Inside Shivam's Journey to AIR 21 in UPSC 2024: How He Did It Without Coaching

May 2023 was a joyful time for BSF jawan Roman Singh Yadav and his wife Sunita Yadav, as both their children achieved significant accomplishments within a span of just 10 days. Their daughter, Sugam Yadav, cleared the SSC CGL examination on 10th May 2023, and their son, Shivam Yadav, achieved All India Rank 21 (AIR-21) in UPSC CSE 2022, soon to become an IAS officer.

Shivam, originally from Madhya Pradesh, graduated from Jiwaji University in Gwalior in 2022, the same year he took the UPSC exam. Always aspiring to become an IAS officer, he applied for UPSC right after graduation, and with just a few months of preparation, he passed the CSE and secured AIR-21 on his first attempt. He did not take any coaching and prepared by studying notes and source materials from YouTube and Google.

One of the reasons for Shivam's high interview score (195) was his confidence and ability to interact easily with new people. The day before his interview, he visited the UPSC building and museum to learn about the BSF’s role in the 1971 war. To his surprise, he was asked the same question in the interview. His detailed and informed answer impressed the panel.

Shivam credits his mother for his success and aspires to work towards women empowerment in society. He wishes to serve as an IAS officer, aiming to bring about change for the underprivileged.

In the UPSC CSE 2024, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) was the most chosen subject among top rankers. AIR 1 Shakti Dubey and AIR 2 Harshita Goyal chose PSIR. This subject has been a popular choice among toppers in previous years as well, such as Tina Dabi (2015), Ishita Kishore (2022), and Shakti Dubey (2024).

For UPSC 2024, Shakti Dubey secured AIR 1, followed by Harshita Goyal, Dongre Archit Parag, and Shah Margi Chirag. In 2023, Aditya Srivastava topped the list, followed by Animesh Pradhan, Donuru Ananya Reddy, and P K Sidharth Ramkumar. In 2022, Ishita Kishore was the topper, followed by Garima Lohia, Uma Harathi N, and Smriti Mishra.

Shivam Singh, who secured AIR 73 in the UPSC IAS Civil Services Examination 2024, is an example of determination and grit. His journey was marked by six attempts, each failure fuelling his determination. His strategic choice of Anthropology as an optional subject gave him an edge, demonstrating the importance of smart subject selection. He had previously served as a Deputy Collector in Gorakhpur (U.P.) since 2021, which provided him with administrative exposure and honed his decision-making skills.

Who is Shivam?

Shivam Yadav, originally from Madhya Pradesh, is the son of BSF jawan Roman Singh Yadav and his wife Sunita Yadav. He achieved All India Rank 21 (AIR-21) in UPSC CSE 2022, soon to become an IAS officer. Shivam always aspired to become an IAS officer and is known for his confidence and ability to interact easily with new people.

Educational Background

Shivam graduated from Jiwaji University in Gwalior in 2022, the same year he took the UPSC exam.

UPSC Journey and Attempts

This was Shivam's first attempt at the UPSC exam. With just a few months of preparation, and without any coaching, he passed the CSE and secured AIR-21. One of the reasons for his high interview score (195) was his confidence and ability to interact easily with new people.

Shivam’s UPSC Preparation Strategy

• Study Approach: Shivam prepared for the UPSC exam without any coaching. He studied notes and source materials from YouTube and Google.
• Daily Routine: Not provided.
• Prelims Strategy: Not provided.
• Mains Strategy: Not provided.
• Role of Current Affairs: Not provided.

Optional Subject Strategy ()

Not provided.

Interview Preparation

The day before his interview, he visited the UPSC building and museum to learn about the BSF’s role in the 1971 war. To his surprise, he was asked the same question in the interview. His detailed and informed answer impressed the panel.

Mental Health and Motivation

Not provided.

Key Takeaways from Shivam’s Success

• Shivam's success demonstrates the effectiveness of self-study using online resources.
• His achievement also underlines the importance of confidence and interpersonal skills, as evidenced by his high interview score.
• Preparation and knowledge about relevant topics can help impress the interview panel.

Final Words

Shivam's story is an inspiring example for all UPSC aspirants. His journey underscores the fact that dedicated self-study and confidence in one's abilities can lead to success. Here's hoping that his success motivates and guides future aspirants on their journey to becoming IAS officers.

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