Preparation strategy
Shubham Kumar’s UPSC Strategy: Mock Tests, Mains Practice and Focus
Shubham Kumar’s UPSC preparation strategy centred on mock tests, timed answer writing, peer feedback and limiting distractions. According to his interview with Krishi Jagran after securing AIR 1 in UPSC CSE 2020, he used regular practice to identify weaknesses and improve performance. Aspirants can adapt these methods without treating his test counts as compulsory targets.
Pragnya IAS Academy, Hyderabad · Updated 5 October 2026 · 4 min read
What can aspirants learn from Shubham Kumar’s UPSC journey?
The central lesson from Shubham Kumar’s journey is to combine sustained preparation with regular assessment and a dependable support system.
Shubham Kumar, from Katihar district in Bihar, secured All India Rank 1 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020. In an interview with Krishi Jagran’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief, MC Dominic, reported at the time, he discussed his preparation, setbacks and approach to practice. The routines described below are drawn from that account, not a complete daily timetable.
According to the interview account, he studied civil engineering at IIT Bombay, participated in sports and served as his hostel’s cultural secretary. He made a considered decision to pursue the civil services during his time there. He reached AIR 1 in his third attempt and credited family and friends with helping him persist through setbacks.
How did Shubham Kumar prepare during the pandemic?
During the pandemic, Shubham relied on mock tests and peer review to keep his preparation active.
According to the interview, he was not taking coaching at that stage. He solved tests with friends who were also preparing for UPSC, and they exchanged and checked one another’s answer sheets. This describes a particular phase of his preparation; it should not be read as a claim about his entire journey.
The useful takeaway is to create a feedback process even when studying independently. A study partner can point out an unclear explanation or a missed part of a question. Peer review works best when comments address the answer itself rather than becoming a comparison of preparation levels.
How many mock tests did Shubham Kumar take?
Shubham reported taking 70-75 mock tests in his 2019 attempt and 40-45 mock tests for the 2020 Prelims, alongside regular timed Mains practice.
| Preparation phase | Reported practice | Lesson for aspirants |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 attempt | 70-75 mock tests | Use repeated testing to identify recurring weaknesses. |
| 2020 Prelims | 40-45 mock tests | Choose a test schedule that leaves time for review. |
| Mains preparation | 1-hour mock tests daily | Build consistency in timed answer writing. |
| Mains preparation | A full-length 3 hour mock test every third day | Practise pacing across a complete paper. |
His emphasis was on using mocks to understand strong and weak areas. Completing a test is only the first step: its value lies in recognising what needs correction before the next one. A mock score is feedback on that performance, not a prediction of the final result.
- Attempt the test within the allotted time.
- Review incorrect responses, unanswered questions and incomplete answers.
- Separate gaps in knowledge from problems with interpretation or time management.
- Revise the weak areas before attempting another test.
- Check whether the same mistakes recur.
What was his approach to UPSC Mains answer writing?
Shubham emphasised writing quickly, keeping answers precise and conveying relevant ideas instead of merely filling pages.
He recommended point-wise answers and experimenting with writing tools and methods to find what felt comfortable. The transferable lesson is not to copy a particular pen or presentation style, but to develop an approach that supports clear, legible writing under exam conditions.
- Read the question carefully and address its specific demand.
- Use points where they make the answer easier to follow.
- Prioritise relevant ideas over unnecessary length.
- Practise with a comfortable pen before full-length tests.
- Allocate time according to the question’s marks and expected length rather than using one fixed limit for every answer.
His reported combination of shorter daily sessions and full-length papers offers a useful distinction: short practice builds consistency, while complete papers test whether that skill holds up across the examination duration.
What advice did he offer rural aspirants?
Shubham encouraged rural aspirants to use available study resources and build a supportive circle of fellow candidates.
He referred to using notes and online material, and argued that an aspirant’s background should not discourage preparation. This is best understood as encouragement, not a guarantee that financial or geographical barriers disappear. Access to reliable material, time and feedback still matters.
He also spoke about wanting to improve rural education and economic conditions and address flooding in Bihar. For aspirants, this adds an important perspective: preparation can remain connected to an interest in public problems, rather than revolving entirely around marks and ranks.
How can aspirants adapt his routine without copying it?
Adapt the principles of Shubham’s routine—practice, feedback and focus—to your own preparation stage and available time.
He advised limiting social media because of its potential to distract. The practical aim is to protect study time, not to replace one rigid rule with another. If you use online platforms for preparation, distinguish planned resource use from unstructured browsing.
Set a manageable test schedule, reserve time for reviewing answers and keep in touch with people who offer constructive support. Increase practice only when you can absorb the feedback. The strongest lesson from this account is a repeatable process of attempting, reviewing and improving—not a particular number of mocks or a promise of the same outcome.
Frequently asked questions
What was Shubham Kumar’s rank in UPSC CSE 2020?
Shubham Kumar secured All India Rank 1 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020. According to the interview account, this was his third attempt. His preparation story highlights persistence, mock tests, timed writing and support from family and friends.
How many mock tests did Shubham Kumar take?
In the reported interview, he mentioned 70-75 mock tests in his 2019 attempt and 40-45 for the 2020 Prelims. These figures describe his personal preparation. Aspirants should select a manageable test schedule that also allows sufficient time for analysis and revision.
What was Shubham Kumar’s daily Mains practice routine?
He reported taking 1-hour mock tests daily and a full-length 3 hour mock test every third day during Mains preparation. The account does not provide a complete daily study timetable, so it should not be used to infer his total study hours.
Did Shubham Kumar prepare without coaching?
According to the interview account, he was not taking coaching during the pandemic phase described. He practised tests with fellow aspirants and exchanged answer sheets for review. This does not establish that he prepared without coaching throughout his entire UPSC journey.
What can rural aspirants learn from his strategy?
His advice was to use available study material, including online resources, and maintain a supportive circle of friends. Rural aspirants can apply this through focused resource selection and regular feedback, while recognising that access constraints may require a preparation plan suited to their circumstances.
Should I copy a UPSC topper’s exact test schedule?
No. A topper’s schedule reflects an individual preparation stage, strengths and available time. Apply the underlying principles—timed practice, careful review and correction of weaknesses—rather than copying test counts. A sustainable schedule with thorough analysis is more useful than completing tests without learning from them.