Shubham Kumar, a local boy from Kumhari hamlet village in Katihar district, Bihar, became popular overnight after winning the most coveted UPSC examination, in 2020. Shubham Kumar works as an administrative officer in India. In the year 2020, he aced the Union Public Service Commission examination and received an AIR 1. IAS Shubham Kumar has been a source of inspiration for India’s youth. He has made it his mission to address all concerns concerning people. He believes that every public worker should be a “people connect” since he or she is required to serve the people at the grassroots level. Â
Shubham made several changes to his preparation method after failing to pass the UPSC CSE prelims in his first attempt in 2018, which improved things for him in his next two attempts in 2019 and 2020.
He graduated from IIT Bombay with an engineering degree after growing up in Katihar, Bihar. Shubham claims that after a business internship at IIT, he was clear that he did not want to work in the corporate sector.
Shubham Kumar’s Early Years
Shubham Kumar IAS grew up in the small Bihar village of Kumhari Kadwa, in the district of Katihar. Bihar was his home during his youth and adolescence. He received his primary education at a regional school in his area and completed his secondary education at Vidya Vihar Residential School in Parora, Purnia. He finished his senior secondary education at Chinmaya Vidyalaya Bokaro in Jharkhand. After completing his high school education, Kumar began studying for the engineering entrance exam, where he placed 219th and was immediately accepted into India’s top institution, IIT Bombay. Shubham graduated from IIT Bombay with a B.Tech in civil engineering in 2014. He was a really active student at IIT Bombay, participating in a variety of sports. He was also his hostel’s cultural secretary. He ultimately, objectively chose to enter the Civil Services at the same institute. Shubham Kumar has previously worked as a researcher in the United States. He realized there were many holes in India during his time as a researcher in the United States, and he decided he wanted to work for the country’s growth.
Family Background
Shubham Kumar is from Bihar, as is his family. Devanad Singh, his father, is a Branch Manager at the Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank in Bihar. Punam Devi is his mother’s name. Kumar is the youngest of two brothers and sisters. Ankita is his older sister, and she works as a scientist at BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre). Shubham Kumar claims that his bank manager’s father kept him motivated throughout his preparation. His mother, a housewife, and his older sister, a physicist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), were also there for him.
Shubham Kumar’s Age
Kumar, an IAS officer, is 24 years old. According to his father, he was determined to achieve his goals from an early age and was a hard worker. He didn’t give up after failing to pass the exam the first time; instead, he got back up and devoted himself totally to his preparation, achieving the highest position he desired.
UPSC Marksheet of Shubham Kumar
Following are the marks secured by Shubham Kumar:
| Subjects | Marks |
| Essay Paper-I | 134 |
| General Studies-I | 115 |
| General Studies-II | 111 |
| General Studies-III | 092 |
| General Studies-IV | 106 |
| Optional-I Anthropology (Paper-VI) | 170 |
| Optional-II Anthropology (Paper-VII) | 150 |
| Written Total | 878 |
| Personality Test | 176 |
| Final Total | 1054 |
Marks and Result
In the year 2020, Indian Administrative Officer Kumar achieved All India Rank 1 with an overall score of 1054. He received 878 points in the written exam and 176 points in the personality test. As an elective, he chose Anthropology. As a result, he received high scores and a high ranking on the Union Public Service Commission examination. The result was announced based on the written section of the CSE, 2020 and the group discussion or interview for the Union Public Service Commission’s personality test. Kumar, an Indian Administrative Officer, was ranked first in the 2020 examination with a score of 1054.
Optional Subject of IAS Shubham Kumar
Shubham chose Anthropology as his optional subject in IAS. Optional Paper-I (Anthropology) (Paper-VI) received 170 points, while Optional Paper-II (Anthropology) received 150 points (Paper-VII). In the Union Public Service Commission examination, option plays a significant part. It is recommended that you choose an optional subject that you are already familiar with and have a good understanding of. Because the grades you earn in the optional topic have an impact on your overall grade. Shubham Kumar claims that focusing on his optional subject in his third attempt helped him score higher. He also advised applicants not to pick up new books or study materials during the revision period. He used current events from newspapers to learn about the environment and science.
His Strategy for UPSC
“I gave my first try in 2018 shortly after graduating from IIT Bombay civil engineering,” IAS Kumar stated, emphasizing his preparation plan for the Union Public Service Commission test. During UPSC preparations, I was not working. I shall devote my entire effort to public service.” He used certain tactics during his preparation because he was dead set on passing the exam this time. Kumar stated that Anthropology was an optional subject in his main exams. Kumar also expressed his thoughts on Bihar, saying that the state is full of prospects and that all businesses are developing in the region.
Based on the written test and personality exam that took place in August-September 2021, around 761 aspirants were recommended for nomination. The previous year’s CSE (Prelims) was held on October 4th. IAS Shubham received the highest AIR rank of all the contestants. His commitment and hard work had paid off. The Union Public Service Commission administers the Civil Services Exam in three stages: preliminary, main, and interview, and he excelled at all three (1054 marks).
Interview with Shubham Kumar
IAS Kumar stated in an interview that the development of villages, employment creation, and poverty eradication in rural areas of the country will be his top priorities. He went on to say,
“My ambition was to join the IAS since it provides a larger platform from which to work for the development of the people.” It has occurred to me that I would like to work for the poor, particularly in rural areas. My father used to push me and assist me in maintaining a positive mindset, which helped me pass the exam. Since 2018, I’ve been prepping. I couldn’t believe when I got the results today. Regardless of the role to which I am allocated, I shall give it my all.”
“Before the prelims and mains, I used to be afraid of being disqualified. I was blessed to have my friends and family’s unwavering support. I had a good study strategy and employed self-analysis to keep my preparation on track. This was a surprise to me. When my family and I first saw the rank list, we couldn’t believe it. It took a long time for us to realize what had transpired. My folks are ecstatic about my accomplishment… I intend to serve as an IAS officer in the field of rural development. If I get Bihar cadre, I’ll be overjoyed.”
Shubham’s Preparation During Covid-19:
In 2020, when the entire country was infected with Covid-19, Shubham was concentrating on his own preparation. He didn’t opt for any classes at the time, so he spent his time-solving mock exams and test series with his buddies who were also studying for the exam. They used to trade answer sheets and double-check each other’s work.
Preparation Techniques Inspired by UPSC Topper Shubham Kumar
The Union Public Service Commission exam cannot be passed only on the basis of academic performance. The personality assessment stage of the Union Public Service Commission exam system is when the Union Public Service Commission council examines the candidate’s attitude and dignity for duty and follows the obligations in the interview or group discussion. All-rounders are projected to be among the UPSC toppers. Even in exams, the focus should not be solely on completing the Union Public Service Commission syllabus’ subject themes, but on regularly obtaining information and perceptions of current events occurring in and around the country or internationally.
The sole difference between an aspirant who passed the exam and one who did not is the amount of time spent studying. So, in order to attain your desired score, it’s critical to prepare effectively and efficiently.
Some tips which will help in preparing for UPSC:
- Examine the Union Public Service Commission Syllabus. Often, aspirants are in such a rush that they fail to thoroughly review the syllabus, resulting in the omission of a few topics. Which could appear on the exam.
- Shubham encourages applicants to avoid social media as much as possible because it is a major source of distraction. Social media would just waste their time, and appropriate time management is the most critical element during UPSC preparation.
- Recognizing the examination’s structure. To learn the structure, you should practice past years’ test papers. It will be easier to write the paper during the exam once you have a good understanding of the pattern.
- Time management is critical; if you don’t manage your time, you risk missing questions on the exam. So put in as much practice time as you can. Keep track of your future exam dates at all times.
- Taking mock tests, according to Shubham, is crucial. Mock tests can provide you with a clear view of where you stand and how well you’re preparing. He took as many as 70-75 practice tests in his 2019 try and 40-45 simulated tests in his 2020 prelims effort. He took one-hour simulated tests every day and a full-length three-hour mock test every third day during his main preparation. Mock exams, he claims, are an excellent approach to identifying strong and weak areas and improving them.
- After you’ve finished each topic, go over it again and take notes.
- Work on your flaws while enhancing your strengths.
- Reading the newspaper to be informed about current events on a national and worldwide level.
- Last but not least, keep a cheerful attitude; your mental health comes first.
Advice from Shubham to UPSC Aspirants from Rural Background:
“Where there is a will, there is a way,” according to Shubham. Regardless of their income or social standing, anyone from anywhere can be successful. In today’s world, anyone from anywhere in the country can simply acquire study materials. He used notes from Delhi’s “Kumar Book Centre.” Aside from that, most of the information may be found on the internet. Shubham advised candidates to keep a good group of friends, which would serve as a great source of support and encouragement.
Shubham Kumar’s Success Mantra
According to the young UPSC Topper, staying focused and persistent is the key to success. Shubham believes in the Power of Self-Assessment and Self-Analysis and feels that education plays a critical role in our society and that it should not be taken lightly. It has the ability to overcome any adversity that may arise.
Shubham Kumar’s Vision
Shubham wishes to work for the holistic upliftment of rural India, improving the people’s entire education and financial status. He also wants to find a way to deal with the flood issue in Bihar. In his work as an IAS officer, Shubham Kumar says he wants to focus on poverty reduction and the development of villages and their people. His ambition was to join the IAS because it would provide him with a larger platform from which to help the poor, particularly in rural areas.
Conclusion
Aspirants preparing for the UPSC should be consistent, hardworking, and patient, according to Shubham. Shubham believes that consistency is the key to success. Never give up hope, believe in your syllabus, put in a lot of practice time, and concentrate on your strengths. Nothing is impossible to attain in life if you put your mind to it and work hard enough. As in the case of topper Shubham Kumar, who didn’t give up after several failed tries and worked hard to earn the highest AIR rank. So simply concentrate on your studies and you might be able to pass the Union Public Service Commission exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. FAQ: Who is Shubham Kumar, and what is his significance in the UPSC CSE 2020 results?
Answer: Shubham Kumar secured the All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2020. He emerged as the topper among thousands of candidates who appeared for the prestigious exam, showcasing exceptional dedication and competence in the diverse subjects covered.
2. FAQ: What is Shubham Kumar’s educational background?
Answer: Shubham Kumar, the UPSC CSE 2020 topper, hails from Bihar and has a background in engineering. He completed his studies in electrical engineering before venturing into the field of civil services preparation, proving that candidates from various academic backgrounds can excel in the UPSC exam.
3. FAQ: What strategy did Shubham Kumar adopt to secure AIR 1 in UPSC CSE 2020?
Answer: Shubham Kumar’s success is attributed to a well-rounded and consistent preparation strategy. He focused on a deep understanding of the subjects, regular revision, and practicing answer writing. Additionally, he emphasized current affairs and integrated them with static portions, ensuring a holistic approach to the examination.
4. FAQ: Did Shubham Kumar have any unique approach or methodology in his UPSC preparation?
Answer: Shubham Kumar followed a disciplined routine, allocating specific time to each subject and maintaining a balance between static and dynamic aspects of the syllabus. His unique approach included extensive note-making, which aided in concise and effective revision. He also stressed the importance of staying updated with current affairs from diverse sources.
5. FAQ: How can aspiring UPSC candidates learn from Shubham Kumar’s success?
Answer: Aspiring UPSC candidates can learn valuable lessons from Shubham Kumar’s success by prioritizing consistency, maintaining a disciplined study routine, and focusing on a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. Emphasizing current affairs, effective note-making, and regular revision are key aspects that candidates can integrate into their preparation strategy for a better chance at success in the UPSC CSE.
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