Visually-Impaired UPSC Topper Shows Aspirants The Path To Success

The qualities of iron can teach us important lessons in life. The AIR 7 of UPSC Civil Services Exam 2021, Samyak Jain equates problems in life with iron. He says, just like iron, problems can be forged into different shapes, teaching us to be tough and resilient. Let’s delve into Jain's journey to understand how UPSC preparation can be seen from a different perspective.

Meeting the problems

Jain was just 18 years old when the doctors informed him about a serious medical issue in his eyes. By the time, he was 21 years, he lost his eyesight. The most ambitious years of his life were immersed in fear, uncertainty, and worry. But the iron-willed lad did not let his medical condition overpower him. He completed the Master's degree in International Relations from JNU and a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.

Only when the storm was subsiding and a ray of hope was in sight, the world went into a lockdown due to the pandemic. Yet again, his iron-laden will encouraged him to utilize that time to begin his journey for India's toughest exam. - UPSC. It is a wonder that while several UPSC aspirants dread the preparation journey, Jain embraced it during the most difficult phase of his life.

Defeating the problems

His iron-willed resolve was coupled with the malleability the metal brings with itself. “You can melt that iron and make your own sword,” he declares. Because his visual impairment prevented him from reading in a conventional way, he resorted to audiobooks. He further repackaged the pre-acquired knowledge from postgraduate studies for the PSIR optional paper. Jain also received steady support from his family. His mother volunteered as a scribe during the exams.

Tips from the UPSC topper

Samyak Jain’s journey is a beacon of light for the UPSC aspirants. His UPSC journey is an example of how aspirants should be strong, yet malleable like iron. Here are a few tips UPSC aspirants can follow:

Be malleable and bend it like Beckham 

Don't blame the circumstances: More than 10 lakh candidates register for the civil service exam every year. They come from all walks of life where economic backwardness, social exclusion, and lack of opportunities are an absolute reality. Jain was facing a health crisis where his ability to see was jeopardized. But, he did not let his circumstances quash his dreams. 

Don't wait for the right time: Just after completely losing his ability to see, he began the UPSC preparation. No matter what problems you are facing, just don’t think there would be a better time. Hit the iron when it's hot!

Use your past learnings: Many aspirants think they don’t know anything about the exam. It's not true. Your school and college education, your knowledge of your own community, and your hobbies - all these contribute to clearing the exam. 

Innovate: You don’t have to buy expensive books, pay for coaching, and other expenses. Everything is available on the internet, such as study notes, books, and videos. Moreover, several free tools can be used to translate study material into different languages or convert texts into audiobooks. 

Stay strong warrior! 

Be resilient: There is no denying the journey is long. However, UPSC seeks candidates who are resilient and do not accept defeat in face of adversity. 

Don't give up: It is the Holy Writ for UPSC aspirants. No matter how difficult it gets, do not give up until you reach Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.

Hope this article provides some direction to your UPSC preparation by showing you how others had it tougher and still cleared it with flying colors. The most important takeaway of the article is that you should use the internet to your advantage and give free quizzes and mocks to ace any exam!

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