SHUBHAM KUMAR UPSC 2020-21 Rank-1

Shubham Kumar, a native of Bihar, topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020 in his third attempt. He initially faced failure in his first attempt in 2018 but persisted, securing AIR 290 in 2019 and being selected for the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS). However, his aspiration was to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), which he achieved in 2020. Shubham’s motivation to enter the civil services stemmed from a desire to work for the underprivileged, especially in rural areas. His vision includes focusing on employment generation, poverty alleviation, and rural development​.

• Shubham Kumar pursued his education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. His academic background in engineering combined with a keen interest in public policy and governance pushed him towards the civil services​.
• He commenced his academic journey at Vidya Vihar Residential School in Purnia, where he excelled and consistently achieved high marks throughout his primary and secondary education.
• Subsequently, he transitioned to Jharkhand to complete his senior education at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro.
• Following this, he pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Civil Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, from 2013 to 2017.
• Apart from his formal education, Kumar has acquired a range of certifications across diverse domains. These certifications have contributed to his comprehensive knowledge in various fields, proving advantageous in his capacity as a civil servant.

• IAS Shubham Kumar, who clinched the coveted top spot in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2020, originates from the Katihar district in Bihar.
• His father holds the position of a Bank Manager in Katihar, Bihar, while his mother is a homemaker.
• Kumar's upbringing was significantly shaped by his parents' commitment to education and their emphasis on the values of diligence and discipline.
• Additionally, his elder sister holds a position as a Scientist at BARC.
• Throughout his preparation journey, the 2020 UPSC topper received unwavering encouragement and backing from his family.
• They played a pivotal role in propelling him toward his aspirations. They have aided him in surmounting challenges, offering him resources and guidance, or simply offering words of encouragement and commendation.

Shubham’s decision to pursue civil services was largely influenced by his desire to make a meaningful impact on society. Having grown up in a rural setting, he was aware of the various challenges faced by underprivileged communities, particularly in terms of poverty and lack of access to basic resources. His goal was to contribute to the development of rural areas, focusing on infrastructure, education, and employment. For Shubham, the IAS presented the best platform to address these issues on a large scale​.

Marks Obtained:

Shubham faced a series of challenges throughout his UPSC journey. After failing in his first attempt in 2018, he did not lose hope and improved his preparation methods, which eventually helped him secure a rank in 2019. Despite securing a respectable position, he was not content as he had his heart set on joining the IAS. His ability to remain persistent and improve his preparation with each attempt is a testament to his resilience and hard work. Balancing his engineering background with the demands of the UPSC syllabus, which involves humanities subjects, was also a significant challenge.

• IAS Shubham Kumar's achievement serves as proof that through diligent effort, unwavering commitment, and a well-devised plan, individuals can turn their dreams into reality.
• His transition from a modest Bihar town to securing the top spot in the UPSC is a wellspring of motivation for countless prospective civil servants nationwide.
• Shubham Kumar attributes his triumph to rigorous labour, steadfast dedication, and a meticulously crafted preparation strategy.
• Witnessing the challenges faced by rural communities from a young age ignited his singular determination to pursue this vocation.
• As the UPSC topper of 2020, Shubham advises aspiring UPSC candidates to maintain consistency, work diligently, and exercise patience.
• According to him, unwavering consistency and diligent effort form the cornerstone of success.
• He encourages candidates to engage in extensive practice, leverage their strengths, and never relinquish hope.
• Through unyielding dedication and persistent effort, candidates can realise their cherished objectives.

For Prelims:

• He initiated his groundwork by immersing himself in a thorough study of NCERT books before progressing to more advanced texts.
• Shubham emphasized the importance of solving as many mock tests as possible. He regularly practiced previous years’ question papers and focused on covering the entire syllabus, giving equal weightage to both static and dynamic portions.

For Mains:

• He focused heavily on writing practice, refining his answer-writing skills by attempting multiple mock tests. He advised aspirants to pay special attention to the optional subject and essay paper, which can significantly boost overall marks.He focused on honing his answer-writing skills and routinely took mock tests to evaluate his progress. Shubham Kumar also directed his efforts towards establishing a robust foundation in his chosen optional subject, Anthropology.
• IAS Shubham Kumar opted for Anthropology as his optional subject for the UPSC examination. He discovered the subject and its syllabus to be captivating, aligning perfectly with his core interests, which contributed to his proficiency in it. Consequently, he achieved commendable scores in this area. It is imperative for candidates to make a prudent choice when selecting their optional subject, rather than simply following what is perceived as easy or popular. It is vital to pick a subject that resonates with their passions, aptitudes, and abilities. This strategic choice can enhance their performance in the examination.
• Shubham also stressed understanding the demand of each question and structuring answers logically.

For Interview:

• His strategy involved staying updated on current affairs and developing clarity of thought on various socio-economic issues. He prepared by conducting mock interviews and working on body language, confidence, and communication skills​.