The Alarming Craze for IAS and UPSC Among Youth: A Superficial Bubble?

In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the number of young Indians aspiring to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and other civil services through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. While a career in the civil services has traditionally been revered, the current craze appears to be fuelled by a complex mix of social media influence, mass media portrayal, and the allure of personal branding. This article seeks to unpack the factors contributing to this phenomenon and highlight the underlying issues.

The Social Media Influence

The role of social media in shaping the aspirations of the youth cannot be overstated. Present IAS officers have a significant presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where they frequently share aspects of their professional and personal lives. While this transparency can be beneficial, it often leads to an exaggerated portrayal of the glamour associated with the IAS.

Many officers showcase their lifestyle, achievements, and even the perks of their jobs, creating an idealized image that attracts young aspirants. The show-off culture, as observed on social media, plays a significant role in building a bubble around the IAS, presenting it as a dream job filled with prestige and power, while often downplaying the rigorous demands and ethical responsibilities of the role.

UPSC Coaching Centre's and Mock Interview Reels

The booming industry of UPSC coaching centres also contributes to the craze. These centres, with their aggressive marketing strategies, promise success and fame. They frequently share reels of mock interviews and success stories, further feeding into the aspirants' dreams. These snippets often highlight the polished demeanour and intellectual prowess of successful candidates, making the process seem more glamorous and achievable than it might actually be.

Moreover, coaching centres and mentors have turned UPSC preparation into a lucrative business. According to The Times of India, some coaching institutes charge exorbitant fees, promising guaranteed results. This commercialization preys on the desperation and aspirations of young candidates, often leading them to invest their prime years and significant financial resources in pursuit of a career that is not only highly competitive but also uncertain.

The Allure of LBSNAA

The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, where IAS officers undergo training, is often depicted as a utopia. Media coverage and social media posts from the academy showcase a picturesque campus, rigorous training sessions, and a life of camaraderie and learning. This portrayal creates an almost mythical status for LBSNAA, making it a coveted destination for UPSC aspirants.

Mass Media and Entertainment Industry

Mass media plays a crucial role in romanticizing the IAS. Films, TV shows, and web series centred around civil servants have contributed significantly to the growing fascination. These productions often depict IAS officers as heroic figures battling corruption and bringing about societal change. While these narratives are inspirational, they can also be misleading, creating unrealistic expectations about the nature and challenges of the job.

Underlying Issues and Corruption

Amidst this glamorization, the reality of corruption within the UPSC and IAS ranks is often overlooked. Recent scandals involving candidates faking handicapped certificates, OBC certificates, and other forms of fraud to secure positions highlight systemic issues. According to various media reports, some IAS officers have been found involved in corrupt practices, which goes against the ethical standards expected of civil servants. Unfortunately, these negative aspects are often hidden from public view, leading aspirants to idolize a potentially flawed system.

The Culture of Celebrity Worship

India has a longstanding culture of celebrity worship, which now extends to civil servants. Many IAS officers are treated like celebrities, with substantial followings on social media. This culture influences young aspirants, who see the IAS as not just a career but a status symbol. This desire for celebrity-like treatment can impact the execution of their duties, as maintaining a public image might take precedence over genuine public service.

The Impact of Personal Branding

The trend of personal branding among IAS officers has significant societal implications. The camera presence and the desire to maintain a certain image on social media can influence their behaviour and decision-making. This focus on image management can detract from their primary responsibilities and compromise the integrity of their work. The code of conduct for civil servants, which emphasizes impartiality, integrity, and devotion to duty, can be at odds with the demands of maintaining a social media persona.

The Trap of Superficial Aspirations

The current trend of idolizing IAS officers for their social media presence and perceived lifestyle has led many young aspirants to pursue civil services for superficial reasons. They are motivated by the glamor and prestige rather than a genuine desire to serve the public and bring about meaningful change. This misplaced motivation can result in disillusionment and frustration when faced with the realities of the job.

Conclusion

The rising craze for IAS and UPSC among the youth, driven by social media influence, mass media portrayal, and the allure of personal branding, is creating a superficial bubble. It is crucial for aspirants to look beyond the glamour and understand the ethical responsibilities, challenges, and realities of a career in civil services. The society must strive to create awareness about the true nature of the job and encourage aspirants to pursue it for the right reasons. Only then can we ensure that the future civil servants of India are driven by a genuine desire to serve the nation and uphold the values of integrity and dedication.