I want to work for welfare of country’s rural people: UPSC CSE topper from Bihar

PATNA: Katihar’s Shubham Kumar, who has topped the UPSC civil services (main) exam 2020, wants to work for the welfare of rural people. He shares his mantras of success with Faryal Rumi in an interview. Excerpts:
How did you feel after declaration of results?
I never expected to top the exam, but always believed in my hard work. Securing top rank in the civil services exam is completely a different feeling.I am still surprised.
Who inspired you to pursue civil services?
My father and other family members inspired me to go for civil services. The way my parents raised me despite being in the village was an example for others to follow. This inspired me to work for the welfare of rural people. I had attempted civil services exam for the first time in 2018 after graduating from IIT-Bombay. The serious attempt was in 2019 after one-and-a-half-year of preparation. I had secured AIR 290 in 2019.
Whom did you call immediately after declaration of results?
I spoke to my father first and told him that I have topped the exam. He could not believe it initially.
What is the secret of your success?
In my third attempt, I limited my syllabus and sources of information. I took leave from training to write the papers. During the training in Pune, I prepared for the interview round.
Can you tell us about your background?
I come from a rural background and my father, Devanand Singh, works at Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank and mother, Punam Kumari, is a homemaker. I live in a joint family. My father always ensured that I never faced any kind of hardship. He spent about 50-60% of his income in the studies of myself and my sister.
What are the facilities that the state government should provide to civil services aspirants?
The state is already providing cash incentives to the IAS aspirants preparing for the mains exam. But I think that if there is a dedicated institute in Bihar to help civil service aspirants, it would go a long way in helping them.
Your message to the aspirants?
They should be confident and mingle with only such people who can give them positive energy.