Reflections on Shubham Kumar: The 2020 UPSC CSE Topham

Shubham Kumar is a prominent figure in the world of competitive exams. His journey to becoming the 2020 UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) topper is nothing short of inspiring. This article delves into his path, highlighting how his failures turned into stepping stones to success.

Enumarating Success: A Journey Marked with Perseverance

Shubham Kumar's path to success was not a direct one. It was fraught with challenges and rejections, but it also equipped him with the valuable lessons that led to his eventual triumph. Let's break down his journey from 2018 to 2020:

2018: The Beginning of the Battle

In 2018, Shubham Kumar attempted the preliminary examination for the UPSC CSE for the first time. Unfortunately, his efforts did not yield the results he was hoping for. However, this initial failed attempt was not the end but the beginning of a more strategic approach to the exam.

2019: A Step Forward, A Step Back

In 2019, Shubham again took the preliminary examination but with a much better performance. He achieved a respectable rank of 290 in the prelims. While this step forward was encouraging, it also highlighted areas that needed more attention and improvement.

2020: The Climax Achieved

The much-awaited 2020 UPSC CSE passed Shubham Kumar with flying colors as he became the topper. A significant part of his success can be attributed to the lessons he learned from his previous attempts. This journey underscores the idea that failure is not the end but an opportunity to learn and grow.

Lessons Learned from Failures

Shubham Kumar's success story is not just about achieving a rank but also about the mindset and approach that he adopted. Here are some key lessons that can be derived from his journey:

Embracing Failures as Learning Opportunities

Each failure, as Shubham Kumar himself puts it, is an opportunity to learn more intelligently the next time. His experiences taught him invaluable lessons that more than compensated for the initial setbacks. This mindset is crucial in any competitive field and can be applied to various aspects of life.

Moving Forward with a Strategic Plan

After each failure, Shubham Kumar did not lose heart. Instead, he formulated a more strategic approach and dedicated himself to improving in areas where he needed more practice. This methodical and focused strategy played a crucial role in his success.

Adapting and Improving

Awareness of one's shortcomings and the willingness to adapt and improve are critical for success. Shubham Kumar's consistent efforts in self-improvement and adapting to feedback from his mentors and peers are noteworthy.

The Message for Aspiring Candidates

Shubham Kumar's story is not just about his success but also about resilience and adaptability. As an aspiring candidate looking to take the UPSC CSE or any other competitive exam, there are several takeaways that can be applied:

Never Take Rejections Personally

Every candidate attempting competitive exams will face rejections. Shubham Kumar's experience reminds us that these rejections are not a reflection of one's worth but rather an opportunity to perform better in the future.

Continuous Improvement is Key

Success in competitive exams comes with a continuous process of improvement. This journey is fraught with challenges, but the rewards of persistence and hard work are immeasurable.

Seeking Guidance and Feedback

Shubham Kumar's path to success was not just self-made. He sought guidance from experts and used feedback constructively to improve his performance. This collaborative effort played a crucial role in his success.

Conclusion

Shubham Kumar's journey from a failed attempt in 2018 to becoming the 2020 UPSC CSE topper is a testament to the resilience, intelligence, and strategic approach to examinations. His story is not only about scores but about the mindset and methods that can lead to success in any field. Aspiring candidates can learn from his example and apply these lessons to their own journeys.