IAS TOPPER SHAKTI DUBEY BOOKLIST

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My Background & Early Days

My UPSC journey began in 2018, right after I completed my graduation and post-graduation from BHU. Coming from a non-humanities background, I was completely new to this field and had no idea how to start.

My father worked in the UP Police, starting as a Head Constable and later becoming a Sub-Inspector. My mother is a homemaker. Their support—especially financial—was crucial in helping me continue this journey.

In my first two attempts (2018 and 2019), I was working alongside preparing, which left me with limited time for self-study. I now realise that this was one of the key reasons for my early failures.

After quitting my job, I gave my full focus to the exam. However, failing the Prelims again in 2022 by just one mark was a huge blow. That phase was emotionally tough. But my family—especially my mother, who often told me “Never lie to yourself”—stood by me like a rock. My father, siblings, and even friends helped check my answers and supported me with revision.

Eventually, I understood that failures are part of the journey. What matters is learning from mistakes and moving forward. And yes, I believe destiny also played its part when I finally secured Rank 1 this year.

My optional was PSIR (Political Science & International Relations). I chose it because I found it interesting and it overlapped well with GS2, Ethics, and Essay.

My Preparation Approach

  1. Self-Reliance: Coaching helps with basics, but self-study and regular improvement matter more.

  2. Stay Updated: UPSC changes every year. Keep updating your notes and strategies.

  3. Learn from Toppers: Read strategies of successful candidates—especially helpful if you can’t afford coaching.

  4. Integrated Prep: Prepare Prelims and Mains together. Shift to Prelims-specific study only 2-3 months before the exam.

  5. Be Consistent: Study regularly. Long study hours occasionally won’t help much.

  6. Right Mindset: Stay calm in the exam. Don’t panic if the first few questions are tough.

  7. Practice a Lot: Write answers and give mock tests regularly to improve speed and structure.

  8. Avoid Overload: Don’t run behind every new course or material. Stick to trusted resources and revise them.

  9. Be Honest: Know your strengths and weaknesses. Be genuine in interviews.

  10. Mental Health Matters: Talk to loved ones, take breaks, and don’t ignore anxiety or burnout.

Prelims Strategy

  • PYQs are Gold: I didn’t just solve them—I used them to find recurring themes. For example, Polity often focuses on Articles 19, 21, and 32.

  • Limited Resources: For each subject, I stuck to minimal and trusted material to ensure thorough revision.

My Subject-Wise Booklist:

  • History:

    • Ancient: Tamil Nadu book + Themes Part 1 (New NCERT)

    • Medieval: YouTube lectures (2021)

    • Modern: Spectrum

    • Art & Culture: Class 11 Fine Arts NCERT

  • Geography:

    • 11th & 12th NCERTs (4 books)

    • Vajiram notes for basics

    • YouTube mapping videos (free)

  • Economy:

    • Shyam Sundar Sir’s notes (initially)

    • Jayant Sir’s notes & videos (Eco Survey, Budget)

    • Sriram IAS notes (for value addition)

  • Polity:

    • Laxmikanth

    • Abhay Kumar Sir’s 500 MCQs on YouTube

  • Environment, Ecology & S&T:

    • Focused more on current affairs: species, COP summits, schemes, recent launches (Chandrayaan-3, Covid vaccines)

  • Current Affairs:

    • Followed one newspaper daily

    • Revised compilations from any institute

    • Revision priority: S&T > Environment > Economics > IR > Polity

  • CSAT (Paper 2):

    • Split into 3 parts:

      • Reading Comprehension (strength)

      • Reasoning (moderate)

      • Quantitative Aptitude (weak—focused only on easy chapters)

    • Solved last 5 years' PYQs

    • Attempted 45–50 questions with accuracy

  • Prelims Practice:

    • Gave 50+ mock tests in 2023

    • 10–12 in 2024 (due to less time)

    • Last 3 weeks: Revised mocks, notes, PYQs—no new sources

Mains Strategy

  • Answer Writing:

    • Focused on speed and completing all questions

    • Used headings, keywords, examples, diagrams, and maps

    • Kept answers short and structured

  • Intro & Conclusion:

    • Start with a current event or fact

    • End with a positive, future-oriented tone

Paper-wise Tips:

  • GS1: Society part is current-based. For static history, linked topics to current (e.g., Sengol → Cholas).

  • GS2: Used judgments, SC rulings, and reports. Focused more on current affairs.

  • GS3: Relied on current data, schemes, and recent initiatives. For Environment/S&T, referred to missions like LiFE, Chandrayaan.

  • GS4 (Ethics): My favorite. Used toppers’ notes + 100 keyword templates. Examples from real life and public servants (e.g., Balika Panchayat). Practiced case studies under time limits.

Interview Strategy

  • DAF is Crucial: Prepared answers to every keyword in my DAF (place, hobbies, family background, etc.)

  • Current Affairs: Be updated and able to express your opinions clearly

  • Optional: Revised PSIR thoroughly

  • Mocks: Attended a few high-quality mocks to improve communication and confidence

  • Demeanor: Stay respectful, balanced, and honest—never bluff

  • Appearance: Formal wear is necessary. Practice wearing it during mocks

  • Language: Choose your preferred language (Hindi/English) and stick to it

Final Advice

  • Believe in yourself.

  • Focus on self-awareness—know what’s working and what’s not.

  • Stay close to those who support you emotionally.

  • Revise more, read less.

  • You don’t need to be perfect—just consistent and honest.

This journey was never easy. But with support, strategy, and persistence, I turned failures into stepping stones. If I can do it, so can you.