Overcoming Isolation and FOMO: IRS Arushi Sharma's Path from Engineering to UPSC Success

February 28, 2024

4 Minutes

IRS Arushi Sharma

Introduction

In the quiet corners of her planning notebook, Arushi Sharma wrote a powerful quote that would become her guiding light through the tough journey ahead:

“Today is difficult, tomorrow is much more difficult, and the day after tomorrow is a blessing.”

This mantra was not just words to her; it was a lifeline, a source of hope and strength that saw her through the darkest hours. Arushi’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a dream that seemed almost unattainable at times. She reveals that during her last attempt at the UPSC exam, she had a peer group from her interview stage. This helped her with answer correction and highlighting answers and all the minute things that matter in the exam.  

The Road Not Taken

Arushi’s academic journey took a major turn when she decided to prepare for the competitive world of civil services, a decision heavily influenced by her father’s dream for her future. She wanted to do something meaningful, to help make people’s lives better. This decision led her down a challenging road, filled with self-doubt and the feeling of missing out as she saw her friends enjoy their lives while she studied hard. With an engineering background, the shift towards preparing for the civil services examination was not just a change of direction but a leap into the unknown. The Civil Services Examination, known for its difficult nature, tested her in ways she had never imagined.  Securing an All India Rank of 402 in the Civil Services 2022 exam and becoming a probationer in the Indian Information Service in 2021 were milestones that marked her relentless effort and dedication. 

The Trials

The journey was anything but easy. Arushi’s resolve was tested time and again as she navigated through the preparation phase, a period marked by self-doubt and the haunting feeling of isolation. Watching her peers embrace the joys of corporate life, Arushi found herself in a constant battle with FOMO (fear of missing out), leading her to take the drastic step of eliminating social media from her life. This isolation, however, was not without its lessons. It taught her the value of focus and the importance of sacrificing immediate pleasures for long-term goals.

Mistakes were made, and lessons were learned, particularly during her first attempt at the examination. The transition from engineering to arts was a challenging one, in addition a lack of guidance and a misplaced sense of overconfidence. Missing the prelims by a mere 7 marks was a hard pill to swallow, serving as a reality check and a major setback. Yet, it was also a turning point that fueled her determination to succeed.

Turning Point

Failure, as Arushi learned, was not the end but a stepping stone. The support of her family, especially her mother, and friends became her pillar of strength. A simple yet profound advice from a friend, “When there are difficulties in life that break you, the important thing is to survive. To just breathe,”  became a guiding light in her darkest moments.

A New Strategy

Determined to not let her failures define her, Arushi embraced a rigorous study routine. She changed her study methods. She used an app called YPT to track her study hours, took lots of practice tests, and used Excel to keep track of her progress. Listening to other people’s success stories kept her motivated, especially videos from a channel called Josh. The solitude of her study room became her world, where she battled frustration and the feeling of being stuck. It was during these times that her conversations with her brother and mother provided her with much-needed solace and perspective.

The Final Leap

Despite securing a post as a probationer, Arushi’s ambition didn’t let her settle. The gap of just 5 days between her interview result and the next prelims examination did not stop her; it propelled the fire in her to give the UPSC exam one last try. This time, she was not alone; a peer group formed during her interview stage became her support system, helping her fine-tune her preparation with answer correction and strategic insights. Her advice to the fellow aspirants is, “before attempting the exam keep in mind both the negative and positive aspects of this journey.” When Arushi finally succeeded, she noticed how people treated her differently. But she knew she had to stay humble and remember she was the same person as before.

Conclusion

Arushi Sharma’s journey is more than just about passing an exam. It’s about fighting through the tough times, staying hopeful, and never losing sight of your dreams. Her story is an inspiration for all of us to keep pushing forward, no matter what. She also reminds everyone that staying patient and supportive is crucial for anyone trying to achieve a big goal, like passing the civil services exam.