There are many books in the market related to UPSC exams. So, what makes the book, UPSC Files, by IAS officer Shubham Gupta special? It describes not only the journey of an IAS officer and his struggles, but also how you could become one by preparing in the right way for UPSC, devising a correct strategy, and cracking the toughest exam in the country.

‘UPSC Files’, written by 2019-batch IAS officer Shubham Gupta, is the first-of-its-kind book that provides a complete start-to-end roadmap with notes and tips to achieve success in UPSC CSE.

A Maharashtra cadre officer, Mr. Gupta had secured all India 6th rank in UPSC CSE 2018. His book, UPSC Files, is a treat for every UPSC aspirant as it also describes in an interesting way the officer’s life, from working in a shoe maker shop to becoming a high ranking officer. How he gave four attempts and failed two times. His journey is a story of the average Indian middle class boy who struggles hard and aspires big at the same time.

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Mr. Gupta’s book is divided into four distinct parts with a total of 20 chapters, interspersed with the author’s handwritten notes, answer-writing samples, tables, diagrams and pictures.

In a video interaction with Indian Masterminds, the officer spoke about his first book and its contents, and how it will help UPSC aspirants.

UPSC FILES

The title itself suggests what could be in the book. That it will have UPSC related contents. However, it is different in that it is a complete UPSC package. It contains dreams, struggles, preparations, exam contents, indepth analysis of syllabus, exam pattern, study material, planning, notes, answer writing, etc. All covered extensively in four parts.

Part 1 begins with the unveiling of Mr. Gupta’s journey from childhood to UPSC success. It has his background, struggles and setbacks, laying the foundation for the serious strategy discussion in later parts. His extraordinary journey from a modest shoe shop to the esteemed Civil Services will surely motivate the reader.

Part 2 covers the prelims and mains examination with in-depth analysis. The author focusses on strategies and factors that one should keep in mind. There are chapters on the UPSC syllabus, key topics, reference material, study plan, note-making, current affairs, choosing Optional subject, training for impressive answer-writing, practice, revision style, self-evaluation, etc., complemented with Shubham Gupta’s own written samples and examples.

Part 3 is very special because it talks about the interview stage. It covers the final round in detail with tips, advice and relevant topics. Mr. Gupta believes that there was no true picture of the interview before the public. That’s why he carefully guides the reader through the interviewer’s mind, teaching crucial skills like how to fill the DAF, what to prepare, and how to say ‘no’ during the interview. He also describes how he managed to increase his score from 124 to 184 in the interview. In fact, he goes into deep details about interview and DAF, right from preparation to eye contact to giving answers.

Part 4 is the last part, and is focussed on ‘life after UPSC’. He discusses here about training at LBSNAA and his service years on the job, since 2019.

Mr. Gupta said, “This is a very special moment for me as the first book is always special. I have covered many things even from my life that I have never shared before. Writing a book with thorough research is not an easy thing. I thought that I would finish writing it in 3 months. But after 3 weeks, I could not write more and stopped for 6 months. At that time, I thought that I might not be able to complete this book. But, later, I completed it.”

HOW TO CRACK UPSC

On what is the most important requirement to crack UPSC, Mr. Gupta only advised never to copy anyone and make one’s own strategy. He believes that every person has a different personality and that is why, his strategy should be also different.

He said, “In the book, apart from my UPSC journey, I stressed upon one’s own strategy to crack the exam. And how to derive your own strategy keeping in mind certain factors, you will get this in this book. There are multiple factors that work in the UPSC journey. I also talked about ‘how to say no’ to the interview panel.”

HIS JOURNEY

IAS officer Shubham Gupta is currently posted as CEO of Dhule Zila Parishad. In his four years of service, he has started many effective initiatives which have greatly benefited the public, like bike ambulance, the use of AI to check the nutrition level of tribal students, use of blockchain technology to secure land rights of tribals, and science mobile lab for children, etc.

This comprehensive book will serve as an ultimate guide and a strategy tool for all CSE aspirants, including the beginners and also the veterans who want to improve their rank significantly.

BACKGROUND

Mr. Gupta’s family is originally from Sikar, Rajasthan, but later they settled in Jaipur. Success did not come easy for him. He managed to crack UPSC after four attempts. But, throughout his struggle, he did not give up on his dream. He even worked for a while in his father’s shoe shop, but continued studying and focusing on his aim to become an IAS officer one day.