The Emotional Journey of Clearing UPSC: A Personal Account

Every year, millions of candidates aspire to clear the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam to become Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. I was one of them, and I can vividly remember the day I received my results on May 23, 2023. This article delves into the emotional rollercoaster of that day and shares the personal story of how I managed to clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 with an All India Rank (AIR) of 31.

The Day I Knew the Results Were Near

By May 23, 2023, the next preliminary examination was only 5 days away. Despite my track record of multiple failures in the preliminary exams, my logical mind was telling me to prepare rigorously. However, emotions often overshadow rational thought, and I found myself anxiously scrolling through Telegram chats, hoping for news that would never come. The expected results were due soon, but no one knew precisely when the declaration would take place.

That day, my mindless refresh of the UPSC website took on a different turn. Suddenly, the link for the final result appeared. My heart raced as I clicked on the link, hoping to see a positive outcome. The wait felt like an eternity as the PDF took its time to load. Finally, the PDF opened, and the challenge began.

The Dilemma of Fate

With thousands of names to scan through, I faced a critical decision. Should I take a risk and use CtrlF to find my name, or should I manually search and prolong the suspense? I opted for the former, hoping to minimize the time of uncertainty. The search revealed that my name was on the first page, and the success message became clear: S. No. AIR 31 - Priyansha Garg.

A Revealing Narrative

These 30 seconds were etched into my memory. From refreshing the site to finding my name, I could still feel the goosebumps. The journey from a college life student to an IAS officer was about to begin. Reflecting on this day, I understand the importance of maintaining composure and adopting a calm mindset, as described in the ancient Indian text, sthitaprajna. This calmness helped me stay centered when the results were uncertain.

Preparation and Confidence

The results were expected at any moment, and weeks before, I had experienced a mix of emotions. However, on the actual results day, I managed to stay calm and internally confident. I woke up early, prayed for strength, and even thought about finishing my lunch early to avoid any disturbance caused by the results. The confirmation came swiftly, right on the first page of the PDF.

I immediately verified my result with Mahesh sir, my philosophy teacher, to ensure its authenticity. After the confirmation, I shared the news with my parents. My reaction was one of satisfaction rather than happiness. It was a sense of fulfillment that came from completing a long-term project, much like leaving a power plant job and starting this new endeavor.

Reflections and Gratitude

At times, I felt that I had received more than I deserved, which is a feeling of gratitude towards everyone who helped me along the way. The journey to IAS offered many setbacks, and each one made me more relieved to know I wouldn't have to take the preliminary exam again. This personal account is a reflection of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of maintaining a state of calm during uncertain times.

Conclusion

Clearing the UPSC exam is a significant milestone in one's career. This article is not just a recollection of events but a testament to the emotional journey and the importance of staying calm and focused. If you are preparing for the UPSC exam, take a cue from my story and embrace every moment of the process, as the results may surprise you more than you think.

Keywords

UPSC Result, CSE 2022, IAS Exam