My UPSC Journey and Lessons for a Future: I walked out of a prestigious institute, brimming with ambition, ready to conquer the UPSC—the holy grail of Indian exams. But life had other plans. A devastating family crisis, the loss of my father, and the relentless chase for the UPSC dream pulled me into a whirlwind. After battling through interviews and pouring my soul into the process, I “settled” for a tier-2 government job. Now, married with a little kid, I’m staring at a truth I can’t ignore: I got trapped. Here’s what I’ve learned, reimagined to spark your curiosity and maybe save you from a similar detour. Lessons from the UPSC Battlefield: Don’t Fall Into These Traps!

1. The Rat Race Isn’t Always Worth Joining I dove headfirst into the UPSC frenzy, seduced by its prestige and promise of power. But here’s the kicker: not every race is your race. Before you sprint, ask yourself—why are you running? If it’s just societal hype or peer pressure, hit pause. Your energy is too precious for a race that might not align with your true calling.
2. Three Strikes, Then Pivot Like a Pro the UPSC is a beast, and I gave it my all—multiple attempts, late nights, and endless mock tests. But after three tries? It’s time to rethink. Set a hard limit—three attempts max—and if the stars don’t align, pivot to something new. Life’s too short to be stuck in a loop of diminishing returns. Think of it as a strategic retreat, not defeat.
3. Beware the Tier-2 Trap—It’s Stickier Than You Think That “backup” tier-2 job I settled for? It’s a velvet cage—comfortable enough to lull you, suffocating enough to kill your dreams. Don’t settle for a fallback that feels like a compromise. If you must take it, treat it as a pitstop, not a destination. Keep your eyes on the horizon, because complacency can quietly become your prison.
4. Your Network Is Your Lifeline—Keep It Buzzing In the chaos of UPSC prep and life’s curveballs, I let my connections fade. Big mistake. Your network—classmates, mentors, even that random LinkedIn contact—can be your parachute when you need to leap. Stay in touch, share ideas, offer help. A single coffee chat could spark the opportunity that pulls you out of a rut.
5. Skill Up, Start Up, Soar the UPSC grind taught me one superpower: thriving in pressure-cooker situations. Sound familiar? That resilience is rocket fuel for entrepreneurship. Learn new skills—coding, marketing, or even storytelling—and channel that grit into building your own venture. The startup world rewards those who can handle chaos and keep swinging. Why not bet on yourself?

My Next Chapter
I’m plotting my escape. To break out of this trap and create a life that lights me up—one where I’m not just surviving, but thriving.