Dear UPSC Aspirants,

Otto von Bismarck, the master strategist of 19th-century Europe, once juggled alliances like balls in the air—always with a Plan B, sometimes even a Plan C. His secret? He knew that no single plan could ever guarantee success, especially in times of uncertainty.

Why should it be any different for us?

If your dream is to become a civil servant, ask yourself: Is this goal rooted in power, prestige, or popularity? If so, no backup plan will ever truly satisfy you. But if your aim is service—towards the people and the nation—then you’re already aligned with a greater cause. In that case, Plan B isn’t a compromise. It’s another path to purpose.

What Can Be Plan B?

For a true aspirant, Plan B isn’t a fallback—it’s an alternative route to the same destination: meaningful contribution. It could be:

• State services

• Teaching and academia

• Media and public engagement

• Entrepreneurship

• Social work

• Research and policy-making

• Or simply excelling in a field related to your qualifications

If your core intent is to serve, then each of these roles holds immense potential and dignity.

You Are Not Your Rank

The result of the Civil Services Exam must never define your identity. Whether you clear it or not, your self-worth remains intact. The exam is a path, not the only path.

History tells us this clearly. Imagine if Subhash Chandra Bose had remained a civil servant. Or consider those who left the services to pursue larger causes—many are now changemakers, visionaries, and leaders in their own right.

Strength Comes From Within

It’s normal to feel lost after an unexpected result. But the greatest transformation begins with belief in yourself. The illusion of a single linear path in life is just that—an illusion. You have the right to explore, pivot, and flourish in Plan B.

“The longer you stay on the wrong train, the more expensive it is to get home.”
Take that U-turn when needed—and take it like a champion.

Real Success Is Being True to Yourself

When we ask, “Who am I?”, it’s not just a philosophical question. It’s a call to reflect on what we truly value. Add to that: “How do I wish to live? And for what purpose?”

This introspection leads to action grounded in meaning.

Live With Purpose, No Matter the Outcome

In the Ramayana, Jabali tells Lord Ram, “There exists no world but this.” The message is clear—this life, this moment, is what we have. Let’s live it wisely.

So what if you didn’t clear UPSC? Ki phark painda?
But if you abandon your integrity, your passion, your humanity—bahut phark painda.

In Conclusion: The path to nation-building isn’t confined to the IAS, IPS, or IFS. Explore. Discover. Fail. Rise. And remember:

“Many promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”

Whether you pursue Plan A or embrace Plan B, your journey remains noble—so long as your purpose remains true.

– C Dinesh Kumar

Managing Director

UPSC EXAM NOTES

Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep serving