A Story of Resilience, Dreams, and Determination

In the ever-challenging landscape of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, each topper’s journey is a saga of discipline, dreams, and determination. But some stories touch a deeper chord. One such story is that of Shubham Kumar, who secured All India Rank 1 in UPSC CSE 2020.

Hailing from a humble village in Bihar, Shubham’s ascent to the top of India’s most competitive exam is not just a personal achievement—it’s a symbol of possibility for lakhs of aspirants from small towns across India.

Early Life and Educational Roots in Bihar

Shubham Kumar was born on 14 February 1997 in Kumhari village, located in Kadwa block of Katihar district, Bihar. Coming from an ordinary background, he grew up amidst modest means and strong values.

• His father, Devanand Singh, served as a Branch Manager at Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank.
• His mother, Punam Devi, is a homemaker.
• His elder sister, a civil engineer, has been a key influence and source of motivation.

Shubham’s early education was at Vidya Vihar Residential School, Purnia, where he completed his 10th grade. Later, he pursued 12th standard from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro (Jharkhand), known for academic rigor and discipline.

In 2014, he cracked the IIT entrance exam, securing admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, where he completed B.Tech in Civil Engineering.

From IIT Bombay to UPSC: The Turning Point

While studying at IIT Bombay, Shubham actively participated in cultural and leadership activities. He was elected as the General Secretary (Social and Cultural) of his hostel and played a vital role in securing the hostel’s first-ever Cultural Cup.

His time at Purdue University, USA, during a summer research internship opened his eyes to the contrasts between rural India and developed societies. It was here that he realized he wanted to do something more impactful than a corporate career—something that could contribute directly to nation-building.

That realization sowed the seeds of a new goal: becoming an IAS officer.

The UPSC Journey: From Failures to Rank 1

Shubham’s UPSC path wasn’t without obstacles:

• 2018 (1st Attempt): Did not clear Prelims.
• 2019 (2nd Attempt): Secured AIR 290 and was allocated to the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS).
• 2020 (3rd Attempt): While undergoing training at the National Academy of Defence Financial Management, he appeared for his third attempt and topped the exam.

His perseverance and constant self-improvement mindset turned failures into stepping stones.

Preparation Strategy: How Shubham Kumar Cracked UPSC

Subject Strategy

• Optional Subject: Anthropology
  • Chosen for its concise syllabus, scoring nature, and overlap with GS-I and Ethics.
  • He focused on standard sources: Vaid Sir notes, Tribal India by Nadeem Hasnain, and IGNOU PDFs.
  • Practiced diagrams, case studies, and flowcharts to enrich answers.

Daily Study Schedule

During Mains prep:

“I never studied more than 8–10 hours, but I made each hour count.”

Importance of Mental Preparation

Shubham credits a large part of his success to his emotional stability. Facing multiple failures could have broken his confidence, but instead, he:

• Practiced mindfulness and breathing exercises.
• Took regular digital detox breaks.
• Spoke daily to his parents and sister for emotional grounding.
• Listened to motivational speeches and IAS topper interviews to stay inspired.

“You need to train not just your mind, but your mindset.”

UPSC CSE 2020 Final Marks

Mock Interview & DAF-Based Questions

His mock interviews prepared him for a range of questions such as:

• Why civil services after IIT and Purdue?
• What do you think about Bihar’s underdevelopment?
• Views on caste-based census
• How would you solve rural unemployment?

He responded with practical solutions, constitutional insights, and ground realities — impressing the final UPSC panel.

Family’s Role and Influence

Shubham constantly credits his family:

• Father – A government servant who taught him the importance of public responsibility.
• Mother – Ensured he was emotionally stable and focused.
• Sister – Helped him with Anthropology and strategy discussions.

Despite limited exposure and fewer resources compared to big-city aspirants, the support system at home was rock solid.

Vision as an IAS Officer

Shubham wants to bring lasting transformation in:

• Rural infrastructure and education
• Job creation in Tier-3 and Tier-4 towns
• Transparent local governance
• Digital inclusion of Panchayats

He expressed a strong preference for the Bihar cadre, stating:

“I want to serve where I come from. Bihar is full of potential waiting to be unlocked.”

Tips for UPSC Aspirants from Shubham Kumar

1. Don’t be afraid to fail – Your learnings are your ladder.
2. Stick to limited resources – Depth beats breadth.
3. Practice answer writing early – It’s the game-changer.
4. Have faith in your story – You don’t need to mimic others.
5. Stay healthy – mentally and physically – A calm mind writes better answers.

Final Words

Shubham Kumar IAS isn’t just a UPSC topper. He’s the face of aspirational India—proof that you don’t need metro cities, elite backgrounds, or English-speaking upbringings to serve the nation.

All you need is a clear vision, strong values, and relentless effort.

“When dreams are rooted in reality and watered with hard work, even the smallest seed can become the tallest tree.”

And Shubham, the boy from Kumhari village, has indeed grown into a tree that will give shade to many.

A Tale of Perseverance and Purpose

In the realm of India’s civil services, few stories resonate as profoundly as that of Shruti Sharma IAS. Securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021, her journey from a history student to the esteemed Indian Administrative Service is a testament to determination, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Early Life and Educational Background

Born in Delhi in 1996, Shruti hails from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. She completed her early education at Cambridge Primary School and later at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, both in Delhi. Her academic prowess led her to pursue History Honours at the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. Furthering her academic journey, she enrolled in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for a Master’s in Modern History. However, her passion for civil services prompted her to focus entirely on UPSC preparation, leading her to join the Residential Coaching Academy at Jamia Millia Islamia.

The UPSC Journey: Trials and Triumph

Shruti’s path to success was not without challenges. In her first attempt, due to an issue with the medium of instruction, she had to take the Mains examination in Hindi, missing the interview call by just one mark. Undeterred, she analyzed her shortcomings, refined her strategy, and approached her second attempt with renewed vigor. Her perseverance paid off when she topped the exam in 2021.

Preparation Strategy

• Optional Subject: Shruti chose History as her optional subject, aligning with her academic background.
• Study Routine: She emphasized consistency over long hours, focusing on quality learning rather than the quantity of study time.
• Answer Writing: Recognizing the importance of articulation, she practiced answer writing diligently, focusing on clarity, structure, and time management.
• Mock Tests: Regular participation in mock tests helped her assess her preparation levels and identify areas for improvement.
• Current Affairs: She stayed updated with daily news, making concise notes to aid in revision and answer enrichment.

Shruti also highlighted the importance of limiting study materials to avoid confusion and emphasized the need for self-understanding to focus on one’s strengths and weaknesses.

UPSC CSE 2021 Performance

Shruti’s meticulous preparation culminated in an impressive performance:

• Essay (Paper-I): 132
• General Studies-I (Paper-II): 119
• General Studies-II (Paper-III): 128
• General Studies-III (Paper-IV): 108
• General Studies-IV (Paper-V): 139
• Optional-I (History) (Paper-VI): 150
• Optional-II (History) (Paper-VII): 156
• Written Total: 932
• Personality Test: 173
• Final Total: 1105

Beyond Academics

Shruti’s profile is enriched with diverse experiences:

• Cultural Enthusiast: She enjoys exploring different cultures, reading books, and watching movies.
• Language Learner: Her curiosity drives her to learn new languages and understand diverse cultures.
• Social Contributor: Shruti aims to bring positive changes to society and is eager to learn new things to contribute effectively.

Vision as an IAS Officer

Shruti aspires to:

• Enhance Education: Implement policies that improve access and quality of education.
• Empower Women: Advocate for women’s rights and create opportunities for their socio-economic upliftment.
• Strengthen Governance: Promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration.

Conclusion

Shruti Sharma’s journey underscores the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment. Her story serves as an inspiration for countless aspirants, proving that with dedication and resilience, achieving the pinnacle of success in the UPSC examination is attainable.

The Journey of a Relentless Dreamer

In the highly competitive world of UPSC Civil Services Examination, where over 10 lakh candidates apply each year and only a handful make it to the final list, Ishita Kishore carved her name in gold. In 2022, she secured All India Rank 1, proving yet again that perseverance, strategy, and self-belief can achieve the seemingly impossible.

Her story is not just about topping UPSC. It’s a story of falling, rising, realigning, and conquering — a story that will inspire generations of aspirants.

Early Life and Family Background

Ishita Kishore was born in Begumpet, Hyderabad, and brought up in Patna, Bihar, before moving to Delhi NCR. Her father, Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore, served in the Indian Air Force, instilling in her values of discipline, service, and national pride. Her mother, Jyoti Kishore, is a retired school teacher and has been Ishita’s strongest emotional pillar.

Coming from a defence background, Ishita experienced structured environments and frequent relocations, which made her adaptable and emotionally resilient — qualities that would later become her strengths in UPSC preparation.

Academic Excellence at SRCC

Ishita completed her schooling from Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi, where she actively participated in academics and sports. She then went on to study Economics Honours at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, one of India’s most prestigious institutions.

While SRCC typically opens doors to finance and consultancy careers, Ishita was quietly preparing for a life in public service.

Corporate Career: Ernst & Young

After graduating in 2017, Ishita joined Ernst & Young (EY) as a Risk Analyst, a high-paying job that many SRCC graduates aspire to. But while she enjoyed the challenge, something inside her remained unfulfilled.

She knew her true calling lay in making a tangible difference in people’s lives — and bureaucracy was the medium through which she could do it.

So in March 2019, she resigned from her corporate job and dedicated herself full-time to preparing for UPSC — a decision that many considered risky, but one she never regretted.

The UPSC Journey: Failures Before the Flight

Contrary to the myth of ‘one-time toppers’, Ishita’s journey wasn’t linear. Her first two attempts ended at the Preliminary stage — a phase where lakhs of candidates are filtered out.

But instead of giving up, Ishita refined her preparation strategy. She focused on building her fundamentals, structured her notes better, improved test-taking techniques, and paid special attention to mental well-being.

By her third attempt, she had learned to manage pressure, reduce silly mistakes, and approach the exam holistically.

Ishita Kishore’s UPSC Preparation Strategy

1. Optional Subject – Political Science & International Relations (PSIR)

Ishita chose PSIR because of its overlap with GS Paper II and Essay Paper. She loved reading about diplomacy, Indian polity, and political theory — which made the subject feel less burdensome.

She used sources like:

• Subhra Ranjan Notes
• Andrew Heywood’s Political Theory
• Pavneet Singh’s IR
• Previous years’ questions for pattern analysis

2. Daily Study Routine

Her day was planned meticulously:

• 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Newspaper reading (The Hindu + Indian Express editorial)
• 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Revision of previous day’s notes
• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Static GS topics or optional subject
• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Current Affairs, note-making
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Practice mock answers or prelims test
• 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Light reading, analysis, reflection

She emphasized consistency over intensity, studying around 8–9 focused hours per day.

Mains Answer Writing Practice

She joined multiple online platforms for daily answer writing. Initially, her answers were too lengthy or theoretical. But with peer reviews, toppers’ copies analysis, and expert feedback, she learned the art of balancing content with structure.

Her answer mantra:

“Think like a bureaucrat, write like a citizen.”

She also integrated current affairs into GS answers and supported arguments with constitutional provisions, case laws, or data.

Mental Health and Motivation

Like every aspirant, Ishita faced self-doubt, fatigue, and the pressure of expectations. During her low days, she followed:

• Mindfulness meditation (10 mins daily)
• Listening to motivational podcasts (e.g., IAS interviews, Gaur Gopal Das)
• Talking to family, especially her mother, who kept her emotionally grounded

She also maintained a gratitude journal, where she listed 3 things she was grateful for daily. This helped keep perspective during hard times.

UPSC CSE 2022 Final Result and Marks

Ishita Kishore’s hard work paid off in style:

She topped the list among 933 selected candidates.

Interview Experience

Her interview revolved around:

• The role of the private sector in governance
• Women in administration
• Global geopolitics and India’s soft power
• Mental health initiatives by government

She answered with poise, clarity, and balance — qualities that truly impressed the panel.

Sports, Leadership, and Beyond the Books

Did you know that Ishita Kishore is a national-level footballer?

She represented her school in the Subroto Cup in 2012 — showing that sports taught her leadership, teamwork, and endurance, all vital for a career in administration.

She also interned with:

• CRY (Child Rights and You)
• Taught underprivileged children at Tihar Jail’s shelter home
• Represented India in the Indo-China Youth Delegation in 2017

Her Vision as an IAS Officer

Ishita has expressed a deep interest in:

• Education reforms to reduce dropout rates in rural areas
• Gender equity in employment and politics
• Mental health awareness in schools and workplaces
• Public-private partnerships for better urban development

She believes in a governance model that is inclusive, tech-enabled, and compassionate.

Lessons from Ishita Kishore IAS for Aspirants

• Failing Prelims twice is not the end — it’s part of the process
• Discipline beats motivation
• Your background doesn’t define your future
• Stay curious, stay humble, stay hungry

Final Words

Ishita Kishore IAS is more than a UPSC topper. She is a role model for aspirants, a reformer-in-making, and a symbol of grace under pressure.

Her story tells us that you don’t need a perfect start — you need a strong will to finish.

“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.”
– Margaret Thatcher

And Ishita fought. And won.

A Journey of Perseverance and Purpose

Aditya Srivastava’s ascent to the pinnacle of the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2023 is a testament to unwavering dedication, strategic preparation, and a deep-seated desire to serve the nation. His journey from the corridors of IIT Kanpur to the esteemed ranks of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) offers invaluable insights for aspirants and observers alike.

Early Life and Academic Excellence

Born in 1998 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Aditya was raised in a middle-class family that valued education and integrity. His father, Ajay Srivastava, served as an Assistant Audit Officer in the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) office, while his mother, Abha Srivastava, is a homemaker.

Aditya’s academic journey began at City Montessori School (CMS), Aliganj branch, where he consistently excelled, securing 97.8% in his 10th grade and 97.5% in his 12th grade examinations. His stellar performance earned him a place at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he pursued a dual degree program, obtaining both B.Tech and M.Tech degrees in Electrical Engineering. He graduated with an impressive GPA of 9.7 in B.Tech and a perfect 10 in M.Tech.

Corporate Stint and the Call to Serve

Upon graduation, Aditya commenced his professional career at Goldman Sachs in Bengaluru, working as an analyst. Despite the lucrative prospects, he felt a compelling urge to contribute more directly to societal development. After 15 months in the corporate sector, he resigned to dedicate himself fully to preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

The UPSC Journey: Trials and Triumphs

Aditya’s path to success was marked by perseverance:

• First Attempt (2021): Did not clear the Preliminary Examination.
• Second Attempt (2022): Secured AIR 236, leading to selection in the Indian Police Service (IPS).
• Third Attempt (2023): Achieved AIR 1, topping the Civil Services Examination.

His journey underscores the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks.

Strategic Preparation and Study Approach

Aditya’s preparation strategy was a blend of disciplined study and smart work:

• Foundational Reading: Emphasized NCERT textbooks to build a strong conceptual base.
• Selective Resources: Focused on standard reference books, ensuring depth over breadth.
• Answer Writing Practice: Regularly practiced writing answers to enhance articulation and time management.
• Mock Tests: Participated in test series to simulate exam conditions and receive feedback.
• Current Affairs: Maintained a daily routine of reading newspapers and following relevant magazines.

He also joined the Mains Guidance Program at ForumIAS to refine his answer-writing skills.

Optional Subject: Electrical Engineering

Leveraging his academic background, Aditya chose Electrical Engineering as his optional subject. His proficiency in the subject contributed significantly to his overall score.

UPSC 2023 Marksheet

Aditya’s scores in the UPSC 2023 examination were as follows:

• Essay: 117
• General Studies I: 104
• General Studies II: 132
• General Studies III: 95
• General Studies IV: 143
• Optional Paper I (Electrical Engineering): 148
• Optional Paper II (Electrical Engineering): 160
• Personality Test (Interview): 200
• Total: 1099

Personality Test Insights

During the interview, Aditya was assessed on various parameters, including current affairs awareness, ethical reasoning, and situational judgment. His composed demeanor and thoughtful responses earned him a commendable score of 200 in the personality test.

Motivation and Vision

Aditya’s decision to join the civil services was driven by a desire to effect meaningful change at the grassroots level. He viewed the IAS as a platform to address systemic challenges and contribute to nation-building. His journey reflects a shift from personal ambition to public service.

Current Status and Future Aspirations

Following his selection, Aditya is undergoing training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. His future postings will provide opportunities to implement his vision for inclusive and effective governance.

Conclusion

Aditya Srivastava’s journey from a promising engineer to the top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination exemplifies the power of determination, strategic planning, and a commitment to public service. His story serves as an inspiration to countless aspirants aiming to make a difference through the civil services