“Is this struggle worth it?” Parth Chavda often questioned himself while looking in the mirror.

Having been preparing for one of the most challenging examinations, the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), he gained 13 kilograms, and his reflection no longer reflected the vibrant man he once was.

At 30, Parth had made a bold decision to pivot his life from his banking job towards civil service. In his first attempt at the UPSC exam, his diligent preparation paid off when he cleared the prelims stage. However, he was unable to clear Mains.

Undeterred, he studied harder, but both his second and third attempts ended with roadblocks at the Prelims. “UPSC is like the board game of snakes and ladders,” says Parth, “where victory seems elusive, no matter how close you are to winning.”

He continues, “The preparation for the UPSC is akin to running a marathon. It requires endurance, strategy, and most importantly, the ability to withstand repeated setbacks.”

Throughout his preparation, Parth faced more than just academic challenges. A diagnosis of retinal detachment during his third attempt led to surgery, adding a physical and emotional burden to an already daunting journey.

A turning point........

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