✦ Strategy & LearningsPreparation approach, subject-wise strategy, and interview mindset - compiled from public interviews and coaching-institute features.
ⓘ AI-generated from Shubham Kumar's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
2018
Attempt 1 - Failed
Failed to clear the UPSC CSE prelims.
2019
Attempt 2 - Progress
Secured AIR 290 and was selected for the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS).
2020
Attempt 3 - Success
Secured AIR 1 and achieved the goal of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
📚Prelims Strategy
Building a foundation and mastering practice
Shubham's approach to the preliminary examination focused on conceptual clarity and rigorous testing.
Foundational study
He began by thoroughly studying NCERT books before moving on to advanced texts.
Mock tests
He emphasized solving as many mock tests as possible and regularly practicing previous years' question papers.
Balanced coverage
He focused on covering the entire syllabus, giving equal weightage to both static and dynamic portions.
✍️Mains Strategy
Refining answer-writing skills
For the Mains, the focus shifted from knowledge acquisition to effective presentation.
Writing practice
He focused heavily on writing practice, refining his answer-writing skills by attempting multiple mock tests.
Optional subject
He chose Anthropology as his optional subject, noting that focusing on it in his third attempt helped him score higher.
🗣️Interview Approach
Developing a 'people connect'
The personality test was viewed as a crucial stage to demonstrate one's vision and commitment to public service.
People connect
He believes every public worker should maintain a 'people connect' to serve at the grassroots level.
Vision
His vision includes focusing on employment generation, poverty alleviation, and rural development.
💡Core Philosophy
Consistency and resilience
Shubham attributes his success to a combination of hard work, dedication, and a structured approach.
Consistency
He emphasizes that unwavering consistency and diligent effort form the cornerstone of success.
Resilience
He did not lose hope after his first attempt failure, instead choosing to improve his preparation methods.
“Unwavering consistency and diligent effort form the cornerstone of success.”
— on his success mantra“Every public worker should be a 'people connect' since he or she is required to serve the people at the grassroots level.”
— on his vision for civil services🎯 Advice for Aspirants
- Maintain consistency and work diligently, as these are the cornerstones of success.
- Choose an optional subject that you are already familiar with and have a good understanding of.
- Do not pick up new books or study materials late in the preparation process.
- Exercise patience and never relinquish hope, even in the face of initial setbacks.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across 2 coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from 2 coaching-institute blogs.