Highly and Strongly Disagree Rahul. I will humbly give it a push back deliberately because I cannot let your word be the last word because this will make people go into the delusion again.
Anyone who wants to see Luck. Go and see copies of
1.Ms Ruhani (Rank 5,2023): Do look at theanalytics too on Next IAS. Look at her answers. " Pratyaksh ko Pramaan kya ? "
2.Kuhu Garg (Who is the daughter of DGP, Uttarakhand): I was not inclined to believe a lot of things people in Uttarakhand tell about her selection. But I luckily met people who played badminton with her. They told me how much "merit" she had. Jaao and jaa kar copies dekh lo bass.
Since I have no fear of anyone, I will TAKE HER name when thousands talk about her in private. It's only your comment that is forcing me to take this risk. So saving me from their might is now your responsibility :P
3.Ayaan Jain:Who somehow scores 460+ merely bombarding 20 points in a 10 marker. The UPSC notification clearly says that candidates will be rewarded for depth of the answers. Yet the below average content was rewarded for continuously 2 years.
Bombarding more points (Why bother about depth of content or quality of your content) + Focus on presentation will bring you closer to getting lucky.
Toppers such as you (Gold standard copies in GS & especially Essay) , for whom I have immense respect, need to meet and look at the copies of the above wonderful toppers. Getting selected via a lottery is a reality in the UPSC for many. (not all obviously) which means A MERITORIOUS STUDENT WILL NOT BE REWARDED FOR EVERY KUHU GARG, RUHANI OR AYAAN JAIN WHO GETS SELECTED. There are numerous examples of the same. Obviously, such Anecdotes areshared by people only in privatewho watched them prepare very intimately. Thanks to Forum’s community members who shared these facts and realities with me.
However, those who want to be in the process must know 99.9% failure is guaranteed in UPSC. I will keep on reiterating this time and again! This isn't an assumption but a fact.
For those who are reading, you have two perspectives : Each has their own bias obviously coming from their own experiences. Yet, by the rule of 99% failure, majority should IDEALLY side with me. But the game and addiction of this exam will make 99% side with Rahul's perspective of rewarding of merit. The addiction of ONE MORE ATTEMPT
To all Newbies: work as hard as you can without thinking about all of these debates. Stay way from all of this and go back to your books. Study hard! . But my concern lies with people who have already given 3-4 attempts.
Go and take Rahul/Ishita/Aditya's/ Animesh copies and come as close to their writing style and their content.
Anyone with >3/4 attempts, look for a serious backup. I am not asking you to Not prepare even then but just prepare with a clear backup so thatyou have a fall back option just like RAHUL DID.
Leaving you with glimpses of Merit being rewarded in UPSC : 3 marks in Anthro & 90 marks in interview
Thank you Gaitonde for putting out your thoughts with such brevity and wit. It's a rarity.
It will be unsolicited of me to comment on individuals you've mentioned : neither have I ever met them nor ever seen their mocks /test copies.
Statistically, you are correct on the 99%thing. It is the brutal nature of the examination and the scale of competition. I also concur with your views on the backup or a fall back option after three fully prepared attempts as subsequent efforts have diminishing marginal utility.
All I wanted to convey is not to loose hope in the ocean of chaos. Yes, it is random, unfair and opaque, but being hopelessly optimistic person that I am, I'd quote "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." – Albus Dumbledore.
