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Journalism of Courage
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) member Sanjeev Sanyal said in a series of posts on social media platform X, “As mentioned, it (is) perfectly fine to attempt the UPSC or other such exams, but only if the person wants to be an administrator. The problem is that lakhs of people are spending 5-8 years repeatedly doing this exam as a ‘way of life’. This is such a waste of youthful energy.” Former bureaucrats had described this view as “absurd” and “avoidable”. Also, many UPSC Aspirants and mentors may find it demotivating and disrespectful for those who prepare for Civil Services with a purpose. Ravi Kapoor tells us why UPSC preparation is not a waste of time.
About the Expert: Ravi Kapoor, an IRS officer, has now ditched his coveted rank of deputy commissioner and has offered free quality mentorship to UPSC aspirants, drawing upon his ten years of experience to create customised and productive curriculum. Through a free mentorship programme, he integrates tailored educational materials, psychological principles, visual learning techniques, and a strong emphasis on mental well-being into his teaching skills granting aspirants a chance to learn from his expertise.
If aiming for Civil Services through UPSC is a waste of time then so is wanting to become a professional cricketer or a professional actor or any other profession which requires a very high degree of hard work, motivation and determination. So, anything that involves competition and a skewed success ratio is a waste of time. This, according to me, is an absurd conclusion about a prestigious exam and the courageous students who aspire for it.
As far as UPSC is concerned, it may have become a hobby for some aspirants. It maybe true for some but not for all. It should not be generalised at all. UPSC exam is a waste of time only for those who have over-invested in it without thinking about their over-investment rationally. But before making any statements that may discourage aspirants one must go and ask such aspirants why have they over-invested so much time in their UPSC journey. Their answers will make them face the reality.
People giving advice should know one important fact about this exam. The UPSC examination process and the preparation journey are sustainable only for those who are really committed to their aim. Being committed to your aim is a good thing. Such aspirants push themselves really hard to achieve their goals. But the fact of life is that the result is not in their hands. If you fail in anything in life, someone will come up to tell you that you have wasted your time. That is how society is. But that isn’t a good advice. Does this advice give you any alternatives? Has this advisor understood why you voluntarily aimed for this noble profession? Did he ask you how you want to contribute to nation-building? I believe aspirants deserve respect for the path they chose and not discouragement. Such advice should not demotivate you.
I have seen the journey of some aspirants very closely. Starting from scratch they gave five or more years to UPSC. They over-invested in this journey because they felt they were very close to the goal and it was a risk worth taking. Aspirants take risks with UPSC exams at an age when they can take risks in life. UPSC attempts coincide with the risk-taking youthful age bracket of (20s-30s). This is the only age bracket in life where risks like these can be taken. And even if it is a failed risk one can go back to other plans of life. Life continues beyond UPSC.
In most cases, life takes a better turn because one has learned so much in the UPSC preparation stage both academically and personally. In fact, if you talk to students who have prepared for civil services, you will find how exceptional personalities they have become because how they think and view issues is different from any common person. Such an ability acquired and developed through UPSC CSE preparation is mostly not seen in conventional educational systems, sadly. A serious aspirant, even if unable to clear UPSC exams, stands out in a room full of professionals because of their knowledge, and the zeal to work hard and since they have tasted failure, they are courageous to take risks.
Yes, there is a craze for UPSC but I don’t see a problem in it. The youth of our country are interested in something intellectual rather than an easy money-minting plan. They did not choose a path of quick success. They aimed to choose a path that requires great hard work and struggle. This is a good sign for our nation. If they clear the exam, they will be seen as the smartest people in the country. If they do not clear they will still be able to contribute a lot to the nation building in whatever they do.
Everyone doesn’t want to be an entrepreneur. There is nothing wrong with being an entrepreneur. But every entrepreneur is not necessarily successful. Most people choose civil services because they see the governance gap and they want to bridge the gap. They have chosen voluntarily to take pain and stress to achieve their aim. I would like to see this dedicated lot as civil servants for sure. And if not in civil services, in some sectors contributing to nation-building through the experiences they have gained in their preparation journey.
Much of such advice comes from how success is defined today. Popular belief is that one is successful only if one can outshine the competition otherwise he or she is mediocre. In such cases, success becomes synonymous with some exceptional qualities. If you fail, people will comment on your aspirations. Of course, aspirations can be achieved in better ways. There can be strategies in which the time can be lessened to achieve success. But anything that takes time doesn’t mean it is a waste of time. Also, every wise aspirant should have a ‘plan b’ if he or she has already faced two failed attempts. I am not suggesting to quit but to have a backup plan. Nevertheless, in my eyes, aspiring for something as tough as UPSC deserves huge respect. Your aspiration, no matter what the result is, deserves respect. Say proudly, “It’s my choice.”
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