What are civil services and the challenges faced by UPSC aspirants?

Understanding the civil services, challenges of UPSC aspirants, and exploring new horizons!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to shape the policies that govern our nation? Or what drives thousands of aspirants to dedicate years of their lives preparing for the coveted UPSC Civil Services Examination? Every year, determined individuals embark on this journey, dreaming of a career that offers influence, purpose, and the opportunity to serve the nation. For many, this journey is a test of resilience, ambition, and unyielding focus. With lakhs of candidates vying for just a few hundred positions, the competition is intense, demanding not only knowledge but also strategic preparation and unwavering perseverance. But beyond the romanticised perception of civil services lies a complex and often gruelling reality.

Let’s understand the fundamentals of civil services, the unique challenges faced by UPSC aspirants, and a growing trend: a shift towards programmes that align more closely with modern governance and leadership aspirations.

What is the civil service system?

Civil service in India forms the backbone of public administration, involving a wide range of responsibilities that ensure the effective implementation of government policies and the delivery of public services. These positions are highly respected and critical to maintaining governance and development across the country.

IAS Officer Durga Shakti Nagpal – Combating illegal sand mining Durga Shakti Nagpal, an IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is an excellent example of how committed civil servants can uphold the rule of law and bring systemic change, even in the face of adversity. She is widely recognised for her bold stance against illegal sand mining in the Yamuna and Hindon riverbeds. In 2013, as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gautam Buddh Nagar, she launched a crackdown on illegal mining operations, which were causing severe environmental damage and revenue loss to the state. Despite facing political and bureaucratic pressure—including a controversial suspension—her efforts highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of environmental laws. Her actions sparked a national debate on illegal mining and led to greater public awareness and policy interventions to curb the issue.

The civil service system acts as a vital mechanism for the government, ensuring its Public Policies and programmes are effectively implemented and managed. India’s civil service system is a legacy of British rule, evolving into one of the most comprehensive administrative frameworks globally. The system is divided into three categories:

1. All India Services: Includes the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).
2. Central Services: Encompasses roles in revenue, customs, foreign affairs, and more.
3. State Services: Focuses on administrative roles within individual states.

This structured system ensures that civil servants can address national and regional priorities effectively.

What is the importance of civil services in India?

Civil services play a pivotal role in:

• Policy implementation: Translating Public Policies into actionable outcomes. A great example would be the Anti-Encroachment Drive, in Kerala where Raju Narayana Swamy, an IAS officer from Kerala, played a key role in implementing land reform policies. He reclaimed thousands of acres of illegally encroached government land ensuring that Public Policies on land management were effectively enforced, benefiting local communities.
• Public service delivery: Ensuring accessibility to education, healthcare, and other essential services. As the first female IPS officer, Kiran Bedi played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in Delhi by introducing prison reforms in Tihar Jail that improved rehabilitation programmes for inmates and strengthened policing strategies to ensure public safety.
• National security: Supporting law enforcement and maintaining internal peace.
• Economic development: Driving reforms and managing critical sectors. Gaurav Goyal significantly improved Rajasthan’s Ease of Doing Business rankings by streamlining bureaucratic processes, attracting investments and fostering economic growth.

The influence of civil services in shaping the country’s future cannot be overstated.

What does it take to get into civil services?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE), a rigorous multi-tier process comprising:

1. Preliminary examination: A screening test with objective questions.
2. Main examination: A descriptive test covering a wide range of subjects.
3. Personality test: An interview to assess candidates’ suitability.

Not to sound cynical, but with an acceptance rate of less than 1%, the UPSC exam is regarded as one of the toughest to crack.

What are the challenges faced by UPSC aspirants?

“

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.

~ Winston Churchill

While the rewards of clearing the UPSC exam are immense, it is one of the toughest exams with less than 1% of aspirants making it through. Aspirants face significant challenges that test their physical, emotional, and mental limits:

1. Information overload: The vast syllabus and abundance of study materials can overwhelm even the most diligent aspirants.
2. Time management: Balancing multiple subjects, current affairs, and optional topics demands exceptional organisational skills.
3. Mental pressure: The fear of failure and societal expectations often lead to anxiety and stress.
4. Financial constraints: Preparing for UPSC can be expensive, especially for those relocating to coaching hubs like Delhi.

The major challenge

Beyond these hurdles, the most significant challenge is the sheer length and uncertainty of the UPSC cycle. Each attempt spans 1 to 1.5 years, with aspirants often dedicating multiple years in pursuit of success. The journey is not just mentally demanding but emotionally draining where aspirants skip family get-togethers, festive celebrations, weddings, and even simple weekends with loved ones, all while battling self-doubt and burnout. The struggle of those who do not make it does not end there. Having focussed all their energies on the hopes of getting selected after appearing in an exhaustive examination process, most aspirants find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the weight of unfulfilled expectations and the daunting question of ‘What next?’.

This prolonged process, coupled with the uncertainty of results, leads many into the trap of the sunk cost fallacy – a vicious cycle where aspirants continue investing time and resources despite diminishing returns, simply because they’ve already committed so much.

As one aspirant put it, “It’s like running on a treadmill; you’re spending all your energy but feel like you’re not getting anywhere.”.

The light at the end of the tunnel!

Traditional bureaucratic structures, while essential, are no longer the sole avenue for driving impactful change. Governance in India is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, complex policy challenges, and the need for data-driven decision-making. The increasing role of Public Policy professionals, domain experts, and private sector collaborations highlights the need for a more diverse, interdisciplinary approach to governance. Alternative career paths like the 1 year Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy, Design & Management are emerging for those passionate about Public Policy and public administration. The programme provides the budding change-makers with an in-depth understanding of Public Policy and formulation to equip them with design and management precepts, with an aim to develop better systems thinkers and policy executives. Besides classroom learning, the curriculum emphasises on application and leadership, skill building, and management training consisting of foundation, core, and other supporting courses.

This programme offers:

• A curriculum tailored to modern governance challenges.
• Training in critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving.
• Career opportunities in think tanks, international organisations, and consulting roles.

Conclusion

While the allure of civil services remains strong, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges and explore evolving opportunities in public administration to contribute meaningfully in governance and policy. Dare to tread beyond the traditional paths and embrace new possibilities.

Pursue the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy, Design & Management and lead with expertise!

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