https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

From Engineering to IRS to IAS: Shivam Kumar’s Inspiring Journey

Shivam Kumar's remarkable journey from a small village in Bihar to securing UPSC AIR 19 is a story of resilience, hard work, and dreams fulfilled.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Born and raised in the humble surroundings of Bithan village in Samastipur district, Bihar, Shivam Kumar’s childhood was filled with the simple joys of rural life. The lush green fields and narrow lanes of his hometown were the backdrop of his formative years. Despite his modest beginnings, Shivam harbored dreams that soared far beyond the horizons of his village.

Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Shivam Kumar shared his journey in detail. 

Academic Excellence

Shivam’s academic journey began in Bethan, where he completed his schooling. His parents, especially his father, who runs a pharmacy in the village, always emphasized the importance of education. This encouragement played a crucial role in shaping Shivam’s aspirations. Excelling in his studies, Shivam’s hard work paid off when he secured a seat at one of India’s premier engineering institutions, IIT Kharagpur, where he pursued Mechanical Engineering.

A Promising Start in the Automotive Industry

After graduating from IIT Kharagpur in 2017, Shivam started a promising career in the automotive industry. Over the next four years, he gained valuable experience and honed his skills. However, as he delved deeper into the corporate sector, Shivam began to feel that his true calling lay elsewhere. The desire to make a broader impact on society started to take root in his mind.

The Decision to Pursue Civil Services

While working in the automotive industry, the idea of preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination began to take shape. “I saw the UPSC as a platform that would enable me to bring about significant societal changes and offer me a range of challenges and responsibilities that I craved,” Shivam explained. Balancing his demanding job with the rigorous preparation required for UPSC was no small feat, but Shivam was determined.

Balancing Job and Preparation

One of the most significant challenges Shivam faced was managing his time effectively. Preparing for one of the toughest exams in the country while working full-time required immense discipline and dedication. “I often found myself exhausted, both physically and mentally. The transition from a working professional to an aspirant was not easy and often led to frustration and fatigue,” he shared with Indian Masterminds.

Maintaining a social life and personal commitments was another hurdle. Shivam’s social interactions took a backseat as he immersed himself in his studies. Despite these challenges, he remained focused on his goal, driven by the belief that his efforts would eventually pay off.

The Road to Success: Trials and Triumphs

Shivam’s journey was marked by several setbacks. “I failed to clear the prelims in his first two attempts, which was a significant low point in my life.” However, his analytical approach helped him identify the gaps in his preparation. Shivam realized the importance of understanding the exam’s demand and refining his strategy accordingly.

His perseverance paid off when he reached the interview stage in his third attempt, although he didn’t make it to the final list. Undeterred, Shivam continued to refine his strategy and preparation methods. In his fourth attempt, he secured an All India Rank of 309, but he knew he could achieve more.

Finally, in his fifth attempt, Shivam’s relentless hard work bore fruit when he secured an impressive All India Rank 19. 

Currently, Shivam is undergoing training for the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) in Nagpur. 

Hobbies and Interests

“Apart from his studies, I have always been passionate about physical fitness. I enjoy running and working out, activities that provide me with a much-needed break from studies,” Shivam shared. He also follows sports like cricket and hockey, which helps him relax and unwind during his preparation phase.

Looking back, Shivam believes that a more strategic approach during his initial attempts could have made a difference. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the exam’s demands and focusing on both static subjects and current affairs. Practicing extensively and analyzing previous years’ question papers were key elements of his strategy.

Advice to Aspirants

Shivam’s advice to UPSC aspirants is, “Understand the examination thoroughly and prepare diligently. Whether to prepare full-time or alongside a job is a personal decision that depends on individual circumstances.” He suggests that, if possible, aspirants should try to prepare full-time for at least two attempts before considering Plan B.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
cisf
CISF to Recruit 14,000 Jawans Annually for Next Five Years: Boost in Force Strength Approved by MHA
Ity Pandey
Award-Winning IRTS Officer Ity Pandey Takes Charge as Principal Chief Commercial Manager of South Central Railway (SCR) - Know More About Her
UPPSC_UPPCS_resized
‘Errors in Answer Key’: UPPSC RO/ARO 2023 Candidates Raise Objections, Cite Evidence in 6+ Questions
UP Police
19 Deputy SPs Cleared for Promotion in UP: Anuj Chaudhary Among Names Awaiting CM’s Nod, Set to Become Additional SP
Haryana Jungle Safari
Haryana’s Mega Jungle Safari Project Moves Closer to Reality; Phase-I Design Finalised
SBK Singh IPS CP
Delhi Police Commissioner S B K Singh Bans Aerial Platforms from August 2 to 16 for Security Reasons
IPS-logo-resized_new
10 Senior Cops Get New Roles In Bihar Police; DG Jitendra Kumar Gets Additional Charge of B-SAP
Indian Forest Services IFS officer
Jharkhand IFS Rajneesh Kumar Transferred Amid Ongoing Legal Proceedings - Details Inside
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Karn Satyarthi
How IAS Karn Satyarthi Transformed Gumla Through Empathy and Innovation
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
IRAS Ananth Rupanagudi’s Take on Corruption, Reform, and Duty
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
What Most Indians Don't Know About Jim Corbett
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
BPSC Bihar police
From Lantern Light to Police Uniform: How Praveen Kumar from a Small Bihar Village Cracked BPSC to Become SDPO
From a lantern-lit village in Bihar to becoming an SDPO, Praveen Kumar's journey is a testament to resilience,...
IAS Priyansha Garg
Why Mindset Matters: IAS Priyansha Garg’s Mental Health Mantra for UPSC
After two failed prelims, Priyansha Garg cracked UPSC with AIR 31 in her fourth attempt, proving how...
Ashish Akshat
From Setback to State Topper: How Ashish Akshat Topped JPSC While Working Full-Time
Ashish Akshat from Dhanbad topped JPSC 2023, proving that resilience, discipline, and family support...
Social Media
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve: From India’s First Sanctuary to a Tiger Conservation Success Story | International Tiger Day Special
IAS Supriya Sahu Hails Mudumalai's Role in Tiger Conservation on Tiger Day. Declared in 1940, Now Among...
Mangroves
Mangroves: Nature’s Shield Against Disasters, Says Officer Parveen Kaswan on Mangroves Day - Watch His Post Here
Mangroves, with their dense, interlaced root systems, form a mesh-like structure that serves as a buffer...
Retired IPS Inderjit Singh Sidhu
Purpose Doesn’t Retire: How 88-Year-Old Retired DIG Becomes Chandigarh’s ‘Quiet Warrior’ of Cleanliness
Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s Dawn Patrol Earns Applause, Mahindra’s Praise for a Man Who Chose Action Over...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
cisf
CISF to Recruit 14,000 Jawans Annually for Next Five Years: Boost in Force Strength Approved by MHA
Ity Pandey
Award-Winning IRTS Officer Ity Pandey Takes Charge as Principal Chief Commercial Manager of South Central Railway (SCR) - Know More About Her
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Karn Satyarthi
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT