‘The longer you stay on the wrong train, the more expensive it is to get home. Choose Plan B': A letter for those who didn't clear UPSC Exam

Indian Express

22-04-2025

(UPSC CSE Final Result 2024 was released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday (April 22). While a lot of media coverage is on the toppers or those who qualified for one of the toughest exams of the world, it is equally important to talk to those who did not make it to the final list. Nanditesh Nilay addresses the following letter to the aspirants who either lost all attempts of UPSC CSE or have to appear for the next prelims in the coming May. In this letter, he talks about the importance of dealing with the current situation of success and failure and why there is no harm in having a Plan B. Nanditesh pens down an emotional and honest message for all the aspirants, 'Explore, search, fail, and succeed by looking beyond Plan A' . Let's pause for a while and read…)
Dear UPSC Aspirants,
'He used to juggle with five balls, and at least two were always in the air.' This was said about Otto von Bismarck, the legendary German Chancellor who believed in constantly maneuvering among Europe's great powers—Britain, France, Russia, and Austria-Hungary. Bismarck planned strategically. He knew it wasn't wise to rely on just one course of action. In times of war, he understood that Plan A might not always work in his favor. That's why he always had a Plan B—and sometimes, he was even ready with a Plan C. He understood something crucial about life: in any serious endeavor, having a backup plan isn't just smart—it's part of the plan itself.
Why don't we all carry a Plan B in our lives if our purpose is universal and meant to fulfill a larger cause? Let me clarify. Let's start with a basic question: Why do you want to become an IAS officer? The answer shouldn't be based on the 3 Ps: power, prestige, and popularity. This is the least I expect from visionary youth. If the 3 Ps are your hidden objectives, then no Plan B will serve the purpose.
So when will Plan B work? If your objective is to serve the community or society at large. It is only then that other career options—like state administrative services, non-administrative roles such as teaching, research activities, media, entrepreneurship, or professions linked to your educational qualifications—will lead you to a purposeful path.
What assures that you will find happiness in these jobs, other than IAS, IPS, or IFS? It's because you were ready for them as well, and you have the confidence to excel, serve, and achieve in those fields too. Most importantly, your true career purpose still aligns with the real purpose of life, which is universal and dedicated to a larger cause—especially when you didn't qualify for the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
We can only truly have a Plan B if we don't treat this exam as larger than the self. The result of the exam should not dominate or subjugate the identity and individuality of an aspirant. You have to be mindful—and honor the self as well.
Look into the past and beyond. Search the internet and the archives. Ask yourself a historical question:
Before the civil services, how was the nation serving the interests of millions? Can human talent and brilliance truly be subdued or caged by a single exam? Do history and timelines support such a narrow view of human potential?
Would our role models—like Subhash Chandra Bose—have contributed more as civil servants, had they not become freedom fighters? And what about those who left the civil services after joining—aren't many of them excelling today with vision and impact decision-making? There are countless examples of people who dared to look beyond UPSC—whether they qualified or not—and still excelled. They believed that what others called Plan B was, in fact, what they were truly meant for.
I know that after an unexpected result, it's tough to find your ground. But even in the bigger challenges of life, we are constantly reminded: we are what we think. Free yourself from the shackles of self-doubt and confusion. Trust yourself. Think, and think consciously. Life offers the illusion of a single path, a Plan A, from cradle to grave. But in reality, we must be ready to explore Plan B.
Always remember: 'The longer you stay on the wrong train, the more expensive it is to get home.' So take that U-turn—and take it like a champion. Choose your Plan B. The same Plan B that introduced us to the greatness of Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Amitabh Bachchan, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. That Plan B which tests an individual's grit and gumption for the marathon of life. That Plan B which has long been lived and honored by the working class of our country. They may not have succeeded in one particular thing, but they never felt defeated in the race of life. And what a show they gave to the world, isn't it?
Let's take a slightly philosophical turn here. How often do you ask yourself the age-old question: 'Who am I?'
I'm reminded of a small, real story. A policeman once approached the German philosopher Schopenhauer, who was unkempt, unshaven, and sitting on a bench in a park. Mistaking him for a vagrant, the policeman prodded him with a baton and asked, 'Who are you?' The great philosopher, jolted out of his thoughts, looked up and replied, 'I wish I knew.'
We still ask ourselves this question—not only after failure, but also in every challenging moment of our lives. And there's no harm in seeking an answer to it. But have you ever tried adding another question to it: 'How would I like to experience my life, and for what cause?'
This question brings you back to reality—because this is your life, and it is in your hands to choose the path forward.
Why does this matter? In the Ramayana, Lord Ram was once advised by Jabali:
'Oh Ram, be wise. There exists no world but this.'
And that is the ultimate truth for all of us— There exists no world but this.
Dear readers and aspirants, we are all the trustees of our physical self—it has been handed to us by our parents. So, keep it clean and safe with the right habits and attitude. And when it comes to your mind and soul— Ki Phark Painda? (What difference does it make?) if you didn't qualify an exam. But Bahut Phark Painda (It makes a huge difference) if you fail as a human being. An inspiring life and a mind guided by reason—that is our true excellence in adulthood.
Let's explore, search, fail, and succeed by looking beyond Plan A. Let's honour the self and move forward with purpose, saying, 'Many promises to keep, miles to go before I sleep.'
So, whether it's the upcoming attempt—or your Plan B—stay focused. The journey is still yours to shape.
With Love,
Nanditesh
Edited by Manas Srivastava
(The writer is the author of 'Being Good and Aaiye, Insaan Banaen', 'Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness' and 'Kyon'. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified (concepts and caselets) fortnightly.)