They plugged on behind closed doors. They gave up on friends. They shunned all parties. And then, success came along for these UPSC candidates from the city. They share what it takes to crack one of the most difficult exams in the country
Manpriya Singh: Do we want to know how they studied? Nah! We want to know how they managed not playing. Often a single or double-digit rank in entrances is more about countless parties missed rather than continuous hours put. Those from the city share what it’s like to be on the prestigious merit list of UPSC and of course, what all did they forgo?
- Fun, friends...full stop: I had to sacrifice quite a lot of my social life. By this time, most of your friends are working, are independent and in the evenings, they are partying. I had to literally stop catching up with them, even sometimes when I felt like...in the entire preparation process, a certain part of your life completely goes to books. What helped me through it all was my writings and my blog, wherein I’d channelise all my negative energy. Writing about life, love, experiences was cathartic. Gazal Bharadwaj, from Uttarakhand, Appeared from the city, civil engineer, secured 40th rank in 4th attempt
- Gave up a lot, but not fun: I went to all the parties and I went for all the movies, but it definitely reduced a lot during the last months. The thing that I had to sacrifice the most for the preparation was my job of a management consultant, which meant a hefty pay package. The key to making it till the end is to enjoy your preparation. Rest, a good set of friends helps with whom you can go out. For instance, my best friend from school was also preparing alongside, so it helps.
- Nazuk Kumar, from Chandigarh,
- Graduate, IIT Delhi, secured 58th rank
- Books, books & more books
- I love hanging out with family and friends; also listening to music. I didn’t completely stop doing these things but I really did have to compromise, especially regarding going out. Already being in the services, for the past few months, life literally meant just office and books. Preparing for civil services in this country is a long journey; my past four years have been buried in books. But it’s worth it. So youngsters shouldn’t get discouraged by overwhelming statistics.
- Amit Kumar Panchal, from Chandigarh,
- Regional Transport Officer, Ambala, secured 272 rank in 4th attempt
- It’s a long journey: I love to read and visit museums. But in the last one year, my focus has been mainly on studies. This despite the fact that I started preparing while in the first year of my graduation itself. So is life a big party now? Not yet, I have secured revenue services, I have to try, try and try again. Hardeep Singh, from Chandigarh, Graduate from Punjab Engineering College, rank 331 in 1st attempt, manpriya@tribunemail.com. Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
