Transformation Through Civil Service Preparation

This year marks my first attempt at civil services, a journey that has significantly changed my perspective and lifestyle. My preparation for this examination during my bachelors has made me a more well-rounded individual, developing a number of key skills and insights that I believe are crucial for success in both my personal and professional life.

1. Perception

Before embarking on this preparation, the way I consumed and interpreted news was quite different. Now, when I see any issue, I look for both the pros and cons, analyzing it from multiple angles. My ideas are no longer confined to what a single prime-time journalist portrays, but rather are influenced by a broader and deeper analysis.

2. Discipline

Civil service preparation has instilled a high level of discipline in me. Prior to starting this preparation, I was more of a spontaneous individual, often without a plan. However, since then, I have developed the habit of planning and completing tasks according to those plans, significantly improving my overall efficiency.

3. Generalist View

The opportunity to learn about various fields has broadened my generalist perspective. This has allowed me to engage in intelligent conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. For instance, during a journey home, I was able to discuss research and transmission losses in electricity with a person working at ABB, even though I was a commerce student. Such experiences have enhanced my communication and knowledge across a wide range of topics.

4. Continuous Learning and Questioning

Civil service preparation has cultivated a habit of continuous learning and questioning, which is critical for societal impact. I have developed a habit of asking 'what', 'when', 'why', and 'how' about every relevant incident in society. This rigorous questioning has made me more inquisitive and analytical, and has equipped me with the knowledge to understand complex societal issues.

5. Collaboration and Friendships

The process of civil service preparation has also taught me the importance of collaboration. In one subject, I might be able to assist a classmate, while in another, a friend might help me. This mutual support has led to the formation of strong bonds of friendship, and even made books my best friends during the preparation.

6. Multitasking

Preparing for civil services is not just about focusing on one area; many students, particularly from lower and middle-income backgrounds, manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. They work on their higher education while also preparing for UPSC prelims, demonstrating remarkable multitasking ability and dedication.

7. Ethical and Vigilant

To become a civil servant, one must be not only intellectually capable but also ethically sound. Civil service preparation includes ethics as a subject, which teaches about the importance of ethical decision-making and dealing with different societal challenges. This has made me more vigilant and aware of the ethical implications of my actions and decisions.

8. Reading Habit

The formation of a reading habit is a critical aspect of civil service preparation. It takes about 21 days to form a habit, and once it is ingrained, it becomes difficult to give up. UPSC aspirants initially struggle with reading large portions of a newspaper in one go or sitting through long reading sessions. However, once this habit is established, it immensely benefits them in their overall preparation.

Preparing for civil services has been a transformative journey, and I am excited about the continued learning and growth that lies ahead. I will keep adding to this as I progress through my preparation, and I hope to share more insights in future updates.