Shubham Shukla (AIR-43, CSE-21) Prelims and Mains Strategy

Title: Shubham Shukla's Inspiring Journey to UPSC CSE Success

Introduction Securing a top rank in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination is a dream for many aspiring civil servants. Shubham Shukla, a member of the Telegram group "Decode Civils Group," has recently achieved this feat, securing an All India Rank of 43 in the UPSC CSE 2021. His journey, marked by perseverance and determination, serves as an inspiration to all those who aspire to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Shubham's Journey: Overcoming Challenges

Shubham Shukla hails from Raxaul, Bihar, but is a native of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. After completing his schooling in Kolkata, he pursued a degree in Manufacturing Engineering from BITS Pilani. Upon graduating in 2018, Shubham made his first attempt at the UPSC CSE, choosing Chemistry as his optional subject. Despite clearing the Preliminary examination, he faced a disastrous performance in the Mains examination, which prompted him to resign from his job as a faculty at a JEE/NEET coaching institution to focus solely on his UPSC preparation.

The Arduous Path to Success

Shubham's second attempt followed a similar trajectory, with him clearing the Preliminary examination but struggling in the Mains. Forced to change his optional subject to Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) just weeks before the Mains, he could not prepare it well, resulting in another disappointing performance. Undeterred, Shubham continued his pursuit, appearing for the examination for a third time in 2020. While he cleared the Preliminary examination, he was unable to secure an interview call, though his performance in PSIR had improved significantly.

The Fourth Attempt: A Game-Changer

Shubham's fourth attempt proved to be the turning point in his UPSC journey. After clearing the Preliminary examination from Kolkata, he relocated to New Delhi, determined to either excel in the Mains or pursue a private job. Fortunately, he cleared the Mains and was granted an interview call, which ultimately led to his success in the UPSC CSE 2021, securing an impressive All India Rank of 43.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspirants

Throughout his journey, Shubham Shukla made several mistakes that he believes other aspirants should avoid. These include choosing the wrong optional subject, not referring to toppers' answer copies, and maintaining a low level of answer-writing skills. He has also shared valuable insights and recommendations for UPSC aspirants.

Comprehensive Booklist and Preparation Strategies

Shubham has provided a detailed, tentative booklist for various subjects, including Polity, Economy, History, Art and Culture, Environment, Science and Technology, Geography, International Relations, and Ethics. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on coaching notes, NCERT textbooks, and select books for each subject, rather than overwhelming oneself with numerous resources.

Strategies for Preliminary and Mains Examinations

For the Preliminary examination, Shubham advises aspirants to read, revise, and re-revise extensively, solve plenty of mock tests, and develop skills in intelligent guessing and option elimination. For the Mains examination, he emphasizes the need to thoroughly study toppers' answer sheets, practice answer-writing regularly, and integrate one's Preliminary and Mains preparation.

Conclusion

Shubham Shukla's journey to UPSC success is a testament to the power of persistence, dedication, and resilience. By sharing his experiences, mistakes, and strategies, he has provided invaluable guidance to aspiring civil servants. Shubham's story serves as a reminder that with unwavering determination and a well-planned approach, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. As he rightly stated, "if someone like me could get into the list, then all of you can."