✦ Strategy & LearningsPreparation approach, subject-wise strategy, and interview mindset - compiled from public interviews and coaching-institute features.
ⓘ AI-generated from Shivam Singh's public interviews & coaching-institute features - not written or reviewed by them.
2019
Attempt 1 - Success
Cleared the UP State Civil Services exam in his first attempt.
2021
State Service
Joined as a Deputy Collector in Gorakhpur, UP.
2024
Attempt 6 - Success
Secured AIR 73 in the UPSC CSE 2024.
📚Preparation Philosophy
Grit over glamour
Shivam emphasizes that the journey to success is about persistence rather than perfection.
Persistence
He took six attempts to clear the exam, using each failure as fuel to refine his strategy.
Balanced Life
He maintained a balanced lifestyle by playing college-level cricket and gaming, which helped him stay grounded.
📝Prelims Strategy
Limiting resources and maximizing practice
His approach to Prelims was centered on high-yield, government-backed sources and rigorous testing.
Core Sources
He relied strictly on NCERTs, newspapers, and government press releases like PIB summaries.
Mock Tests
He solved numerous free mock tests from various institutes and maintained an Excel sheet to track his progress and marks.
PYQ Analysis
He analyzed previous year questions to understand the language of the exam and identify high-yield topics.
✍️Mains Strategy
Answer writing and thematic preparation
Shivam shifted from a passive reading approach to an active, writing-focused strategy for Mains.
Answer Writing
He wrote around 300-400 answers and emphasized that starting to write is more important than chasing perfection.
Thematic Study
He prepared the Mains syllabus theme-wise, solving 5-10 questions per theme to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Simulators
He participated in mock tests to build the physical stamina required for writing two papers in a single day.
🧠Optional Subject
Anthropology
He chose Anthropology for its availability of material and its dynamic nature.
Subject Choice
He selected Anthropology because the study material was readily available and the subject allowed for a deep understanding of society and culture.
🎙️Interview Approach
Leveraging administrative experience
His interview preparation focused on his background and practical administrative insights.
Experience-Based
The interview questions were largely based on his experience as a Deputy Collector, covering topics like land issues and administrative powers.
Mock Interviews
He participated in an Interview Guidance Program (IGP) to practice answering questions and refine his communication.
“Never let failures define you. Let them refine you.”
— on his six-attempt journey“You should not fall for a shortcut. Any summary or any compilation that is available is always a passive mode of reading.”
— on note-making🎯 If You're Starting Out
- Start reading NCERTs and newspapers from your college days to build a strong foundation.
- Do not rely on summaries or compilations; engage in active reading and make your own notes.
- Prioritize answer writing early in your preparation; don't wait until you feel you have 'sufficient' knowledge.
- Always attempt state-level civil services exams alongside UPSC as a good career alternative.
Where this came fromBiography and marks corroborated across two coaching-institute profiles; strategy details drawn from three interview/strategy videos.