Shubham Kumar, IAS, is a name that resonates with determination, resilience, and academic excellence. As the All India Rank (AIR) 1 holder in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2020, Shubham Kumar’s journey from a small village in Bihar to the pinnacle of India’s toughest competitive exam is an inspiring tale for UPSC aspirants and beyond. Born in a modest family in Kumhari village, Katihar district, Bihar, Shubham’s rise to becoming an IAS officer reflects his unwavering commitment to public service and rural development.
Early Life and Family Background
Shubham Kumar was born on February 14, 1997, in Kumhari village, a flood-prone area in Bihar’s Katihar district. Growing up in a rural setting, he witnessed firsthand the challenges of poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to resources—experiences that later shaped his ambition to serve the underprivileged. His father, Devanand Singh, works as a branch manager at Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank, while his mother, Punam Devi, is a homemaker dedicated to nurturing the family. Shubham is the youngest of two siblings; his elder sister, Ankita, is a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), reflecting the family’s emphasis on education and hard work.
From a young age, Shubham displayed a sharp intellect and a calm demeanor, traits noted by his family and teachers. His father’s role in the banking sector exposed him to stories of administrative impact, subtly planting the seeds for his future career in civil services. Despite the modest surroundings, Shubham’s family provided unwavering support, fostering his dreams of becoming an IAS officer—a goal he pursued with relentless focus.
Education: A Foundation of Excellence
Shubham Kumar’s educational journey is a testament to his academic brilliance. He began his schooling at Vidya Vihar Residential School in Parora, Purnia, Bihar, where he excelled, scoring a perfect 10 CGPA in his Class 10 examinations. His thirst for knowledge led him to Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Bokaro, Jharkhand, for his higher secondary education, where he achieved an impressive 96% in his Class 12 exams, opting for the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
His stellar performance earned him a rank of 219 in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), securing admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. At IIT Bombay, Shubham pursued a B.Tech in Civil Engineering, graduating in 2018. During his time there, he was an active student, serving as the cultural secretary of his hostel and leading it to win its first Cultural Cup. His involvement in sports and extracurriculars showcased his well-rounded personality, while his academic rigor prepared him for the challenges ahead. It was at IIT Bombay that Shubham decided to pivot from engineering to civil services, inspired by the potential to effect large-scale societal change.
UPSC Journey: From Failure to Triumph
Shubham Kumar’s path to becoming the UPSC Topper 2020 was not without hurdles. His journey through the Civil Services Examination spanned three attempts, each marked by growth and refinement. In 2018, fresh out of IIT Bombay, he made his first attempt but failed to clear the preliminary stage. Undeterred, Shubham analyzed his shortcomings, adjusted his strategy, and returned in 2019. This time, he cleared the exam with an All India Rank of 290, securing a position in the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS). While training at the National Academy of Defence Financial Management (NADFM) in Pune, he remained unsatisfied, as his ultimate dream was to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
In 2020, Shubham appeared for his third attempt, balancing his IDAS training with rigorous preparation. His dedication paid off when the UPSC results were announced on September 24, 2021—he had secured AIR 1 with a total of 1,054 marks (878 in the written exam and 176 in the personality test). Choosing Anthropology as his optional subject, he scored 170 in Paper I and 150 in Paper II, demonstrating his strategic subject mastery. Shubham’s success in his third attempt highlights his resilience, making him a beacon of hope for aspirants facing setbacks.
Preparation Strategy: A Blueprint for Success
Shubham Kumar’s UPSC preparation strategy is widely admired for its simplicity and effectiveness. Unlike many aspirants who rely heavily on coaching institutes, Shubham opted for self-study, using standard resources like NCERT books and newspapers for current affairs. He emphasized consistency over marathon study sessions, dedicating 7-8 hours daily for prelims and 8-10 hours for mains. Time management was key—he created a flexible timetable tailored to his strengths, ensuring daily revision to retain concepts.
For the optional subject, Anthropology, Shubham leveraged his engineering background to approach it analytically, focusing on concise note-making and regular practice. He advised aspirants to avoid new study materials during revision and to prioritize mock tests for self-assessment. His mantra—consistency, revision, and self-belief—resonates in his oft-quoted statement: “There’s no need to study 10-12 hours daily; decide your own pace and stick to it.” This pragmatic approach, coupled with support from his family and mentors at NADFM, propelled him to the top.
Career as an IAS Officer
After topping the UPSC CSE 2020, Shubham Kumar was allocated the Bihar cadre, fulfilling his desire to serve his home state. He began his training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, where he honed his administrative skills. As of April 8, 2025, Shubham is serving as an IAS officer in Bihar, though specific details about his current posting remain limited in the public domain. Reports suggest he has been involved in rural development initiatives, aligning with his vision of poverty alleviation, employment generation, and village upliftment.
Shubham’s tenure as an IAS officer is still in its early stages, but his focus on grassroots impact is evident. In interviews, he has expressed a desire to address systemic issues like flood management in Bihar, education access, and economic empowerment—challenges he observed growing up in Katihar. His engineering background equips him to tackle infrastructure-related projects, making him a promising figure in Bihar’s administrative landscape.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Shubham Kumar maintains a low profile regarding his personal life. As of 2025, he is unmarried, with no public information about a girlfriend or spouse, reflecting his focus on career over personal milestones at this stage. At 28 years old, he remains grounded, crediting his family—especially his father’s encouragement—for his success. His public persona is that of a humble, determined officer, often seen as a role model for UPSC aspirants from rural backgrounds.
On social media platforms like X, Shubham’s name occasionally trends during UPSC result seasons, with aspirants sharing his strategies and quotes. However, he has distanced himself from fake accounts created in his name, emphasizing authenticity over publicity. His calm demeanor and focus on service over fame distinguish him in the public eye.
Vision and Legacy
Shubham Kumar’s ultimate goal as an IAS officer is to bridge the gap between rural and urban India. “My dream was to join the IAS because it offers a wider platform to work for the betterment of people, especially in rural areas,” he said in a post-result interview. His journey from Kumhari to AIR 1 embodies the power of perseverance, inspiring countless young Indians to pursue civil services despite odds.
Top Ten Interesting Facts About Shubham Kumar, IAS
- UPSC Topper 2020: Secured AIR 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020 with 1,054 marks.
- Third Attempt Success: Cleared UPSC in his third attempt, after failing in 2018 and securing AIR 290 in 2019.
- IIT Bombay Alumnus: Graduated with a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Bombay in 2018.
- Bihar Roots: Born in Kumhari village, Katihar district, Bihar, in a flood-prone rural area.
- Anthropology Optional: Chose Anthropology as his optional subject, scoring 320 marks in total.
- Self-Study Advocate: Prepared for UPSC without formal coaching, relying on NCERTs and newspapers.
- Cultural Secretary: Led his IIT Bombay hostel to its first Cultural Cup as cultural secretary.
- Family Inspiration: His sister is a scientist at BARC, and his father motivated him throughout his journey.
- Rural Development Vision: Aims to focus on poverty alleviation and village upliftment as an IAS officer.
- Academic Excellence: Scored 10 CGPA in Class 10 and 96% in Class 12, showcasing early brilliance.
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