The Tracking Indian Youth Workers Media Fellowship presents the next in a series of stories capturing the lives of young workers across India.
Vivek, 19 years old, set his sights on becoming an IAS officer since his was young. Coming from a lower-middle-class family in Bihar, he chose self-study over expensive coaching to prepare for UPSC, but the cost of books and resources remains a challenge. His strict routine starts at 5:30 AM, but long study hours and financial stress have impacted his mental and physical health. Despite the isolation and pressure, he views UPSC preparation as a process of growth.
“It’s a vicious cycle, but I try to push through. The life of a UPSC aspirant is a solitary one—I spend countless hours in my room, isolated from the world. My world has shrunk to the four walls of my room and the books I study. I miss the emotional connection and support I once had with the people around me.”
Read his full story below. Profile by Takshit Saraswat.
Takshit: Tell me about yourself.
Vivek: My name is Vivek, and I’m from Bihar. At 16, while others were still exploring career options, I had already made up my mind—I wanted to achieve the highest civil service position in India and become an IAS officer.
Coming from a lower-middle-class background, my journey has been one of resilience—balancing my parents’ expectations with my own dream of serving the nation. My father is an accountant, and my mother is a homemaker. Preparing for UPSC in Delhi is expensive, so I chose self-study over enrolling in costly coaching institutes. However, the cost of books, test series, and online subscriptions still adds up. My parents support me as much as they can, but I can’t shake the feeling of being a financial burden on them.
Takshit: What does a typical day look like for you?
Vivek: My day starts at 5:30 AM, often before the rest of the world has even stirred. Many believe that studying at night is the most effective way to learn, but I disagree. Humans are diurnal creatures—we are naturally more alert and productive during the day and need rest at night. Instead of fighting my biological clock, I choose to work with it.
Takshit: Do you feel stressed about the future ?
Vivek: The pressure to succeed has taken a toll on my mental health in recent times. Sleepless nights, anxiety, and bouts of self-doubt have become my constant companions. Every failure in a mock test feels like a deep, personal defeat, and the fear of disappointing myself and my parents haunts me.
The long hours of sitting and studying, along with an irregular schedule, have also affected my physical health. I often skip meals or rely on junk food, and the lack of exercise and poor posture has led to constant back pain and fatigue, making it even harder to focus.
It’s a vicious cycle, but I try to push through. The life of a UPSC aspirant is a solitary one—I spend countless hours in my room, isolated from the world. Meetups with friends that were once frequent have now reduced to rare WhatsApp texts. My world has shrunk to the four walls of my room and the books I study. I miss the emotional connection and support I once had with the people around me.
Takshit: What changes do you think the government could implement to make the UPSC process more effective?
Vivek: Increasing the number of attempts or raising the upper age limit could give aspirants from underprivileged backgrounds a fairer shot. Many deserving candidates are forced to drop out due to financial constraints. Scholarships or stipends for serious aspirants could ensure that talent isn’t wasted simply due to economic challenges.
My journey is long . Whether I clear the exam or not, I have come to realise that UPSC preparation isn’t just about becoming an officer—it’s a journey of self-transformation. It teaches resilience, patience, and the ability to handle failure with grace.
For every aspirant like me, the road is tough and riddled with challenges. But with the right support—both from the community and the government—this journey can become more meaningful and less overwhelming. Success isn’t guaranteed, but growth is inevitable. And sometimes, that growth is the greatest reward of all.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from young workers across India. Follow us on social media for more updates.
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