Shubham Kumar IAS Achievements: Bihar’s Pride and UPSC Topper Journey

Category	Details
Bihar’s Pride After 33 Years	The Indian Additional Chief Secretary of the Bihar government, Amir Subhani, topped the UPSC CSE exam in 1987, and after 33 years, Shubham Kumar IAS became the next UPSC topper from Bihar.
Third Attempt Success	Shubham Kumar IAS achieved AIR 1 in his third attempt, proving that persistence and consistency lead to success. His journey continues to inspire millions of UPSC aspirants.
Early Graduation	Shubham Kumar completed his B.Tech degree six months earlier than the scheduled date, showcasing exceptional academic excellence and dedication.
Engineering Excellence	Secured admission into IIT Bombay, one of India’s top engineering institutions, with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 219 in the entrance exam.

Financial Information

Salary & Compensation

Component	Estimated Amount (INR)
Basic Salary	₹56,100 – ₹1,32,000 (as per pay level)
Grade Pay	As per IAS pay matrix
DA (Dearness Allowance)	~50% of basic (varies)
HRA (House Rent Allowance)	8-24% depending on city classification
Transport Allowance	₹3,600 – ₹7,200 per month
Other Allowances	Medical, children education, etc.
Approximate Monthly In-hand	₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 (varies by posting)

Physical Statistics

Attribute	Details
Height	Approximately 5 feet 10 inches
Weight	~70-75 kg (approx.)
Eye Color	Black
Hair Color	Black
Complexion	Fair
Build	Athletic/Average

Detailed Biography – The Complete Story

Early Life & Humble Beginnings

Shubham Kumar was born on February 14, 1997, in Kumhari village in the Kadwa block of Katihar district in Bihar. Growing up in a modest middle-class family, young Shubham witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by rural communities. Witnessing the challenges faced by rural communities from a young age ignited his singular determination to pursue a career in civil services.

Shubham was born to father Devanad Singh and mother Punam Devi of Kumhari village. His father worked as a branch manager at Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank, and his mother was a dedicated homemaker. His elder sister Ankita pursued a career in science and became a scientist at the prestigious Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, setting a benchmark for academic excellence in the family.

His grandmother and grandfather always wanted Shubham to become an officer. He has been a meritorious and topper in studies since childhood and always wanted to become an IAS. This early aspiration, combined with family support and personal determination, shaped his educational journey.

Educational Journey – From Village School to IIT Bombay

Shubham Kumar IAS educational background is a testament to his academic brilliance and consistent hard work:

Primary Years: Shubham completed his primary education in a local village school in Kumhari, where despite limited resources, his inherent talent and dedication began to shine through.

Secondary Education: He attended Vidya Vihar Residential School till high school in Parora, Purnia district, Bihar. It was here that his academic prowess became evident as he scored a perfect 10 CGPA in Class 10th.

Senior Secondary: For higher studies, Shubham moved to Jharkhand to complete his senior education at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro, where he scored an impressive 96% in Class 12th.

IIT Bombay – The Turning Point: Shubham Kumar earned his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Bombay, graduating in 2014. His time at IIT Bombay was transformative:

• During graduation, Shubham Kumar was the cultural secretary of his hostel.
• He became General Secretary Social and Cultural, and during his tenure, Hostel 6 in IIT Bombay won its first Cultural Cup.
• It was in the same institute where he finally decided to join Civil Services and appear for UPSC CSE.

The exposure to diverse perspectives, competitive environment, and social issues at IIT Bombay crystallized his resolve to join the civil services.

UPSC Preparation Journey – The Road to AIR 1

First Attempt (2018) – Learning from Failure:

Shubham gave his first attempt in 2018 immediately after graduating from IIT Bombay in civil engineering, but he could not clear the exam. This initial setback could have discouraged many, but Shubham viewed it as a learning opportunity.

Second Attempt (2019) – Progress and Partial Success:

In 2019, he appeared for the second attempt in the UPSC civil service examination and secured AIR 290, which led to his selection in the Indian Defense Accounts Service (IDAS). During his third attempt at the UPSC exam, he was undergoing training at the National Academy of Defence Financial Management (NADFM), Pune.

Third Attempt (2020) – The Breakthrough:

Shubham Kumar has a dream of becoming an IAS officer, so he was focused on his studies and basics, and it was his third attempt, which he approached with determination and hard work.

The result: All India Rank 1 with a total score of 1054 marks!

When asked about his reaction: “I was not expecting this rank. Neither I nor my family could believe it when we first saw the rank list. It took us some time to realize that this had actually happened. My parents are thrilled with my success.”

Key Career Milestones

1. LBSNAA Training (2021-2022): After selection, Shubham Kumar IAS underwent rigorous foundation training at the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, preparing for his role as an IAS officer.

2. First Field Posting – SDO Barh, Patna (2023): In December 2023, as part of Bihar government’s administrative reshuffle, IAS Shubham Kumar was appointed as Sub-Divisional Officer in Barh, Patna district. This grassroots-level posting provided him hands-on experience in district administration, revenue management, and development initiatives.

3. Promotion to DDC Bhagalpur (2025): In May 2025, UPSC 2020 topper Shubham Kumar was given the crucial post of Deputy Development Commissioner in Bhagalpur, marking a significant step in his administrative career. This role involves:

• Coordination of district development programs
• Revenue administration
• Implementation of welfare schemes
• Crisis management
• Inter-departmental coordination

Marriage – A Union of Excellence (2025)

In a heartwarming celebration of love and achievement, IAS Shubham Kumar married Priyangi Mehta, an IRS officer, in a private ceremony held in Patna on June 1, 2025.

About Priyangi Mehta:

• 68th BPSC Topper (Rank 1)
• Later cleared UPSC and joined Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• Completed undergraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• Hails from Sandalpur near Devi Sthan in Patna City, from a middle-class family

The wedding was a celebration of two brilliant minds committed to public service, and their photos went viral on social media, inspiring thousands of young aspirants.

📅 Recent Developments (2025)

Current Responsibilities

As of 2025, IAS Shubham Kumar current posting is as Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) in Bhagalpur district, Bihar. In this capacity, he is responsible for:

1. Development Initiatives:
   • Implementing central and state government schemes
   • Monitoring district development programs
   • Rural and urban development projects
2. Administrative Coordination:
   • Managing multiple government departments
   • Ensuring effective inter-departmental collaboration
   • Handling district-level governance issues
3. Public Welfare:
   • Focus on employment generation programs
   • Poverty alleviation initiatives
   • Educational development
   • Healthcare improvements

Public Recognition

Shubham Kumar IAS continues to be a role model for UPSC aspirants across India. His social media presence attracts lakhs of followers seeking guidance and inspiration for their own civil services journey.

💡 Lessons & Inspiration for Aspirants

Key Takeaways from Shubham Kumar’s Journey

1. Failure is Not Final:
   • Failed in first attempt (2018)
   • Secured AIR 290 in second attempt (2019)
   • Achieved AIR 1 in third attempt (2020)
   • Lesson: Persistence and learning from failures lead to success
2. Quality Over Coaching:
   • Did not join any coaching institute
   • Relied on self-study and standard books
   • Lesson: Self-discipline and right resources matter more than expensive coaching
3. Answer Writing is Crucial:
   • Focused heavily on writing practice and took multiple mock tests
   • Lesson: Regular practice and mock tests are essential
4. Choose Optional Wisely:
   • Selected Anthropology based on interest
   • Scored 170 and 150 in Anthropology papers
   • Lesson: Choose optional subject based on interest and command, not popularity
5. Balanced Life:
   • Active in sports and cultural activities at IIT
   • Maintained work-life balance
   • Lesson: Holistic development enhances performance
6. Family Support Matters:
   • Acknowledged constant support from family and friends
   • Father’s motivation was crucial
   • Lesson: A strong support system accelerates success
7. Rural Background is Not a Barrier:
   • Born in Kumhari village, Katihar
   • First UPSC topper from Bihar after 33 years
   • Lesson: Geography and economic background don’t limit potential
8. Consistency is Key:
   • Studied 7-8 hours daily for prelims
   • 8-10 hours daily for mains
   • Lesson: Regular, consistent effort beats sporadic intense study

🎓 Shubham Kumar’s Motivational Quotes

“Consistency, work diligently, and exercise patience – these are the cornerstones of success in UPSC.”

“I was fortunate to have the constant support of my friends and family. Self-analysis kept my preparation on track.”

“Despite so many colors, Black and White is considered Class. Despite so many voices, Silence is considered ultimate.”

“As an IAS officer, I will work with a focus on rural development. I will be really happy if I get Bihar cadre.”

“Pay special attention to answer-writing skills and the optional subject – they can significantly boost overall marks.”

Comparison: Shubham Kumar’s Three UPSC Attempts

Parameter	2018 (1st Attempt)	2019 (2nd Attempt)	2020 (3rd Attempt)
Preparation Status	Fresh graduate	More focused	Highly refined strategy
Result	Did not clear	AIR 290	AIR 1
Service Allocated	None	IDAS	IAS
Key Learning	Need better strategy	Answer writing crucial	Perfect execution
Optional Performance	–	Moderate	Excellent (170+150)
Interview Marks	–	–	176/275
Total Marks	–	–	1054

🎯 UPSC Strategy – Shubham Kumar’s Approach

Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy

1. General Studies Papers:

• GS 1: Focus on NCERT books for history and geography
• GS 2: Regular newspaper reading and governance analysis
• GS 3: Economic Survey, budget documents, and current affairs
• GS 4 (Ethics): Case study practice and ethical frameworks

2. Optional Subject – Anthropology:

• Selected due to interest and manageable syllabus
• Used standard textbooks and Kumar Book Centre notes
• Extensive answer-writing practice
• Regular revision of key concepts

3. Essay Paper:

• Read quality newspapers and magazines
• Practiced diverse topics
• Focused on structured, balanced arguments
• Scored 134/250 – a strong performance

4. Interview Preparation:

• Stayed updated on current affairs
• Prepared hobbies and optional subject thoroughly
• Practiced mock interviews
• Maintained composure and confidence
• Scored 176/275

Time Management

Daily Routine During Preparation:

• Morning: 3-4 hours of intensive study
• Afternoon: 2-3 hours (after lunch break)
• Evening: 2-3 hours of revision and answer writing
• Night: Light reading and current affairs

Weekly Schedule:

• 6 days focused study
• 1 day for revision and self-assessment
• Regular mock tests on weekends

Resource Management

Books Used:

• NCERT: Class 6-12 for foundation
• Standard textbooks: For each GS paper
• Kumar Book Centre notes: For optional subject
• Newspapers: The Hindu, Indian Express
• Magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra
• Online resources: Government websites, PIB

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is Shubham Kumar IAS current posting?

Answer: As of May 2025, Shubham Kumar IAS current posting is Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) in Bhagalpur district, Bihar. He was appointed to this position during the Bihar government’s administrative reshuffle in May 2025.

Q2: Is Shubham Kumar IAS married?

Answer: Yes, Shubham Kumar IAS married IRS officer Priyangi Mehta on June 1, 2025, in Patna, Bihar. Priyangi Mehta was the 68th BPSC topper and later cleared UPSC to join the Indian Revenue Service.

Q3: What was Shubham Kumar’s UPSC rank?

Answer: Shubham Kumar secured All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020. He scored a total of 1054 marks (878 in written examination + 176 in interview).

Q4: What is Shubham Kumar IAS age?

Answer: Shubham Kumar IAS age is 28 years as of 2025. He was born on February 14, 1997, in Kumhari village, Katihar district, Bihar.

Q5: What was Shubham Kumar’s 12th percentage?

Answer: Shubham Kumar IAS 12th percentage was 96%. He completed his senior secondary education from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro, Jharkhand, in 2014.

Q6: What is Shubham Kumar IAS caste?

Answer: Shubham Kumar belongs to the Koeri (Kushwaha) community, which falls under the OBC (Other Backward Class) category.

Q7: What was Shubham Kumar’s optional subject in UPSC?

Answer: Shubham Kumar IAS optional subject was Anthropology. He scored 170 marks in Paper I and 150 marks in Paper II of Anthropology, totaling 320 marks out of 500.

Q8: How many attempts did Shubham Kumar take to crack UPSC?

Answer: Shubham Kumar took three attempts to secure AIR 1:

• 2018: First attempt – Did not clear
• 2019: Second attempt – AIR 290 (IDAS)
• 2020: Third attempt – AIR 1 (IAS)

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