Today was the last day for the personality test, CSE 2021. Wit | Shubham Kumar: Strategy and Notes for UPSC(CSE)
Today was the last day for the personality test, CSE 2021. With just few days to go for the next UPSC(CSE) result to come, I would like to share my thoughts on how to handle the sudden glamour and attention faced by the successful candidates.
Within minutes the bio-data, phone number, address of till now anonymous and not so important aspirant becomes public. ‘Privacy is a myth’ holds true in every sense !!
The life of maximum serious aspirant revolves around struggling to manage syllabus, stress, food, accommodation and what not. The sudden attention received after result many times become overwhelming.
My thoughts
1) Managing Emotions
First of all, let the emotions that will overflow once you see yourself on the list, sink in well. Talk to your family and close friends first.
People around you will start treating differently as if you are a Demi-God. Here one should not get emotionally charged. You should always remember that you have just cleared a very competitive exam due to your hard work as well as lots of blessings and luck.
2) Being Honest and Integral
In every response to endless questions being asked, you should be very honest, if the questions are not breaching your privacy. Your response shouldn’t be based upon what society/media/aspirant expects you to say rather it should be based upon TRUTH !!
3) Handling Coaching Institutions
Be honest while visiting and delivering speeches at the coaching institutions. If they have called you, it doesn’t mean that you are obliged to speak good things about the coching institute.
What I did-
a) Select institutes where you want to go. Best is to select those from where you have taken help in meaningful way.
b) Before going make your intentions clear with the coaching institutions and know the details of your interview.
c) During the start of your interview itself make it clear about what kind of help have you taken from there. Sometimes, the coaching institutes might edit your video, be aware of that. Tell them beforehand that you want this part not to be edited !!
d) If you feel that some coaching institutes are misusing your name then don’t remain silent. Speak to them and if required complaints to relevant authorities. You can approach to previous toppers for help
Coaching institutions wait for this moment (declaration of result) to use it in their own advantage. Many coaching institutions will literally try to BUY you, they are also very clever in this. They will try to convince you that there is nothing wrong in this and they are just paying for your time and hard work !! Don’t fall into their trap.
They will ask you to come and deliver speech and in-return they will give you gifts and honorarium (learnt about this word when one of the coaching institute offered me). If gifts are shipped to your home address, then one can return it and ask the institute to pay for the courier charges.
Many people who are not used to so much attention are lured into this.
Be aware of this fact that whatever you will take, won’t remain a SECRET. Coaching institutions will be the first who will spread the amount that you have taken. Also it affects the aspirants community negatively a lot.
It will certainly affect your career later
Although some coaching institutes have made good reputation (well known to those already in service) and doesn’t offer expensive gifts or money. I was told by previous year toppers that their platform can be used and won’t impact your own reputation also. I would also suggest the same.
Choice is yours- whether you want to stick to your values and cardinal principles and make your own reputation or compromise on everything that you have stood till now.
