Every year, a staggering 12 to 15 lakh young Indians embark on the gruelling journey of preparing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE), one of the nation's toughest tests. Yet, for many, the path is marked by profound personal sacrifice and psychological strain, a reality poignantly highlighted by a recent online confession from an aspirant named Tejaswini.
The Cost of Isolation: A Personal Story
After dedicating five years of her life to UPSC preparation, Tejaswini took to social media platform X to share her experience. "Everyone told me that to prepare for UPSC, I had to isolate myself from the world," she recounted. She was advised to leave friends behind, stop going out, and abandon leisure activities. Tejaswini followed this advice rigorously until the isolation took a severe toll on her mental well-being.
She revealed that she had to invest significant effort in therapy just to feel normal again. Now, as she plans to pivot to the corporate world, she faces a daunting challenge. "I have no skillset, no contacts. I have nothing," she stated, adding that despite her achievements and education, she went blank while attempting to create her first-ever resume.
Expert Insight: The Mental Health Impact
Tejaswini's story is not an isolated incident. It underscores a widespread mental health crisis among lakhs of competitive exam aspirants. Mental health professionals explain the severe consequences of such extended isolation.
Mehezabin Dordi, Clinical Psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, warns that withdrawing from social connections deprives individuals of crucial emotional support and perspective. This can lead to heightened anxiety, low mood, irritability, and depressive symptoms. A dangerous "tunnel vision" develops, where self-worth becomes entirely tied to exam performance.
Dr. Divya Shree K R, Consultant – Psychiatry at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, elaborates that many aspirants begin to identify solely as "a student preparing for exams," erasing other facets of their identity like being a friend or family member. The immense pressure to meet expectations breeds guilt and stress, making failure feel like a personal defeat rather than an academic setback.
The Difficult Road Back to "Normal"
Reintegrating into everyday life after years in a high-pressure preparation bubble is surprisingly difficult. Experts note that aspirants often feel a sense of emptiness or guilt when they try to relax, a condition linked to post-stress adjustment difficulty.
Dr. Shree explains that the transition from a highly structured, goal-centric life to an open and uncertain world can cause significant anxiety and confusion. Dordi adds that social reintegration is a major hurdle, as relationships may have drifted, making reconnection awkward. Relearning leisure and spontaneity takes time.
This struggle is compounded for those entering the corporate world. Dordi points out that while exam success is clear-cut, professional success depends on interpersonal skills, adaptability, and teamwork—qualities not nurtured during long, isolated study periods. This mismatch often triggers intense self-doubt and impostor syndrome.
Rebuilding Life: Steps Forward
Mental health experts recommend a structured approach to help former aspirants rebuild their confidence and identity:
- Rebuild Balance: Gradually reintroduce hobbies, social activities, and physical exercise to reconnect with different parts of yourself.
- Shift Perspective: Focus on the effort and learning gained, not just outcomes. Embrace mistakes as part of growth.
- Reconnect Socially: Start with small steps to reach out to old friends or peers to restore perspective.
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break down larger ambitions to regain a sense of progress and control.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Mentorship or counselling can normalise the transition and strengthen coping skills.
- Redefine Identity: Consciously move beyond the "exam taker" label. Recognise your multiple roles and inherent strengths.
As Dr. Shree concludes, understanding that success in competitive exams does not define one's ultimate value is crucial. Focusing on holistic growth and mental well-being can protect self-worth throughout the arduous journey. The story of lakhs of aspirants like Tejaswini serves as a critical reminder of the human cost behind the statistics of India's prestigious exams.
