UPSC is not the only measure of success; there is a world of success beyond UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) results were recently announced. Like every year, the stories of successful candidates are making headlines. The interviews of the toppers, their strategies, their hard work, and their struggles are being discussed across the country. This is natural. The achievements of the young people who succeed in this exam after years of rigorous preparation are certainly worthy of praise.
But amidst all this celebration, there’s another aspect that’s less frequently discussed. It’s the mindset that’s forming in our society around the UPSC, which has transformed this exam into not just an opportunity but the ultimate measure of success.
Gradually, the belief that the ultimate goal of education is the UPSC has become deeply ingrained in our social environment. In homes, among relatives, and even in school and college settings, the message often echoes: true success lies in passing this exam. If a young man or woman in a household is selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Police Service (IPS), it becomes a matter of pride for the entire family and neighborhood. This pride is natural, but it also carries an unspoken message: those who fail to clear this exam are perhaps not as successful.
This mindset often creates unnecessary pressure on the minds of millions of young people. At the age of 18 or 19, when a student is contemplating their future, the UPSC is often presented as the ultimate goal. Interestingly, very few of these young people actually pursue this path, understanding the complexities of governance, policymaking, or public service. Often, this decision is driven more by the desire for social prestige than by motivation.
This trend has intensified in the age of social media. Short video clips, images of officers in uniform, and popular portrayals like “Collector Sahib” or “Supercop” create an attractive image in the minds of young people. But the reality behind these images—long working hours, administrative complexities, constant responsibility during natural disasters, political pressure, and the difficulties of decision-making—is rarely mentioned.
Another important issue related to this exam is that of language. Over the past few years, the representation of Hindi-medium candidates in UPSC results has been steadily declining. This is not just a language issue, but also an issue of equality of opportunity. Many students from smaller cities and towns across the country prepare for this exam with limited resources. They face challenges with the English language, a lack of study materials, and expensive coaching facilities.
Ironically, the officials who must work with the country’s diverse population often think and speak in their local languages. Hindi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Awadhi, or other Indian languages are not just a medium of communication but also an expression of social experiences. If the experience of linguistic inequality increases in the selection process, it should be a matter of concern.
At the same time, we must recognize that a nation isn’t built solely by administrative services. Today, the contributions of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, and technical experts are equally important to India’s progress. Thousands of young people working in information technology are strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure. New ideas in the startup world are finding solutions to the problems of farmers, small businesses, and ordinary citizens.
Yet these professions rarely enjoy the social prestige that civil service commands. This imbalance also impacts young people’s career choices. Many talented students, simply due to societal expectations, spend years preparing for the UPSC, even though their potential could contribute significantly in other fields.
It’s also a harsh reality that out of millions of candidates, only a few hundred ultimately succeed in this exam. For the remaining candidates, the process can often prove lengthy and mentally demanding. Some students persevere for five or six years, during which their age, financial resources, and sometimes even personal relationships are compromised. In the event of failure, they are left feeling as if their struggle was in vain.
In fact, this attitude is the biggest problem. Success or failure in an exam cannot determine a person’s full potential or worth. The UPSC is certainly an important exam, but it is not the door to life’s possibilities.
As a society, we must understand that there are many paths to success. If we encourage young people to pursue only one path as supreme, we will inadvertently limit their potential.
The need today is that while we respect exams like the UPSC, we shouldn’t let them become the sole goal of life. Young people must be assured that their hard work, their talent, and their contributions are not diminished by any single result.
Every profession has its own dignity, and every responsibility has its own importance in society. If we can develop this balanced approach, it will not only reduce unnecessary pressure on young people but also provide the country with talented and dedicated citizens in diverse fields.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the result of any exam determines only an opportunity, not a person’s worth. Life’s possibilities are much broader than that—and it is these possibilities that are the true strength of a society.
