Have you had the chance to interact with a dedicated UPSC aspirant in real-life? Chances are, you know of at least one person who is currently preparing (or had attempted in the past) for UPSC. Every year, a huge number of candidates apply for this prestigious examination. According to one estimate (as per Wikipedia), the average number of applicants is roughly between 900000 to 1000000 per year, with around 555000 appearing for the preliminary examination. However, the success rate of candidates actually making it to the prestigious ranks is around 0.001%. The recruitment process of civil service officers under UPSC (or state level civil service examination) comprises three levels - preliminary exam, mains exam, and personal interview. And the ones who finally make the cut after clearing three challenging rounds of qualification, receive immense respect and applause in our society, and serve as role models for future aspirants. 

The massive strength of coaching institutions, online platforms and study materials catering to the preparation of civil service exams tell a lot about the determination (and hopes) of millions of civil service aspirants who wish to clear the examination. Many serious aspirants dedicate years to preparing, studying and improving their chances at cracking it. Due to the incredibly low success rate, many aspirants keep an alternate career choice handy - some even prefer continuing with their jobs while preparing for civil services on the side. However, the dedication among some serious civil service aspirants are often known to surpass practicality. It’s not uncommon to hear about aspirants who shut themselves off from the social world and dedicate their entire time in preparations. Since it typically takes more than two attempts to clear the civil service exams, they carry on with their strict study routine despite failed attempts, sometimes up to their last try without pursuing any other career paths or temp jobs. 

But what of those who do not make it, and the number of attempts (and age) run out? In that case, (as stated above) the majority of aspirants keep a fail safe option handy. Although, it does not negate the extent of disappointment they experience, especially those who come very close to clearing it but lose out for just a couple of marks, they accept the truth and move on with their life. However, some aspirants have a rather hard time coming to terms with the bitter reality. They are usually the ones who have had their sole focus set on clearing the civil services without alternate career preferences. A few of them are deeply affected to the extent of developing severe mental health issues. And in some extreme cases, there have been a few reports in the past about aspirants ending their lives. 

It is not a new revelation that many students are burdened with the expectations of their parents and society, to the extent that they feel extremely pressured to ‘excel’ in their career paths. Many civil service aspirants fall in that category. Fortunately, we have a plethora of career choices today in a diverse range of fields that are equally rewarding. Aspirants with a strong support group (parents, friends and mentors) usually don’t let their failed attempts to overpower their mind and instead pursue alternate career paths and do well in life. But those lacking this crucial support system may suffer a great deal to let go and it may hinder their shot at the next best thing available to them. 

The reality is, the majority of Indians have an unhealthy relationship with their academic aspirations. Meaning, we often opt for subjects which are ‘deemed’ worthy of pursuing, instead of letting our interests guide our career choices. We’re obsessed with either high corporate packages, securing a govt. job or clearing one of the most challenging exams - USPC. But there’s more to our career choices, isn’t it? 

It may seem bizarre, but there are a lot of youngsters making successful careers out of online platforms like Youtube. A lot of ambitious folks are starting their own ventures and giving a new dimension to the startup ecosystem. We have full-time freelancers who are earning in six figures, and a lot of talented minds advancing the field of research. If you think about it, we have endless possibilities and opportunities that can lead us to success. And cracking the civil services is only one of those many preferences. 

It’s important that as a society, we promote the scope of these diverse career paths right from school level, and set up the facility of availing adequate mentorship in whichever field a student wishes to explore further. Perhaps, being consumed with the over-competitive fields isn’t needed. It’s okay to walk on ‘lesser’ pursued career paths and be happy with our lives. Success was never about clearing the toughest exams or becoming the richest person on Earth.