Equations of Success: IAS Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak's UPSC Triumph with Mathematics Optional

April 22, 2024

4 Minutes

Introduction

Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak's remarkable achievement of securing AIR-11 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021, in his very first attempt, with Mathematics as his optional subject, is a demonstration to his dedication, strategic approach, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Background

He was born into a family where civil service was not just a profession but a way of life, Shubhankar's journey towards UPSC was shaped by his upbringing. His father is a civil servant from the 1995 batch. Having observed his father’s career very closely, he knew about the positive and negative aspects of the services. Despite his initial aversion towards social sciences, his deep-rooted interest in mathematics, coupled with his father's influence as a civil servant, laid the foundation for his eventual pursuit of a career in the administrative services.

Early Challenges and Academic Pursuits

Shubhankar was not confident in social sciences subjects in school, where the focus was primarily on rote learning and naturally did not perform well in these subjects. Facing the pressure to follow in his father's footsteps as an IITian, Shubhankar embarked on the journey to crack the prestigious IIT entrance exam. After 10th, he opted for Science due to his natural inclination for Mathematics and went on to appear for IIT exams, keeping his CSE aspirations on hold.

After 12th he gave the IIT exam but was not able to clear. However, setbacks didn't deter him, and after persistent efforts and preparation, he gave the exam once again and secured admission to IIT Dhanbad for Electrical Engineering. 

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Balancing Work and Preparation

It was during his college years that he witnessed the success of his seniors in UPSC, reigniting his passion for civil services. Transitioning from college to a job, Shubhankar found himself juggling between professional responsibilities and UPSC preparation. Despite the demanding schedule, he meticulously managed his time, dedicating early mornings and evenings to studying, while utilizing breaks at work to watch recorded coaching classes at an accelerated pace. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unexpected opportunity for him to intensify his preparation after resigning from his job in February 2021.

Daily Timetable

Shubhankar's disciplined routine included early morning study sessions for his optional subject Maths, followed by newspaper reading and office work. Evenings were dedicated to watching coaching classes and brief study sessions post-dinner. After leaving his job, he adopted a more focused approach, dedicating separate blocks of time for his optional and general studies preparation.

Strategic Preparation Approach

Opting for a minimalist approach, Shubhankar relied on basic books and class notes, emphasizing consistent revision and practice answer writing within stipulated time frames. As the exam approached, he gradually increased his study hours, allowing for a natural progression in his preparation intensity.

Advice and Insights

Shubhankar's journey is a testament to the importance of staying true to oneself and crafting a personalized strategy amidst societal expectations. His advice emphasizes the significance of self-reliance and strategic planning in navigating the complexities of UPSC preparation.

Conclusion

Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak's journey from a college student with aspirations to an accomplished civil servant exemplifies the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and self-belief. His success serves as an inspiration for aspirants to carve their paths and achieve their goals in the realm of civil services.

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