Archive · 11 Jan 2026
UPSC Aspirant Shares Mental Health Struggles After 5 Years
Tejaswini, who spent five years preparing for the tough UPSC exam, shared her story of isolation and mental health struggles.
She followed advice to cut off from the world, which led to anxiety and depression.
Now, she feels lost and unsure about her future in the corporate world.
Experts say this is common and offer tips to help people readjust to normal life, like making friends again, setting small goals, and remembering they are more than just exam results.
Tejaswini spent 5 years preparing for the UPSC exam, isolating herself as advised, leading to mental health issues.
She now feels lost and uncertain about entering the corporate world without relevant skills or contacts.
Experts confirm that extended isolation can cause anxiety, depression, and loss of self-identity.
Reintegrating into normal life after intense exam preparation can be challenging and may cause guilt or emptiness.
Experts recommend rebuilding balance, shifting perspective, reconnecting socially, setting small goals, seeking mentorship, and redefining identity to cope with the transition.
- Who
- Tejaswini, a UPSC aspirant, and mental health experts
- What
- Tejaswini's experience of mental health struggles after 5 years of UPSC preparation and experts' advice on coping
- When
- After 5 years of preparation, Tejaswini decided to share her story
- Where
- India
- Why
- To raise awareness about the mental health impact of competitive exam preparation and provide coping strategies
- Exam
- UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)
- Annual Applicants
- 10-14 lakh (1-1.4 million)
- Aspirant's Preparation Time
- 5 years
- Mental Health Impact
- Isolation, anxiety, depression, identity loss
- Expert Advice
- Rebuild balance, shift perspective, reconnect socially, set small goals, seek mentorship, redefine identity