The journey to becoming a UPSC toppers is not just about mastering the syllabus but also about cultivating values that sustain you through years of preparation and make aspirant UPSC Rank 1. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of past UPSC toppers, this article outlines the top 10 values critical for UPSC success, each illuminated by the words of toppers who have walked this path and triumphed.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most challenging and prestigious exams in India, demanding not just intellectual rigor but also emotional resilience, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose.
1. Enjoy the Journey by Gaurav Agarwal
The UPSC preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. To stay motivated over months or even years, it’s essential to find joy in the process of learning. Gaurav Agarwal (AIR 1, CSE 2013) beautifully captures this:
“You have to enjoy the journey. If you enjoy studying, all the things like how do you maintain your motivation, how do you do this and that—all those things go on. I read, I studied, and I enjoyed reading. It shouldn’t be that you’re always thinking about what will happen a year from now, or when you become a collector. That doesn’t matter. All those are secondary. First, you should enjoy the journey.”
Find joy in discovering new perspectives, whether it’s understanding geopolitics or delving into Indian history. This mindset transforms preparation from a burden into an enriching experience.
2. Stay Connected to Your Purpose by Ira Singhal
A genuine reason for pursuing the UPSC exam can anchor you during moments of doubt. IRA Singhal (AIR 1, CSE 2014) reminds us:
“If you get demotivated, it’s okay. Just remember why you started. If your reason was genuine, it still holds. You can do it.”
Whether your goal is to serve the nation or uplift marginalized communities, reconnecting with your “why” can reignite your drive. Write down your purpose and revisit it during tough times.
3. Relentless Effort with Purpose by Tina Dabi
The UPSC journey demands unwavering commitment. Tina Dabi (AIR 1, CSE 2015) reimagines a famous quote to emphasize this:
“Study for UPSC in such a way that when you get selected next year, you say — I tried so hard to get you that every particle conspired to meet you.”
This value is about aligning your effort with purpose. Every hour spent studying, every mock test attempted, is a step toward your goal. Believe that your hard work will conspire to bring success.
4. Resilience in the Face of Failure by Nandini KR
Failure is an inevitable part of the UPSC journey, but it’s not the end. Nandini K R (AIR 1, CSE 2016) echoes this timeless wisdom:
“Success is not final and failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that matters in your life.”
Resilience means picking yourself up after a setback, whether it’s a failed attempt or a low score in a mock test. Each failure is a lesson that brings you closer to success.
5. Consistency Over Intensity by Anudeep Durishetty
Consistency is the backbone of UPSC preparation. Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, CSE 2017) advises:
“No matter how difficult the path, with consistency, self-belief, and humility, you can redefine what is possible.”
Rather than erratic bursts of effort, focus on daily, incremental progress. A steady routine of studying, revising, and practicing answer-writing will compound over time.
6. Compete with Yourself by Kanishak Kataria
The UPSC exam is not about outdoing others but about becoming your best self. Kanishak Kataria (AIR 1, 2018 UPSC Topper) emphasizes:
“You are not competing with the person sitting beside you. You are competing with yourself. Improve a little every day, and that will define your success.”
Track your progress, refine your strategies, and aim to be better than you were yesterday. Small improvements in answer-writing, time management, or conceptual clarity add up to monumental growth.
7. Perseverance Despite Constraints by Pradeep Singh
The UPSC journey is unique for everyone, and limitations like a demanding job or lack of resources are not barriers to success. Pradeep Singh (AIR 1, 2019 UPSC Topper) shares:
“Even when bound by a 9-to-6 job, village roots, and limited resources, if you dare to try one more time — not expecting to top, but just to show up — that effort alone can turn the most ordinary life into an extraordinary success.”
Perseverance means showing up every day, regardless of circumstances. Your effort, no matter how small, is a testament to your determination.
8. Preparation as a Long-Term Investment
The hard work you put in now will pay off in the future. Shubham Kumar (AIR 1, 2020 UPSC Topper) puts it succinctly:
“The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.”
Treat your preparation as an investment in your future self. Rigorous study sessions, mock tests, and revisions are the “sweat” that ensures you’re battle-ready for the exam.
9. Discipline Over Motivation
Motivation can be fleeting, but discipline keeps you on track. Shruti Sharma (AIR 1, 2021 UPSC Topper) highlights:
“More important than motivation is maintaining a level of consistency and discipline in your preparation.”
Create a structured study plan and stick to it, even on days when motivation wanes. Discipline ensures that you keep moving forward, no matter the mood.
10. Balanced Perspective on Success and Failure
Maintaining humility and perspective is crucial for long-term success. Ishita Kishore (AIR 1, 2022 Topper UPSC) advises:
“Don’t take failures to your heart and don’t take success to your head.”
Stay grounded through the highs and lows of preparation. Neither a single failure nor a single success defines your journey—your ability to keep going does.
Bonus Value: Self-Belief as the Foundation
At the heart of every topper’s journey is an unshakable belief in themselves. Aditya Srivastava (AIR 1, CSE 2023) shares:
“You just need that motivation, that fire — if you have it within you, and someone who believes in you, then you can do it.”
Similarly, Shakti Dubey (AIR 1, CSE 2024) reinforces:
“Self-belief is the most important thing. If you believe you can do it, then your strategy, hard work, and consistency will follow.”
Self-belief fuels your strategy and keeps you going when the odds seem stacked against you. Surround yourself with mentors, friends, or family who reinforce this belief.
Conclusion
The UPSC journey is as much about building character as it is about acquiring knowledge. These 10 values—enjoying the journey, staying connected to your purpose, relentless effort, resilience, consistency, self-competition, perseverance, preparation, discipline, and a balanced perspective—form the bedrock of success. The words of UPSC toppers serve as a guiding light, reminding us that the path to AIR 1 is paved with not just hard work but also heart, humility, and hope.
As you prepare, let these values shape your mindset. Study with joy, stay disciplined, and believe in yourself. The UPSC exam is not just a test of knowledge but a testament to your ability to rise above challenges and become the best version of yourself.
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