Yearly, about 12 to fifteen lakh candidates in India apply for the Civil Providers Examination (CSE), however solely a handful, relying on the variety of vacancies that yr, make the checklist. Rightly touted as one of many hardest exams in India, it requires devoted examine, sleepless nights, and extra. One such aspirant, Tejaswini, took to X and shared her story of quitting after dedicating 5 years of her life to preparation.
“Mereko sabne bola tha UPC ki preparation karni hai to duniya se alag ho jao, isolate ho jao. Pals ko chorhdo, bahar jana chorh do, ghumna chorh do and maine kiya bhi tha bahut time tak kiya tha till it really acquired to me aur mereko remedy me bahut zyada effort karna pada khud ko regular karne ok liye. Now, after 5 years of preparation, mereko company me ghusna hai. I’ve no skillset, no contacts. I’ve nothing” (Everybody recommended that I isolate myself and cease going out. I adopted the recommendation till it acquired to me. I needed to put in quite a lot of work in remedy to really feel regular. Now that I plan to enter the company world, I’ve nothing,), she mentioned, including how, regardless of a number of achievements and a good training, she went clean whereas making the ‘first resume of her life.’
Annually, between 10 lakh (1 million) to 14 lakh (1.4 million) candidates apply to take the UPSC Civil Providers Examination (picture: file)
This isn’t simply Tejaswini’s story. Her confession raises essential issues concerning the psychological well being of scholars making ready for aggressive exams. To raised perceive this, we reached out to some psychological well being specialists. Right here’s what they need to say.
How can this sort of isolation have an effect on an individual mentally and emotionally?
Consultants verify that prolonged isolation throughout examination preparation can take an actual toll on psychological and emotional well being. “When people withdraw from social connections, they lose essential sources of emotional regulation, perspective, and help. Over time, this will result in heightened anxiousness, low temper, irritability, and even signs of despair,” notes Mehezabin Dordi, Medical Psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Basis Hospital, Mumbai
Based on the psychologist, with out social interplay, individuals usually develop “tunnel imaginative and prescient,” through which self-worth turns into tied solely to efficiency. Many start to view their id solely as “a scholar making ready for exams,” which erases different significant elements of who they’re, resembling being a pal, a member of the family, or somebody with numerous abilities.
“Many aspirants begin questioning their talents and lose contact with hobbies or relationships that when gave them pleasure. The strain to satisfy household or social expectations also can enhance emotions of guilt and stress. Over time, self-identity turns into centred across the examination and never clearing it could really feel like a private failure fairly than simply a tutorial one,” says Dr Divya Shree Ok R, Marketing consultant – Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.
How tough is it to readjust to the “regular world” after years spent in a high-pressure preparation bubble?
As per the specialists, it’s surprisingly tough. “Many people really feel misplaced as soon as the construction of each day learning and exams is gone,” notes Dordi, including that aspirants could expertise a way of vacancy and even guilt after they attempt to chill out. “This occurs as a result of their physique and thoughts have been conditioned for fixed strain, which psychologists seek advice from as post-stress adjustment issue.”
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Dr Shree affirms this and additional explains that life outdoors the preparation bubble feels tough and unfamiliar. “The sudden change from a extremely structured, goal-oriented life to an open, unsure world also can trigger anxiousness or confusion,” she notes.
Dodi additionally notes that reintegration might be socially difficult. “Relationships might have drifted, and reconnecting can really feel awkward. It takes time to rebuild consolation with leisure, spontaneity, and regular life rhythms.”
They are saying UPSC adjustments you – they by no means mentioned it leaves nothing untouched. I gave my 20s to it. Locked myself away. Sacrificed birthdays, individuals, smiles. And when it lastly ended… I didn’t even know who I used to be anymore. Someplace between chasing UPSC and shedding sleep, I misplaced myself… pic.twitter.com/uba1HK487r
— Lala_ki_beti (@05Tejaswini) November 4, 2025
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For these getting into the company world or beginning jobs after years of examination prep, why does self-doubt usually creep in?
Dordi explains that whereas in exams, success is clear-cut, examine exhausting, carry out effectively, and get outcomes, within the office, success is extra subjective — it will depend on interpersonal abilities, adaptability, and teamwork qualities that lengthy examination preparation doesn’t at all times nurture. “This uncertainty usually triggers self-doubt or impostor syndrome- the sensation that one doesn’t actually belong or isn’t adequate. The shortage of clear suggestions or structured validation can additional amplify these doubts.”
What steps may help them re-adapt to the true world and rebuild confidence?
The psychologist recommends the next steps:
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- Rebuild stability: Reintroduce hobbies, social actions, and bodily train to reconnect with completely different points of your self.
- Shift perspective: Deal with effort and studying fairly than simply outcomes. Embrace errors as a part of progress.
- Reconnect socially: Begin small — attain out to pals or friends. Social connection restores perspective and confidence.
- Set small targets: Breaking down bigger ambitions into achievable steps helps regain a way of progress and management.
- Search mentorship or counselling: Skilled steerage may help normalise this transition and strengthen coping abilities.
- Redefine id: Transfer past the “examination taker” label. Recognise that you’re greater than your outcomes, you’re a entire particular person with a number of roles and strengths.
“Understanding that success in such exams doesn’t outline one’s worth, and specializing in total progress and psychological well-being, may help shield self-worth throughout the journey,” Dr Sree concludes.
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