u/Delicious_Scheme_337 — reddlx

Upfront: haven't even cleared one stage so far, so all of the pinches of salt you can take.

UPSC, for a lot of us, is this paragon of equality. Supposed to be accessible on paper. Just a Rs 100 application form (and free for certain sections). The syllabus is of Class 12th level, unlike the JEE and NEET exams that demand you master some of the most complex subjects at the young age of 16-17. The qualifications needed are that of an undergraduate. UPSC doesn't even discriminate on the type of degree you do. The reward is one of the highest non-elected constitutional positions in the country. Sounds extremely equitable.

Until you jump into the preparation.

I always used to wonder as to why if all people read the same books, there is such a difference in the result. I got my answer last year. The exam demands a certain direction: one that can only be shared by genuine people within the industry/people who have cleared. The material itself isn't tough, but you need someone to tell you what needs to be done at each stage, else you will waste time chasing the wrong thing. Online topper talks mostly share only half the story and the YT ecosystem as a whole has a tendency to do hero-worshipping of toppers, thus concealing the nuances needed . Wasting time over the wrong thing for even a month essentially means you kiss an entire year and attempt goodbye. (for beginners). For instance, I'm taking pre this year and I am currently questioning if starting in January end was the right decision. If it's not, I essentially start from scratch for 2027.

It's not a coincidence that children/siblings of bureaucrats, IITians (especially K&D), top DU colleges are the ones dominating the rank lists each year. It's not because they have an official "in" with UPSC, but they have people who can help them out of the goodness of their hearts and who understand your background, not because they want to fleece you for money .

If you don't belong to this hallowed set of people, finding a good guide (I refrain from the word "mentor") is difficult. You may eventually find someone, but you may suddenly find the years are gone. Your family has lost faith in you, and if you're lower-middle class, a lot of your resources might have been spent.

Hence, if you're a Class 12/ college student looking to enter the UPSC game, do not do it thinking that it is not as rigorous as the JEE/NEET sphere and requires a lower investment in terms of the cost. The game is far more sinister and nuanced than most people realise and if parents/relatives/well-wishers around you think "it's just a question of general knowledge", please inform them of the reality before they sink their resources into this.

What you can do: I'm not going to just be a Negative Nandini and will share what you CAN do. If you're in college (at least for the first 2 years), work on having a well-rounded personality. Read and engage with the democratic system of the country and learn how the world works (please READ news). Build the personality traits of an administrator(I don't mean the royal entry bit by this). Learn what your college teaches you properly, so that if UPSC doesn't work out, you have something to fall back on.

Also, if you can, pray for my pre hehe.

Tldr; The social cost and network effects of UPSC are higher than society realises. Please take a fully informed decision before jumping into prep)