IAS Shubham Kumar UPSC Marksheet, 10 & 12th Percentage, Optional subject, Biography in 2023

Shubham Kumar emerged as the top-ranked candidate in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2020, with a total score of 1054. His achievement has made him a role model and a celebrity for aspiring candidates across India. Let's delve into Shubham Kumar's journey and his marks in the UPSC examination.

Shubham Kumar - Biography of UPSC Topper:

Shubham Kumar secured the first rank in the UPSC 2020 examination, receiving congratulations from all over India. He had always been a meritorious student since childhood, consistently scoring well in academics. In 2020, he etched his name in the golden history of the UPSC.

Shubham Kumar was born in Kumheri village, Bihar. His father, Devanad Kumar, works as a cashier at Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank, and his mother, Punam Devi, is a homemaker. He also has an elder sister named Ankita, who is a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center.

After completing his primary education in his village, Shubham Kumar pursued his high school education at Vidya Vihar Residential School, Parora in Purnia. He then went to Jharkhand and completed his intermediate education from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro.

Subsequently, Shubham Kumar appeared for the engineering entrance exam and secured admission to IIT Bombay, where he pursued a B.Tech degree. He achieved a Cumulative Performance Index (CPI) of 8.37 out of 10 during his time at IIT Bombay. Following his graduation, he embarked on his journey towards the civil services.

Shubham Kumar's UPSC Journey and Achievements:

Shubham Kumar made his first attempt at the UPSC examination in 2018 but was unable to clear it. However, he reflected on his mistakes and gave his second attempt in 2019, securing the 290th rank and qualifying for the Indian Defense Accounts Service.

Whilst undergoing training at the National Academy of Defense Financial Management Institute in Pune, Shubham Kumar reappeared for the UPSC examination again in 2020. This time, he secured the first position across India, attaining the coveted Rank 1.

Following the declaration of the results, Shubham Kumar's name and accomplishments garnered widespread media attention. He received congratulatory messages from various individuals, including Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who expressed pride in his achievement and acknowledged the honor he brought to Bihar. Deputy Chief Minister Tarikshore Prasad even visited Shubham Kumar's village to personally meet his parents and expressed his desire to participate in the honor ceremony.

Shubham Kumar's Optional Subject:

Shubham Kumar chose the subject Anthropology as his optional subject for the UPSC examination. When asked about his choice in an interview, he stated that he developed an interest in indigenous people. The subject's components, encompassing human behavior, human biology, cultures, and societies, appealed to him. Furthermore, the manageable syllabus and the subject's historical performance in UPSC exams influenced his decision.

Shubham Kumar on His Success:

In an interview, Shubham Kumar revealed that his dream was always to become an IAS officer. According to him, this profession provides a broader platform to work for the betterment of society. Shubham aspires to serve his village and the underprivileged population, expressing his desire to be recruited in the Bihar cadre.

He acknowledged his father's unwavering support and inspiration, even during times of failure. Shubham credits his family and friends for his success in the UPSC examination.

Preparation Strategies of Shubham Kumar (AIR 1):

Shubham Kumar, the UPSC CSE topper, shared his preparation strategies that contributed to his success:

1. Strong Base: Shubham Kumar emphasized the importance of developing a strong foundation in core subjects like History, Political Science, Geography, and others. He recommended referring to NCERT books, which are designed to help students grasp the fundamental concepts of each topic.

2. Limited Resources: Instead of relying on multiple resources, Shubham Kumar advised candidates to select a limited number of high-quality resources and focus on thorough revision. He emphasized the benefits of revisiting a book multiple times to gain expertise, rather than attempting to cover numerous books superficially.

3. Mock Tests: Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Shubham Kumar prioritized self-study and solving mock tests. Mock tests play a crucial role in evaluating strengths and weaknesses, helping candidates gauge their preparedness. Shubham Kumar himself solved over 100 mock tests before the examination.

4. Notes: Shubham Kumar stressed the importance of creating concise and effective notes for efficient revision. Instead of merely copying from books, he recommended reading a topic, understanding it, and then summarizing it in the form of notes. This method aids in better retention of the subject matter.

5. Revision: Shubham Kumar advised candidates to allocate dedicated time for revision, particularly in the days leading up to the prelims. He cautioned against starting new books just before the exam and encouraged sticking to the material already studied. It is preferable to read a book multiple times than to rush through multiple books.

6. Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous year question papers is an essential part of UPSC preparation. Shubham Kumar emphasized the importance of adapting to the question format and structure by regularly practicing with past papers. This helps candidates become familiar with the examination pattern and develop effective strategies for answering questions.

7. Time Management: Shubham Kumar highlighted the significance of effective time management throughout the preparation process. He advised candidates to create a timetable allocating specific time slots for different subjects. Proper time management ensures a balanced approach and prevents neglecting any crucial topics.

8. Self-Study: While the debate between attending coaching institutes or relying solely on self-study persists, Shubham Kumar emphasized the importance of self-study during his final preparation phase. He acknowledged the benefits of coaching for guidance and boosting competitive spirit but found that self-study provided him with focused and dedicated preparation time.

9. Answer Writing: Shubham Kumar emphasized that knowledge alone is not sufficient to clear the mains examination. He stressed the need for practicing answer writing and developing effective presentation skills. Regularly solving answer writing practice papers and seeking evaluation from experienced individuals can significantly improve one's performance.

10. Optional Subject: Shubham Kumar advised candidates to choose an optional subject based on their interest and aptitude rather than solely relying on its popularity or perceived scoreability. He found Anthropology interesting and aligned with his core interests, leading him to believe that he could score well in the subject.

11. Interview Preparation: Shubham Kumar highlighted the significance of thorough preparation based on the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the interview stage. He advised candidates to fill out their DAFs carefully and be honest while answering questions related to the form. Being genuine and transparent during the interview is crucial.

12. Stay Confident: Throughout the UPSC preparation journey, Shubham Kumar acknowledged the presence of various emotions, both highs and lows. However, he emphasized the importance of staying confident and trusting oneself. Confidence plays a vital role in maintaining focus and performing well during the examination.

13. Exam Day: Shubham Kumar recommended ensuring a good night's sleep before the exam day and having a light and nutritious breakfast in the morning. Arriving at the examination hall ahead of time is essential to avoid any last-minute stress. Shubham Kumar advised candidates to take deep breaths and remain composed, not letting their emotions overpower them. He encouraged aspirants to approach the exam with a positive mindset and the determination to make history.

Shubham Kumar's success story serves as an inspiration to countless UPSC aspirants across the country. His journey highlights the importance of consistent hard work, dedication, and effective study strategies. By focusing on building a strong foundation, utilizing limited resources, practicing mock tests, creating concise notes, and prioritizing revision, aspirants can enhance their chances of success.

Furthermore, Shubham Kumar emphasized the significance of time management, self-study, answer writing practice, and thoughtful selection of an optional subject. He stressed the need to prepare thoroughly for the interview stage and maintain confidence throughout the entire process.

As Shubham Kumar celebrates his well-deserved achievement as the UPSC CSE 2020 topper, he has become a role model for millions of aspiring civil servants. His success story resonates with those who share the dream of serving society and making a positive impact in their communities.

Shubham Kumar's triumph not only brings pride to his family and village but also shines a light on the potential and talent that exists in every corner of the country. His journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.

As the UPSC CSE remains one of the most highly anticipated and challenging exams in India, Shubham Kumar's success serves as a reminder that with the right mindset, preparation strategies, and dedication, anyone can achieve their goals and make their dreams a reality.

In conclusion, Shubham Kumar's remarkable achievement as the UPSC CSE 2020 topper showcases the power of hard work, effective preparation strategies, and unwavering determination. His success story will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring civil servants as they embark on their own journey towards realizing their dreams of serving the nation.