Krishna Chandra Gupta’s Journey to UPSC AIR-142: A Triumph Amidst Adversity

May 21, 2024

4 Minutes

Prologue

In 2022, Krishna Chandra Gupta etched his name in the annals of the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) by securing All India Rank 142. This remarkable achievement culminated a demanding yet fulfilling journey that spanned five attempts and tested his mettle to the core.

Early Scholastic Pursuits and Initial Attempts

Throughout his early academic career, Gupta excelled as an eager learner, actively participating in class discussions. However, as he progressed into senior high school, a sense of doubt shadowed him, causing him to retreat into the background. Despite this self-imposed solitude, he managed to achieve early successes in the UPSC CSE prelims examination, securing impressive scores in both his first and second attempts. However, the mains examination proved to be an insurmountable obstacle in both instances.

Roadblock: The Impasse of the Mains Examination

Gupta’s inability to clear the mains examination was a crushing blow to his aspirations. Self-doubt and a gnawing sense of inadequacy took hold. The relentless pressure he felt seemed to push him to the brink of collapse.

The Ravages of Clinical Depression

Amidst the turmoil, Gupta began to succumb to the debilitating symptoms of clinical depression. An overwhelming sense of emptiness and hopelessness enveloped him. The daily commute aboard the metro filled him with inexplicable anxiety. The very foundations of his existence came into question, from his purpose in life to the perceived dangers lurking within his surroundings.

Seeking the Anchor of Support

Recognizing the need for assistance, Gupta reached out to his family and friends, but his emotional struggles remained deeply concealed. It was only after a harrowing episode where he felt an intense urge to flee his surroundings that he finally comprehended the severity of his condition.

A Paradigm Shift in Preparation

Determined to overcome these challenges, Gupta embarked upon a series of transformative changes to his preparation strategy:

• Breaking the Bonds of Social Isolation: He realized the vital role of human connection and began to engage with others more regularly. He joined a study group and enrolled in coaching classes, broadening his social and intellectual horizons.
• Sharpening the Focus on Prelims Preparation: Gupta identified his strengths in the prelims examination and dedicated significant time to practicing and analyzing question papers from leading coaching institutes. This laser-focused approach bore significant fruit.
• Reinvigorating Mains Preparation: Under the expert guidance of renowned educator Piyush Jaiswal, Gupta adopted a structured approach to mains question writing. He also invested heavily in detailed analysis of past question papers, gaining a profound understanding of the examination pattern.

The Fifth Attempt: A Culmination of Lessons Learned

As Gupta embarked on his fifth and final attempt, he carried with him the lessons he had learned along the arduous path. He approached the preparation process with a renewed sense of confidence and a clear plan of action:

• Triumph in the Prelims Examination: His intensive question practice paid dividends as he secured a remarkable score in the prelims examination, placing him among the top performers in the country.
• Excellence in the Mains Examination: Utilizing the techniques he had mastered for writing and content analysis, Gupta received exceptional marks in the mains examination, solidifying his position among the select few who would be invited to the final interview round.
• Poise and Eloquence in the Interview: Drawing upon his experience as a national debate winner, Gupta approached the interview with confidence and poise. His performance was well-received, earning him high marks.

The Final Result: A Humbling Validation

In the end, Gupta fell just seven marks short of the final selection list. While tinged with a bittersweet undertone, the realization dawned upon him that he had given it his all and pushed the boundaries of his abilities.

The Indispensable Support System

Throughout his journey, Gupta was sustained by the unwavering support of his family and friends. His elder sister played a pivotal role in helping him navigate the turbulent waters of mental health challenges. Through her encouragement and guidance, he was able to pause for self-reflection, reconnect with the world around him, and emerge stronger than ever before.

Reflections: Distilling Wisdom from Adversity

Gupta’s UPSC CSE journey has left him with a wealth of profound insights, invaluable lessons that he cherishes deeply:

• The Importance of Seeking Help: Acknowledging and addressing mental health issues promptly is essential for well-being and progress. Help is always available, and seeking it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• The Power of Persistence: Failure is an inevitable part of any endeavor worth pursuing. It is the ability to learn from setbacks and persevere that truly defines success.
• The Value of Self-Reflection: Regularly taking stock of one’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement is crucial for identifying the necessary adjustments to one’s strategy.
• The Strength of Support: Surrounding oneself with positive and supportive individuals who believe in one’s abilities is indispensable. Their encouragement can sustain through the most challenging times.
• The Importance of Balance: While hard work is undoubtedly essential, it is equally important to take breaks and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation. This balance is vital for maintaining both mental and physical well-being.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Perseverance and Inspiration

Gupta’s journey to UPSC AIR-142 was a testament to his unwavering determination, adaptability, and the transformative power of human support. Through perseverance, self-reflection, and the unwavering belief of others, he overcame obstacles and fulfilled his dream. His experiences serve as an inspiration to anyone who aspires to conquer challenges, no matter how daunting they may seem, and to strive for excellence in all their endeavors.