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In the UPSC, a new trend has emerged of focusing more on backups and applying for multiple exams from day one of preparation.
Statistics and data are often quoted to paint a doomsday picture and convince you that clearing the exam is impossible. A few business models have also emerged based on this. While there is no doubt the exam is difficult, nothing worth having ever comes easy in life.
In fact, logically speaking, UPSC offers one of the best returns on your efforts invested. Let me explain:
Cracking IIT JEE doesn't ensure you a job; the tangible outcome of having a job comes only after consistent and sustained efforts for four more years. The same logic applies to IIM CAT.
If you leave academics aside, the real world is even more competitive and brutal—entrepreneurship is much more competitive and grueling. Every moment is a hustle, and one wrong step can make you lose all your compounded efforts to date.
The same phenomenon can be seen in sports—the probability of getting selected in any international-level match is much worse than that of UPSC.
In politics, if you fail once, the next attempt comes after five years. Also, you need to appear in the exam every five years!
I am not trying to convince you to choose UPSC or dissuade you from pursuing other options mentioned above, or suggesting you enter UPSC if you can't afford to fail. One should have backups and a plan B. But work on them before starting the preparation. All I want to convey is:
Once you enter the game, then all bets are off. Give your best without over-diversification. Anything significant always comes from concentrated bets. Personally, the barbell strategy (will discuss it in the next posts) is something that I suggest.
Nothing worth having comes easy. If it's easy, then it's not worth it.
Don't let any statistics stop you from following your dream. Do not be fooled by the certainty of numbers, for the human spirit is an unquantifiable force. Work hard enough, and you'll get lucky one day or another.
Remember, luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
