In the wake of a tragic incident at Delhi's Rau’s IAS Study Circle, where three Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) aspirants lost their lives, a national debate has been sparked regarding the immense pressures faced by those preparing for competitive exams. Former Bengaluru police commissioner and Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Bhaskar Rao has weighed in on the discussion, advising aspirants to consider alternative plans if they do not clear the UPSC exam within three attempts.
Bhaskar Rao’s Personal Experience
Bhaskar Rao shared his personal experience through a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that success in life does not hinge solely on passing the UPSC exam. Rao himself passed the UPSC Civil Services Examination on his third attempt in 1989. He acknowledged that many of his more brilliant peers, who did not pass the exam, have found success in various other fields. "Dearest Young Friends, I passed my UPSC Civil Services Examination in my THIRD attempt in 1989. More brilliant friends of mine didn’t pass this exam but are doing well in life. Dearest Children, Your Life, Family, & Future are more Valuable & Important than any Examination and a Job,” he wrote.
Social Pressure and Personal Well-Being
Rao highlighted the temporary nature of social pressure and urged aspirants not to waste their most productive years on repeated attempts. He pointed out that the societal expectation to clear the UPSC exam can be overwhelming but emphasized that this pressure is fleeting. "If you cannot clear a particular Competitive Examination in THREE Attempts, please don't keep on attempting and wasting your Time. Social Pressure is very Temporary. Please don't destroy your life. Take a Plan B and Exit for a Better Life," Rao advised.
Critique of Coaching Centers
Rao also criticized the role of coaching centers in perpetuating unrealistic hopes among aspirants. He referred to these institutions as "hoax hope factories" and warned against spending exorbitant amounts of money on them. "These Exams will make a 31-year-old kid a Life Failure, which is not the Truth. Please don't waste Lakhs of Rupees on Coaching Centers, which are Hoax Hope Factories. Life is Precious," he noted. This critique sheds light on the commercial aspect of exam preparation, where coaching centers profit from the anxiety and desperation of aspirants.
The Tragic Incident and Its Implications
The tragic incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle has brought to the forefront the harsh living conditions and immense pressures faced by UPSC aspirants in New Delhi. A 26-year-old woman, who was an aspirant, allegedly died by suicide, reportedly battling depression. In a note, she appealed to the government to reduce scams in government exams and to create more job opportunities for the youth. She also called for a decrease in rent for paying guest accommodations and hostels meant for students, highlighting the financial strain faced by many aspirants.
Broader Implications and Need for Change
Rao’s advice comes at a critical time, urging aspirants to value their lives and consider alternative career paths if the UPSC exam remains out of reach after multiple attempts. His words serve as a poignant reminder that while exams are important, they should not come at the cost of one's well-being and future. The broader implications of his message stress the need for systemic changes in how competitive exams are perceived and the support systems in place for aspirants.
The government and educational institutions need to address the root causes of the immense pressure faced by aspirants. This includes providing better mental health support, reducing financial burdens, and creating more diverse career opportunities. The current emphasis on clearing competitive exams as the sole path to success needs to be reevaluated to ensure a healthier, more holistic approach to career development.
Bhaskar Rao’s insights underscore the importance of having a Plan B and recognizing that success in life can be achieved through various paths. The recent tragedy at Rau’s IAS Study Circle has highlighted the need for a broader dialogue on the pressures faced by UPSC aspirants and the systemic changes required to support them. As Rao aptly put it, "Your Life, Family, & Future are more Valuable & Important than any Examination and a Job." His advice serves as a crucial reminder that while striving for success, one's well-being and future should never be compromised.
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