Archive · 9 Nov 2025
'I Lost Myself': UPSC Aspirant Shares Mental Toll of Exam Prep
Imagine you're studying for a really, really hard test that takes many years to prepare for, like becoming a doctor or a superhero.
A young woman named Manvi was studying for a very tough test in India called UPSC.
She studied so much that she spent her whole twenties doing it.
She missed parties and forgot how to have fun.
When the test was finally over, she looked in the mirror and didn't even recognize herself.
She felt like she didn't know how to live life anymore, even though she was smart.
Her video reminded other kids studying for hard tests that it's important to remember who you are and take care of your feelings, not just focus on the test.
Many people online agreed with her, saying they felt the same way.
UPSC aspirant Manvi Srivastava shared a viral video about the mental health challenges of exam preparation.
Srivastava stated that dedicating her 20s to the UPSC exam led to self-isolation and a loss of identity.
She described feeling unrecognizable and struggling with self-confidence despite her education.
Her message encourages aspirants to prioritize their mental well-being and not lose themselves in the process.
The video resonated deeply with many internet users who related to her experience.
- Who
- UPSC aspirant Manvi Srivastava
- What
- Shared her experience of the mental toll of preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, feeling lost and unrecognizable after dedicating her 20s to it.
- When
- Recently, with her video going viral online.
- Where
- On Instagram, resonating across social media.
- Why
- To urge other aspirants not to sacrifice their identity and mental health in pursuit of success.
- Aspirant's Name
- Manvi Srivastava
- Exam
- UPSC Civil Services Exam
- Platform
- Core Message
- Do not lose yourself or mental health during exam preparation.