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.
