Bokaro: ‘There are no shortcuts to success’, says Shubham Kumar (22), an alumnus of Delhi Public School, Bokaro who is placed 41st overall in India in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examinations 2022. Consistency in studies, along with tenacity, hard work and perseverance is crucial for success in any field. In his first attempt, he cleared the most coveted UPSC.
Shubham who visited his alma mater said that while luck is important, hardwork has the potential to outweigh fate. He attributed his success to his determination and the habit of dedicating at least one hour daily to reading newspapers, particularly focusing on the editorial section. This practice provided him with valuable knowledge about current affairs, both nationally and globally, which proved crucial for the civil service examination.
Shubham’s inspiration to pursue a career in the civil services originated when he witnessed the respect and status accorded to an administrative officer during a school function in his village, Khutauna (Madhubani district) Bihar.
With unwavering support from his father, who is a Principal, his mother, a homemaker, and his sister, a software engineer, Shubham pursued his goal relentlessly. Through consistent efforts and guidance, he was able to achieve outstanding results in his first attempt.
Offering advice to students who experience disappointment due to exam failures, Shubham emphasized that setbacks should not be considered failures in life. He encouraged individuals to accept defeat gracefully, explore interests beyond academics, and seek support from friends and family to alleviate stress. Shubham himself followed this principle, enjoying cricket matches and studying without undue pressure, which ultimately led him to success.
Shubham expressed the belief that students should dream big but also evaluate their capabilities realistically. He emphasized the importance of choosing a career aligned with one’s abilities and interests, while also highlighting the significance of hard work and confidence in achieving success.
Regarding his preferred field after clearing the exam, Shubham shared his intention to join the Indian Foreign Service. He would commence his training on July 31, starting with a three-month program at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, followed by training at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service. Additionally, he planned to undergo a two-month language training in Mandarin before embarking on his foreign service career.
Shubham completed his 12th grade from DPS Bokaro in 2018, achieving an impressive 94% in the Science stream. He then enrolled at Hansraj College, Delhi, but faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
During his visit to DPS Bokaro, Shubham met Principal, Dr. A. S. Gangwar and reunited with his teachers, expressing gratitude for their support and reminiscing about their shared memories. Principal Dr. Gangwar congratulated and wished Shubham a bright and successful future. As a token of love, he presented Shubham a shawl and a memento.
