UPSC
The Civil Services Examination, conducted by UPSC, is a true test of perseverance and discipline. Anshul Singh, who achieved an impressive 873rd rank in his second attempt, opens up to The World Times about his journey, challenges, and the mindset that kept him going. Today, as a civil services achiever, his story stands as a testament to belief, discipline, and the power of a balanced strategy.
The Conversation: Insights from a Civil Services Achiever
Late into the evening, after a long and tiring day, Anshul Singh speaks with quiet confidence about a journey that demanded both courage and consistency. While most people seek stability, he chose to chase his dream of serving the nation.
Q1. What inspired you to pursue the civil services?
My inspiration has largely come from my family. My parents have always supported me, no matter what I wanted to do. Initially, they encouraged me to take up science to keep my options open, but later, they fully respected my decision to pursue journalism. When I eventually decided to prepare for the civil services, they stood by me just the same. In fact, I am the first person in my family to clear this examination, which makes it even more special.
Q2. Was it difficult to leave a stable career path and prepare for this exam?
Yes, it was definitely challenging. During my master’s, most of my peers were preparing for placements and are now well settled in the media industry. I was the only one who chose not to sit for placements because my prelims were approaching. It was tough to see others move ahead while I was still studying. But I had made up my mind and believed that I could achieve this if I stayed consistent.
Q3. How did you deal with self-doubt and mental pressure during preparation?
There were moments of doubt, of course. But I was fortunate to have a strong support system. They reminded me that one failure does not define me. Even when I cleared a banking exam, I chose to stay focused on my ultimate goal. I believe that once you aim high, you need to stay committed to that vision.
Q4. Did your background in journalism help you in your preparation?
Definitely. Journalism helped me develop strong communication and writing skills, which were especially useful during the interview stage, where I scored 195 marks. It also taught me to look at issues from multiple perspectives. Instead of thinking one-sidedly, I learned to critically analyse situations and suggest balanced solutions, which is very important in civil services.
Q5. What strategy did you follow while preparing for the exam?
I followed a structured schedule and planned my days topic-wise rather than just counting hours. During crucial phases like prelims and mains, I cut off distractions such as social media completely. At the same time, I made sure to take short breaks and maintain a balance to avoid burnout by spending time with my loved ones. This helped a lot with my mental well-being.
Q6. What advice would you like to give to future aspirants?
My advice would be not to rush into preparation too early. Enjoy your school and college life, build friendships, and gain life experiences. Once you decide to prepare, give it your full commitment with discipline and consistency, and do not forget to believe in yourself.
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