“As long as there exist inspirations like Ira Singhal, people will not give up their dream of joining the prestigious Civil Services,” said aspirant Shashank Shekhar.
Ms. Singhal, the 31-year-old topper who has scoliosis and is the first woman with disability to ace the exam in the general category, has become an inspiration for Shashank and many others like him who vow to continue working hard towards their dream of becoming an Indian Administrative Services officer.
A hub for Civil Services aspirants in the Capital, Mukherjee Nagar is full of tales of struggles, challenges, dreams and motivation of Civil Services aspirants.
Sitting in a one-room flat he shares with two friends, also Civil Services aspirants, 27-year-old Shashank said: “I have written the exam three times and will take it again this year. I cleared mains during my last two attempts, but not the interview rounds.”
Shashank has taken eight-month leave from work to prepare for the exam.
“I am already employed but my ultimate aim is to become an IAS officer, which is why I took leave to study. It’s difficult to manage finances as I am on unpaid leave. I hope something works out this time,” he added.
Ajeet Singh, a 27-year-old from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, said: “I have attempted the exam two times and I am preparing for the upcoming examination as well. I am confident of performing well this time since C-SAT has been done away with. My family is unable to support me financially, but I manage somehow. The example of Ira Singhal, who performed well despite all odds, has motivated me to keep working towards my dream. If she can do it, I can also give it my best shot.”
Some aspirants had to sell their ancestral property, others are working part-time to support themselves, while many have been staying away from family for the past several years — just for the sake of this one dream.
Bihar resident Sanjay Kumar said: “I have been living in Delhi for the past four years in a single room flat I share with three others, but I manage somehow. I know once I get selected, life will be good for my family and myself. I do not come from a financially sound background and my father had to sell our ancestral land to support my preparation here. I will continue to work hard till I achieve my goal.”
Shashank Shekhar Singh, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, added: “My father is a shopkeeper in my hometown. I am the first in my family to sit for the Civil Services exams. I have already made three attempts. This year will be my fourth attempts. I am determined to get selected this year because I know my family is sacrificing a lot in order to let me pursue my dream.”
Detaching themselves from family, friends and social life, these Civil Services aspirants dedicate seven to eight hours every day studying on normal days and 12-14 hours when exams are round the corner.
Yet another aspirant Rajat Kumar added: “I have been in Delhi for the past three years. I passed the mains twice, but failed in the interview round. I am confident of clearing the exams in my next attempt. I need to pass the exam this time as my father is a farmer and my family has been supporting me with much difficulty.”
When they need a break, they go to Batra Cinema in Mukherjee Nagar, where they discuss each other’s study schedule and current affairs while sipping evening tea.
“This is our only form of recreation,” added another aspirant.
