For UPSC aspirants, the pressure can begin well before they enter the examination hall. The constant talk around competition, preparation, and success can make candidates question whether they are doing enough. An IAS officer has now shared a perspective that puts the focus back on the individual rather than the crowd preparing alongside them.Pari Bishnoi, who secured All India Rank 30 in the civil services examination, spoke about confidence, self-belief, and the pressure surrounding UPSC during an Instagram interaction shared by photographer Ankit Kumar.
Pari Bishnoi recalls her preparation
In the video, Kumar approached two women and asked about their professions. Bishnoi introduced herself as an IAS officer currently serving as an Additional District Magistrate in Sikkim.The other woman, Palak, said she practices criminal law in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court.Asked what she would tell UPSC aspirants, Bishnoi recalled the uncertainty she experienced when she started preparing.“First thing is, belief and confidence are very important. Today, we see there is so much competition. Even when I started preparing, I thought, ‘Mera number kahan aayega?’ You see brilliant people all around from top universities. But I came from a very normal background, a very normal school and college,” she said.
Why Bishnoi says the pressure can be misleading
Bishnoi said candidates can sometimes form an exaggerated idea of the competition because of the pressure surrounding the examination.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.“The competition is more in our head. Real competition is actually very less. The people who are actually preparing are not as many as we think. We sometimes get troubled by the pressure around us,” she said.She encouraged those preparing sincerely to not let that pressure decide how difficult they believe the examination will be.
‘It’s a mental game’
Bishnoi further spoke about the role of mental strength in the UPSC journey.“So, if you are preparing sincerely, it’s not that tough as it appears. It’s a mental game. UPSC is not just about clearing an exam. It’s a test of your mental strength and belief in yourself,” Pari said.
Viewers react to the video
The interaction received several comments from viewers, with many praising the two women and responding to Bishnoi’s message.“Yes, she is Ms Pari Bishnoi, our District Collector from Pakyong, Sikkim. She is very energetic, kind-hearted and well-disciplined,” one person commented.“I also want to become an IAS officer,” another wrote.“Dynamic duo,” a user said.“Confidence level on top,” read another comment.“These two women clearly show that they are the law and order,” one person commented.“Deadly combo, IAS officer and lawyer,” another wrote.“Bro found two gems,” a viewer added.One user also highlighted Bishnoi’s description of UPSC as a “Test of your mental strength.”Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared on social media and comments posted by users. The Times of India does not independently verify every claim made in social media posts.Thumb image: Instagram/@framesbyankit
