1st and Last Attempt, 1st mains, OUT , PSIR
Life isn't a fairytale, now, is it? Im 29, almost 4 yrs of FAANG experience post premier MBA. Wanted 1 honest shot at the exam - glad I could do that. No regrets, had a very exclusive service aim as it is . Not sure i'd be okay with stopping life and career anymore for a journey where the margin for error is almost non-existent .
Have been through shit meetings and awful client exchanges in my job, but this stings the hardest. Had convinced myself that through all my learnings since my MBA - a structured thought process, crisp and concise note making approach , and possibly through maturity that comes with age and experience - i would be well in line for atleast an interview if not more.
But hey, UPSC is a great leveller - and it has made me realise than anything less than absolute perfection just wont cut it - especially with the seats coming down and low hanging fruits such as paper completion, IBC, committee, report mentions etc now being an average approach which would hardly set anyone apart anymore. My attempt was less than perfect - wrote atleast 3-4 namesake answers in every paper, and in PSIR I think at best I would've been average.
Congratulations to those who made it, do give your best to this . Being in the top 2k in the country is no mean feat. Others who are continuing or have decided to leave, i'd share my biggest learning in life with you - think long and hard before you take a decision but once you have decided something, get on with it without regrets .
Always remember, this too shall pass!
