Ira Singhal (IAS Rank-1) How to keep yourself motivated during UPSC preparation?

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• published: 16 Aug 2015
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Q.How did you handle demotivation during preparation times? Ans. Don't take UPSC so seriously. How can you be depressed about an exam, if can't get this job, you'll find some other jobs, India is full of opportunities. You can be a contributing part of the society in many ways. So, let's not take this exam or yourself too seriously. Its nice to get this job, but it can't be the only thing in the life. Who you are, can't end in an answer of "IAS" behind your name. You've 'traits' that'll define you. I was very clear, why I was coming here. I loved my job in Cadburry. I had quit that cool job and nice salary. I didn't take that decision casually. But in my first three attempts, I got same rank and service, I felt may be god wants me to be in this IRS service only. But then my friends were really nice, who forced me to give this fourth attempt. So, I wasn't very keen on this attempt, hardly prepared for 15 days before the exam. But the good thing was this year's mains was not about mugging up. This time, it was just about connecting the dots. So people like me, could clear this. Yes demotivation happens to everyone, but it wasn't about system is wrong aur 'nahi hogaa'..my demotivation was mostly from that fact that I was lazy so opening books itself or hunting material online - that too truly boring. You get demotivated when you start listening to world around you. Don't make this exam about your ego. You see this as a life you want to have. Most people that I speak to - their only aim is "I want to become IAS"….but what after that? That’s just 25-30 years of your life. Why do you want to become IAS? I get 2000 messages per day "Ma'am I want to be an IAS like you!". But I have not become an IAS yet. I've not done anything as IAS yet. So, why do you want to become like me? Think beyond this. Your motivation will come, only when you find true aim in your life. If you think your identity will be defined only by you clearing this exam, then you'll be pressurized. This exam is no parameter. You've admit this UPSC has element of luck, you can't blame yourself for vagaries of luck. There are many other opportunities. If you think it carefully, you are preparing hard for this exam so that you can work even harder for the rest of your life (as a bureaucrat!) You've to bring rationality in your thought pattern, else ethics paper won't be cleared. If you becoming officer just to satisfy your "ego", then you'll only ruin the country.