SSC CGL 2024 topper Shubham Aggarwal reveals how he secured AIR 1 in his first attempt

Shubham Aggarwal - SSC CGL 2024 Topper

In a country where over 19 lakh aspirants vie for a chance to serve in coveted government positions, securing the top spot in the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination is no small feat. But what makes Shubham Aggarwal's story truly remarkable is not just the All India Rank 1 he earned in SSC CGL 2024—it's the journey he undertook to get there.

Hailing from Ambikapur, a small town in Chhattisgarh, Shubham's academic roots were grounded in humble beginnings. He completed his schooling in Hindi medium and later graduated from the prestigious NIT Raipur. Despite his strong academic foundation, success didn't come easy. He had previously attempted the UPSC Civil Services and various State PSC exams, but those endeavors ended in disappointment. “I faced many failures,” Shubham shares candidly. “A friend then suggested I try SSC CGL. Honestly, it wasn’t inspiration—it was more like an alternative path I hadn’t yet explored.”

With that decision, Shubham began his preparation in mid-May 2024. Unlike the stereotypical 12-hour study days often romanticized in the exam prep world, his approach was realistic and rooted in balance. “I used to give 3-4 hours to General Awareness and the rest to practicing Maths and Reasoning. English I covered primarily through mock tests and their analysis,” he explains.

A mathematics teacher with seven years of experience, Shubham had an edge in the Quant section, thanks to his fast calculation skills and familiarity with problem-solving. Still, he didn't rest on his laurels. He relied on a combination of NCERT textbooks, previous years’ papers from Kiran Publications, and intensive mock test practice through the Oliveboard platform to fine-tune his strategy.

Mock tests, in particular, became the cornerstone of his preparation. “Giving mock tests and analyzing them was the most important part of my strategy. It helped me identify weak areas and fine-tune my exam approach,” he says. Shubham didn’t follow a rigid study plan; instead, he adapted along the way—especially after clearing SSC CGL Tier 1, when he focused more on General Awareness and Computer skills.

On exam day, Shubham kept his strategy simple. “I planned to start with easy-to-moderate questions first, but I ended up attempting all 60 questions in one go and still had 3 minutes left.” The only real challenge he recalls was during the Computer section, which he found tough. “But I knew it would be tough for everyone, so I stayed calm and focused.”

Despite moments of self-doubt—understandable, given his earlier setbacks—Shubham stayed grounded. “I always had a backup plan: my educational institute. That took off the pressure. I focused more on the process rather than the outcome.”

Support from his family and mentors played a crucial role in keeping him motivated. “My parents and teachers were my pillars of strength,” he says. Interestingly, he credits the film I Am Kalam as an indirect mentor of sorts. “It showed how even a poor child can dream of meeting the President. That really stayed with me.”

When the SSC CGL results were finally announced, the emotions ran deep. “I got a bit emotional. I just hoped to find my name on the list—AIR 1 was completely unexpected. It was the icing on the cake,” he recalls.

Now, with the top rank in hand, Shubham has a clear vision for the future. “I want to serve as an Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of External Affairs. I just want to work hard for the department and give my best.”

Despite his academic intensity, Shubham has diverse interests: cricket, reading newspapers, teaching, and watching inspirational films. However, during preparation, there was little time for recreation. “I was also running my coaching institute, so I didn’t have much leisure time,” he adds.

To future aspirants, Shubham offers grounded advice: “Avoid shortcuts. Success is long and tiring, but it's sweetest when earned through effort.” He also emphasizes the importance of mental health: “Develop habits like reading newspapers and practicing yoga or meditation.”

As for staying motivated? Shubham finds inspiration in the little things. “Like an ant carrying something ten times its weight—still not giving up. That’s life. That’s resilience.”

In a world where exam success stories often get reduced to formulas and ranks, Shubham Aggarwal’s journey is a reminder that perseverance, adaptability, and humility can quietly pave the path to greatness.