Rekulwar Shubham (CSE-23 AIR-790) Motivational UPSC CSE Journey

Rekulwar Shubham's Inspiring Journey to UPSC Success

Rekulwar Shubham, a civil engineering graduate from IIT Guwahati, has emerged as a shining example of perseverance and resilience in the highly competitive world of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges over the course of his journey, Shubham has finally secured the coveted All India Rank (AIR) 790 in the UPSC CSE 2023, hailing from the state of Telangana.

Shubham's Journey: Overcoming Obstacles

Shubham's path to success has been marked by a series of trials and tribulations, but his unwavering determination has propelled him forward. He recounts his experiences, stating, "It was my 4th interview," underscoring the perseverance that has characterized his pursuit of the civil services.

First Attempt, First Interview

In his first attempt, Shubham cleared the Mains examination with a good margin but fell short in the interview, missing the list by just 12 marks. "In hindsight, it took me six years to bridge this gap of 12 marks," he reflects, highlighting the dedication and hard work required to overcome such a narrow margin.

Subsequent Attempts and Setbacks

Shubham's journey was not without its share of setbacks. In his second attempt, he was unable to clear the Mains examination, and in his third attempt, he reached the interview stage but once again fell short of the required marks.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shubham returned home and appeared in two consecutive Mains examinations, but was unable to clear them. In the CSE-22 attempt, he made it to the interview stage but was again hindered by poor marks in his optional subject, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR).

The Breakthrough: CSE-23

This year, in the CSE-23 examination, Shubham finally found his name in the coveted list, securing AIR 790. His perseverance and unwavering determination have paid off, and he can now proudly call himself a UPSC CSE 2023 topper.

Shubham's Preparation Strategies

Shubham's success can be attributed to his well-crafted preparation strategies, which he has honed over the years.

Coaching and Guidance

Shubham acknowledges the foundational coaching he received at Vajiram, stating that his handwritten notes from the institute still serve as his primary reference material for the core subjects, including Polity, Economy, Modern History, Geography, and Art and Culture.

During the Mains preparation, he found the current affairs classes of Dipin Sir and the Ethics and Essay lectures of Peeyush Sir to be particularly helpful.

Prelims Strategy

Shubham's Prelims strategy was multi-pronged, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in core subjects, the role of previous year question papers (PYQs), consistent current affairs revision, and a well-designed test series.

"Firstly, your basics of core subjects shall be strong. No matter which Prelims paper you pick, this core will help you sail through 40% of the paper, some directly and some indirectly," he advises.

Shubham also highlights the significance of solving 20 years of Prelims PYQs, not just year-wise but topic-wise, to understand the demands of the UPSC and prioritize his studies accordingly. He recommends dedicated revisions of Prelims magazines and the importance of a comprehensive test series package.

Interview Strategy

Shubham's interview scores have progressively improved, from 140 in his first attempt to an impressive 198 this year. He attributes this success to his thorough preparation of the Detailed Application Form (DAF) in a question-and-answer format and the daily discussions he participated in on Google Meet, organized by Study IQ.

These discussions helped him refine his answers, structure his opinions, and learn from his peers. Additionally, he attended around 10 mock interviews, which provided valuable insights into his preparedness.

Dealing with Recurrent Failures

Shubham's journey has not been without its fair share of disappointments, but he has emerged stronger through his resilience and introspection. He credits the unwavering support of his family and his work as a freelancer in the UPSC industry for sustaining his preparation efforts.

Shubham's love for reading books has also played a crucial role in his growth as a person. "This journey, perhaps I would have never sustained without the books I read," he reflects. These books have not only provided him with inspiration but also helped him maintain faith in himself and learn valuable lessons about the nature of happiness.

"As long as you link your happiness to the outcome of this exam, or any external aspect for that matter, you will never be happy. Even if you clear the exam, you will be searching for that happiness. Happiness is a choice you make every day. This is the biggest lesson I learnt," Shubham shares.

Shubham's determination and self-awareness have been instrumental in his ability to weather the storms of failure and emerge as a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and personal growth.

Conclusion

Rekulwar Shubham's journey to UPSC success is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of oneself. His story inspires others to embrace their challenges, learn from their setbacks, and never lose sight of their goals. As Shubham embarks on his next chapter as a civil servant, his experiences and insights will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide aspiring UPSC candidates in their own pursuit of success.