“Congratulations … but 5 attempts”: the notes of a young officer of a “former officer”

The advertisement of Shakti Dubey as the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 was met with a celebration throughout India, but it has sparked a new discussion about the intense demands of the exam, as a former IPS officer doubts the long preparation course of the system.

Her journey extended to the first place to six years and five attempts, with political science and international relations as an optional topic for her – a schedule that prompted former IPS officer Yashovharhan Jah Azad to raise concerns about social media.

“Congratulations to Sheikh Dubi, the first rank in the UPSC result. But 5 attempts mean 6 years of toil – the best years of youth in training? … Our test and the interview style must change.

He added: “This obsession with UPSC costs the nation huge, and the young people are employed incorrectly for 5 to 6 years. Training institutes laugh along the way to the bank.”

The latest strong and varied reactions were addressed. One of the users answered, “Every field requires time and money to succeed … A person may not become a modest background, but with hard work, he can become a civilian employee.”

Another warning of reforms that hurt totalitarianism has been warned: “If the minimum age is imposed that the elitists want to do so, the poor will harm others.”

One of the third commentators added, “Who acquires more attempts? The training category. But the candidate, who was successful once, also needs a suitable sharpening, which may not be guaranteed by the current curriculum and training.”

Despite the controversy, Dubi’s story continues to inspire. Its success also reflects a wider diversity, among the 1,009 candidates recommended for appointment, and UPSC data shows acting across General (335), EWS (109), OBC (318), SC (160) and S (87). There are a total of 241 candidates currently in the temporary list, with one suspended result.

The last stage of the UPSC operation for 2024, the interview round, was performed for 2,845 candidates and concluded in April. Initially, the committee announced 1,056 vacancies, later expanding to 1132 jobs in the Indian administrative service (IAS), Indian police service (IPS), and other Group and B roles.

Candidates can reach the full result and the upcoming details on Upsc.gov.in, where the signs will be published within 15 days.