A seemingly innocuous post praising the intense study routine of IAS officer Neha Byadwal has triggered a fiery debate online, with one user bluntly stating:
“The UPSC prep-cult needs to be dismantled and destroyed.”
The comment—provocative but resonant—has reignited discussions around India’s fiercely competitive UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam culture, where aspirants often subject themselves to years of isolation, extreme discipline, and mental strain in pursuit of a coveted bureaucratic seat.
The Viral Flashpoint
The controversy began after an old interview clip and social media posts surfaced detailing how Byadwal, a 2023 batch IAS officer, spent 12–14 hours a day in isolation while preparing for the civil services exam. While many applauded her dedication, others questioned whether such solitary intensity should be glorified.
“Why are we celebrating trauma disguised as productivity?” asked a mental health advocate on X (formerly Twitter). “This isn’t inspiration—it’s a warning.”
Toxic Ideal or Noble Sacrifice?
The UPSC exam is among the toughest in the world, with less than 0.2% of applicants making the final list. But critics argue that the ‘prep-cult’ mentality—which normalizes years of social withdrawal, sleep deprivation, and anxiety—has elevated struggle to the point of sanctification.
For some, officers like Neha Byadwal represent the aspirational peak. For others, the model is unsustainable, dehumanizing, and exclusionary.
“It’s not about Neha personally,” one user clarified. “It’s about a system that teaches 21-year-olds to treat burnout as a badge of honor.”
Mental Health Crisis in the Making
Coaching hubs like Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar and Prayagraj are filled with thousands of aspirants, many spending 3–5 years locked in study cycles, often without backup plans or psychological support.
A 2022 report by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) found alarming rates of depression and anxiety among competitive exam aspirants, particularly UPSC candidates. Cases of suicide, breakdowns, and career derailment are tragically not uncommon.
“You’re told this exam will define your worth,” said a former aspirant. “But no one prepares you for what happens if it doesn’t.”
A Culture That Rewards Silence and Endurance
At the heart of the problem is a culture that equates quiet suffering with seriousness, and emotional suppression with merit. Glorified success stories often skip over the immense psychological cost paid along the way.
Even successful candidates admit the cost is steep. Many speak of lost friendships, social detachment, and health issues—none of which are reflected in the final rank list.
Is It Time for a Cultural Reset?
Voices calling for change are getting louder:
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Decentralizing the obsession with UPSC as the only benchmark of success
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Integrating mental health support into coaching ecosystems
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Highlighting diverse success models beyond “grind-and-glory” narratives
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Critiquing coaching industry marketing, which often promotes sacrifice without balance
Some even argue for structural reform—making the exam less unpredictable, diversifying assessment methods, and addressing the rising age and attempt exhaustion that plagues candidates year after year.
A Mirror, Not a Monument
The backlash against the Neha Byadwal post is less about her and more about a system that still measures worth in hours sacrificed rather than holistic capability. While her success is commendable, the larger question remains:
Should an exam designed to select future leaders be breaking spirits before it builds them?
Until the UPSC prep culture evolves to prioritize mental health, balance, and dignity, the “cult” will continue to produce bureaucrats—but at a cost India can no longer afford to ignore.
