A fascinating video capturing an impromptu street conversation is rapidly circulating across social media platforms. In the video, well-known street photographer Ankit Kumar asks two working women walking on the street about their professions, and one of them identifies herself as IAS Pari Bishnoi, currently posted as an Additional District Magistrate in Sikkim. When the photographer sought some encouraging advice and tips for youngsters preparing for the rigorous civil services examinations, Pari Bishnoi shared insights that instantly resonated with millions of aspirants.
The Psychological Fear Outweighs the Books
Across the country, millions of candidates striving to crack the civil services exam often find themselves crushed not just by the sheer volume of heavy textbooks, but by the overwhelming terror of intense competition. From the coaching hubs of Mukherjee Nagar in Delhi to the bustling lanes of Prayagraj, every aspirant harbours the nagging doubt of how they could possibly make the cut when so many hyper-intelligent individuals are in the race. Breaking this cycle of anxiety, IAS Pari Bishnoi, who secured All India Rank 30 in the UPSC examination, offered aspirants an entirely refreshing perspective, stating that the civil services exam is not merely a test of academics, but a true test of mental resilience and self-belief.
Facing Initial Doubts and Apprehensions
Opening up about her own journey, IAS Pari Bishnoi shared that when she initially embarked on her UPSC preparation, her mind was flooded with uncertainty. She openly acknowledges that anyone can feel intimidated upon witnessing brilliant minds arriving from the country's top-tier universities. Coming from a very ordinary school and college background, she admitted that her very first thought upon starting preparation was wondering where she would possibly stand in such a massive crowd of competitors. Despite experiencing this initial hesitation, she steadfastly refused to let her confidence crumble, pushing forward with her studies armed with a disciplined strategy.
The Competition Exists Only in the Mind
Dispelling deep-seated illusions among aspirants, IAS Pari Bishnoi pointed out that exam pressure frequently overwhelms students' minds, causing them to exaggerate the true scope of the competition. According to her observation, out of the vast crowds visible everywhere, only a fraction of people are actually preparing with genuine seriousness. The real competition is confined to a much smaller group. She advised candidates never to let the intimidating atmosphere or the size of the crowd dictate how difficult the exam is perceived to be. As long as one's preparation is solid and the direction is correct, there is absolutely no reason to fear the crowd.
UPSC is Ultimately a Mental Game
The IAS officer strongly emphasised that the entire civil services journey is far beyond a simple test of accumulated knowledge, describing it instead as a mental game. This examination rigorously evaluates a candidate's patience, emotional strength, and unwavering trust in their own abilities. Maintaining mental toughness and refusing to let negative thoughts dominate your psyche means you have already won half the battle. Pari Bishnoi's simple yet profoundly practical advice reminds aspirants that focusing entirely on one's own preparation rather than constantly comparing oneself to others remains the ultimate key to success.
Overwhelming Response from Aspirants Online
The video captured the internet's attention almost immediately, triggering an outpouring of passionate reactions from students and aspirants across social media. Numerous users pointed out that the invaluable guidance delivered by the officer during a spontaneous two-minute interaction is often missing despite paying lakhs of rupees in coaching fees. One user wrote that watching the clip halved their stress levels and gave them the courage to return to their study desks. Another user remarked that when an officer who secured AIR 30 asserts that competition lives purely inside the head, it is time to stop being fearful and get back to studying.
