Some success stories are extra special because they represent the dreams and aspirations of every Indian middle class family. Like the story of Subham Gupta who achieved success with hard work and passion and became an inspiration for many. He cleared the country’s most prestigious Civil Services Examination in 2018 in his fourth attempt with AIR 6, and became an IAS. Now, he is Assistant Collector, Etapalli and Project Officer, ITDP in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.
Shubham learned to handle problems from a very young age. Along with his studies, he also contributed to his father’s shoe business. In an exclusive interview to Indian Masterminds, he said, “Life is like a boxing ring. Defeat is not final when you fall down. It is final when you refuse to get up and fight back.”
EARLY LIFE
Shubham’s family is originally from Sikar, Rajasthan, but later they settled in Jaipur. His family is into business.
Till 2007, they all lived in Jaipur. But after his father suffered heavy losses in business, they had to move to Gujarat. This is where Shubham’s struggles started. After passing 8th standard in 2008, Shubham began to face the hard realities of life.
EDUCATION
Actually, the place they were living in, Dahanu, did not have Hindi and English medium schools. The schools were Marathi medium. For Shubham, who is originally from Hindi belt, it was very difficult to study in Marathi. That’s why his father got him and his sister enrolled in Shri Swami Narayan Gurukul in Vapi. The school is about 80 km from Dahanu. So, Shubham used to get up at 4.30 am with his sister to catch the 6 o’clock train and come home by 3 pm.
Despite travelling long distance to school and back, Shubham did not lose focus and scored 10 CGPA in the entire Valsad district in the 10th CBSE board exam in 2010. He took up commerce in his 11th and went on to do BA Honors in Economics from Delhi University. After this, he enrolled for PG in the prestigious Delhi School of Economics but left after selection in UPSC.
WORKED IN SHOE SHOP
When his father opened another shoe shop in Vapi, just near his school, Shubham started working in the shop and studying simultaneously. Shubham says that while working at the shop, he never allowed himself to think that he is the owner’s son. He discharged his duties diligently like any other worker, even transporting goods to and from the shop.
START OF A DREAM
However, a dream to crack UPSC slowly started developing in his mind. Since childhood he had a fascination for the job of a civil servant. His father used to meet bureaucrats often and used to tell Shubham how good it will be if he also can become a collector. These words of his father influenced Shubham a lot and after his 11th, he decided to prepare for UPSC.
DIFFERENT APPROACH TO UPSC
Shubham has a slightly different approach towards UPSC preparation. Unlike many, he does not advice to stay away from social media, but advocates striking a balance. “UPSC does not only test your knowledge, but your entire personality. It checks your overall development. Hence, it is necessary that you keep your eye on what is happening all around.”
WHEN HE ALMOST GAVE UP
In his first attempt in 2015, he didn’t even clear Prelims. In 2016, he secured 363rd rank and joined Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS). But his dream service was IAS, so he gave the exam again in 2017. This time, he could not crack prelims again.
Shubham says, “After failing in my third attempt, I had given up my UPSC dream.I thought maybe IAS is not my cup of tea. But with the support of my family, I got up again and prepared myself to give another attempt.”
In his fourth attempt in 2018, Shubham’s dream came true as he became an IAS, joining the ranks of toppers, with AIR 6.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRANTS
Shubham has two advices for UPSC aspirants. “First, everyone should think how life will be after clearing the exam. Think what you will do in the field. Clarity of thought is necessary. You should be clear for what purpose you have come into civil services. Your dream should not be just to reach LBSNAA. My second advice is, do not think only civil service is life. Defeat is not the ultimate truth. Life is like a boxing ring. Fight, get hurt, and then stand up again and fight until you win.”
