I wasted 4 years of my life preparing for the UPSC CSE. The investment of money, time, and health was not worth it.
I spent almost ₹2 lakhs over these 4 years on various courses, books, test series, and so on.
It gave me zero returns. On top of that, I became obese and developed several health issues, along with crippling anxiety and stress.
Now, after all the hard work, years of trauma, low self-esteem, and lack of financial independence, I stand at ground zero.
UPSC is uncertain. You cannot fully trust all the topper videos you see on YouTube.
In my experience, I have seen people with very poor knowledge in GS — those who even confuse Nagara architecture with Vesara — still clear Mains.
So, what precautions should be taken by any fresher or anyone thinking about preparing for UPSC?
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1. For students in school
- Choose a professional course. Candidates who are doctors, lawyers, engineers, CAs, and teachers still clear UPSC.
- Your degree should not be chosen for UPSC, but for stability in case UPSC fails you.
- Your degree should reflect your interests, not just align with your optional subject.
- It should provide financial stability and career prospects, even if you decide to transition after UPSC.
- Do not blindly choose a B.A. in History or an LLB just for UPSC preparation. Even IITians fail to clear prelims.
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2. For students in college
- I highly recommend gaining at least one year of work experience after graduation.
- This gives you financial stability, so you don’t have to depend on your parents even to buy a ₹200 book.
- It helps you gain confidence in the real world.
- It strengthens your DAF (Detailed Application Form) for the UPSC interview (Personality Test) and helps you avoid questions like “Why didn’t you work after graduation?” or “What were you doing all these years?” from the interview panel.
- If you look at recent toppers, most of them have some work experience.
Examples:
Animesh Pradhan (AIR 2, 2023)
Shakti Dubey (AIR 1, 2024)
- Hence, having work experience can go a long way in giving you an edge in the UPSC interview.
- Start building your résumé early. Actively participate in college clubs, elections, and sports activities.
- In the UPSC DAF, there is a section for hobbies, achievements, awards, and leadership positions held. The groundwork you do in college will definitely strengthen your profile and give you an advantage.
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3. For candidates already preparing for UPSC
Start preparing for other exams like State PSCs, SSC, and Banking.
Even the Prime Minister has a backup plan—so why can’t you?
As Nietzsche once said, “Hope, in reality, is the worst of all evils, because it prolongs the torments of man.” Hence, blind faith without a strategic backup is the worst evil.
Prepare for other exams simultaneously.
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These are the key precautions I would suggest to any aspirant. Smart people learn from others’ mistakes—so learn from mine and from countless others caught in this draining UPSC cycle.
I highly recommend browsing Reddit. Many aspirants there have poured out their emotions after UPSC failed them.
Several are left with no job security, still preparing at age 30+, after more than 7 years in the UPSC cycle.
It’s always best to have a backup plan.
