Aim At Becoming Ambani, Not Cracking UPSC Exam

UPSC examination has been considered the toughest exam in India, and also the one who cracks this exam is considered to be great in the society.

But India's top-notch economist and the author of several books says that UPSC is a waste of time, and it is a poverty of aspiration to aim for it.

Economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), shared his perspective on the contentious topic of whether dedicating oneself to the rigorous Union Public Service Commission examination is worthwhile.

In a fresh talk show he delved into the concept of ‘poverty of aspiration’ of aiming at cracking UPSC exam, prevailing in India for decades, drawing examples from West Bengal and Bihar to support his viewpoint.

“While Bengal leaned towards pseudo-intellectuals and union leaders, Bihar idolized local petty politicians. In an environment where such figures are revered, individuals are left with two choices: either become a local thug, or pursue a career as a civil servant,” remarked Sanyal.

“Yet, aspiring to be a civil servant, though preferable to thuggery, is still indicative of a limited ambition. Instead of aiming for roles like Elon Musk or Mukesh Ambani, why settle for a joint secretary position? We need to reevaluate societal attitudes towards risk-taking and ambition on a larger scale. Bihar's leadership crisis is not the cause but rather a symptom of its societal aspirations,” he added.