities, serving as the Secretary of the Commerce Society and participating in the Economic Society and Literary Society. She also played a key role in organizing SRCC’s annual ‘Bizstreet’ fest, demonstrating her leadership and organizational skills.

Ishita’s educational background, combined with her exposure to diverse activities, shaped her analytical and critical thinking abilities, which were crucial for her success in the UPSC examination.

Ishita Kishore Career

Before embarking on her UPSC journey, Ishita gained valuable professional experience in the corporate sector. After graduating from SRCC in 2017, she joined Ernst & Young (EY) in Gurgaon as a Risk Analyst, where she worked from June 2017 to March 2019. At EY, she specialized in serving North American clients, honing her analytical skills and gaining insights into the complexities of the business world. Her corporate experience enhanced her problem-solving abilities and broadened her perspective on global affairs, which later complemented her preparation for the civil services.

In addition to her role at EY, Ishita undertook internships that enriched her professional portfolio. In 2015, she interned at the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited, and in 2016, she worked at GAIL (India) Ltd. These experiences provided her with practical exposure to organizational dynamics and public sector operations. Furthermore, in 2015, she interned with the NGO Child Rights and You (CRY), where she taught children at a shelter home in Tihar Jail, reflecting her commitment to social welfare.

UPSC Journey

In 2019, Ishita made a bold decision to resign from her corporate job at EY to pursue her dream of becoming a civil servant. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to contribute to public governance and make a meaningful impact on society, inspired by her father’s legacy of service to the nation. The UPSC Civil Services Examination, known for its rigor and competitiveness, became her focus, and she dedicated herself to preparing for it with unwavering commitment.

Ishita’s UPSC journey was not without challenges. In her first two attempts, she failed to clear the preliminary examination, a significant setback for any aspirant. However, her resilience and determination kept her focused. She adopted a disciplined study routine, dedicating 8–10 hours daily and 40–45 hours weekly to her preparation. Ishita emphasized the importance of consistency, discipline, and periodic self-evaluation of study plans, which helped her refine her strategy.

For the UPSC Mains, Ishita chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject, despite her academic background in Economics. This strategic choice aligned with her interest in governance and global affairs, and she leveraged mentoring to master the subject, even though she did not rely heavily on coaching. Her preparation included studying fundamental books, making self-made notes from newspapers for current affairs, and solving previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern.

In her third attempt in 2022, Ishita’s hard work paid off spectacularly. She not only cleared the preliminary and mains examinations but also excelled in the interview stage, securing a total of 1,094 marks out of 2,025. This included 901 marks in the written examination and 193 marks in the interview, earning her the coveted AIR 1. Her marksheet reflects her exceptional performance across all stages, with 113.13 marks in the Prelims GS paper and 91.97 marks in the CSAT paper, totaling 205.1 marks in the UPSC Prelims CSE 2022.

Ishita’s success in the UPSC CSE 2022 was a landmark achievement, as she became one of the 933 qualified candidates, with 14 women among the top 25. Her choice of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with a preference for the Uttar Pradesh cadre underscores her commitment to serving at the grassroots level. As of 2025, Ishita is undergoing training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), preparing to take on her role as an IAS officer.

Ishita Kishore Personal Life

Ishita Kishore is unmarried and has maintained a low profile regarding her personal life, keeping the focus on her professional achievements. She is single, and there is no publicly available information about any romantic relationships. Her family, consisting of her mother and elder brother, has been a pillar of support throughout her journey, providing emotional and motivational backing during her UPSC preparation.

Ishita follows Hinduism and belongs to the Kayastha caste, though she emphasizes that her achievements transcend caste or religious boundaries. Her religious beliefs have helped her stay focused and grounded, contributing to her mental resilience. In her free time, Ishita enjoys playing squash and has a keen interest in Madhubani painting, reflecting her appreciation for art and culture. Her favorite Bollywood film, Dangal, resonates with her own story of perseverance and triumph against odds.

Ishita’s passion for sports is notable, as she was a national-level football player and participated in the Subroto Cup in 2012. Her athletic background highlights her ability to balance physical fitness with intellectual pursuits. Additionally, her involvement in extracurricular activities, such as presiding over the Rotary-sponsored Interact club and organizing mock United Nations sessions during school, showcases her leadership and public speaking skills.

Ishita Kishore Net Worth

As of 2025, precise details about Ishita Kishore’s net worth are not publicly available, as is common for civil servants whose financial details are not typically disclosed. However, some insights can be drawn based on her career trajectory and current role. During her time at Ernst & Young, Ishita likely earned a competitive salary as a Risk Analyst, commensurate with industry standards for a multinational firm. Her internships and other professional engagements would have contributed modestly to her savings.

As an IAS officer in training, Ishita’s income is derived from the stipend provided during her time at LBSNAA, which is modest compared to corporate salaries. Once she assumes her role as an IAS officer, her salary will align with the pay scale for IAS officers in India, which includes a basic pay of approximately ₹56,100 per month at the entry level (Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission), along with allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Travel Allowance. Over time, promotions and increments will increase her earnings significantly.

Ishita’s net worth is likely modest at this stage, primarily comprising savings from her corporate career and her current stipend. She has not been associated with any high-profile investments, endorsements, or business ventures, as her focus remains on public service. Her financial rewards are secondary to her commitment to societal impact, and her net worth is expected to grow steadily as she progresses in her IAS career.

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Ishita Kishore Parents and Family

Ishita’s family has been a cornerstone of her success. Her father, Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore, served in the Indian Air Force until his passing in 2004. His dedication to the nation inspired Ishita’s ambition to serve as a civil servant. Her mother, Jyoti Kishore, a retired private school teacher, provided a nurturing environment and encouraged Ishita’s academic and personal growth. Jyoti’s role as an educator likely influenced Ishita’s disciplined approach to learning.

Ishita’s elder brother, Ishan Harsh, is a lawyer by profession and has been a supportive figure in her life. As the younger of two siblings, Ishita benefited from a close-knit family that stood by her during the challenges of UPSC preparation. Her family’s belief in her abilities, even after her initial failures, was instrumental in her eventual triumph.

Ishita Kishore Cars and Assets

There is no publicly available information regarding Ishita Kishore’s ownership of cars or other significant assets. As a civil servant in training, her lifestyle is likely modest, and her focus is on her professional responsibilities rather than material possessions. IAS officers typically have access to government-provided vehicles for official duties, but personal ownership of luxury cars or high-value assets is not associated with Ishita based on available data.

FAQs

Who is Ishita Kishore?

Ishita Kishore is an Indian civil services aspirant who topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022, securing All India Rank 1. She has become an inspiration for countless aspirants across the country due to her dedication, discipline, and journey through multiple attempts.

What is her educational background?

She completed her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School in New Delhi and went on to pursue Economics Honours at the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, graduating in 2017. Her academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in economics and public policy.

What did she do before preparing for UPSC?

Before taking up UPSC preparation full-time, Ishita worked as a Risk Analyst at Ernst & Young (EY) from 2017 to 2019. Her corporate experience gave her valuable insights into organizational structure and economics, which helped in her exam preparation.

How many attempts did she take to clear UPSC?

Ishita cleared the exam in her third attempt. She didn’t qualify prelims in her first two tries, making her eventual success even more inspiring. Her journey reflects resilience and the importance of consistent effort.

What was her optional subject in UPSC?

She chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject, a popular choice among aspirants with an interest in governance, polity, and international affairs.

Social Media Handle

Instagram: @ishita.kishore_