In the typically vibrant areas of Old Rajinder Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar in Delhi, a sense of tranquility has descended. Amidst the continued demonstrations demanding justice for the three UPSC aspirants who lost their lives in Old Rajinder Nagar and advocating for a reformation of the system, there exists a palpable stillness. This serenity is tinged with unease.
Among the numerous IAS aspirants residing in these congested neighborhoods, a significant number are feeling anxious and unsettled as the UPSC Mains, the pivotal phase of the examination, is merely 48 days away. The Mains examination, consisting of nine descriptive papers with a total of 1,750 marks, is scheduled to commence on September 20 and will span over five days. According to UPSC mentor Atish Mathur, the Mains exam is “essentially and primarily the one that determines the selection of a candidate”.
Subsequently, the interview phase carries 275 marks. Following the tragic incident of three civil service aspirants losing their lives in a waterlogged basement library in Old Rajendra Nagar, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi took action by sealing multiple basements of other civil service coaching centers in the vicinity, citing safety norm violations and unauthorized commercial use of basements.
CLOSURE OF LIBRARIES HAS HIT UPSC ASPIRANTS
The recent enforcement against unauthorized constructions and basement libraries has resulted in numerous closures in Old Rajinder Nagar, as reported by UPSC aspirant Anurag to the Source. Many institutions that previously operated without oversight have now ceased operations due to the fear of impending action. Another aspirant, 29-year-old Praveen, expressed, “My studies have been significantly affected since the unfortunate event on Saturday.” “Establishing a consistent study routine is crucial, particularly with the Mains exams on the horizon, yet my timetable has been entirely disrupted,” Praveen further stated. Anurag referred to this situation as “pure economics,” noting that the closures have led to a threefold increase in fees, leaving aspiring civil servants in distress.
Anurag notes that a library which previously charged Rs 2,000 has now increased its monthly fee to Rs 6,000. He mentions that his library is secured with a lock, and many of his personal notes and books remain inside. Currently, he is coping by downloading PDF versions of the books he needs. Praveen, who regarded his library as a tranquil environment for studying, expresses his disappointment as his library is also closed.
“I chose this library for its peaceful atmosphere, as I was disturbed by the incessant construction noise from a nearby site. With the library now sealed, I am uncertain about its potential reopening. It seems improbable that I will find a new library at this time,” states Praveen, who is 29 years old, in a conversation with source. While some individuals consider leaving Old Rajinder Nagar as a viable option, Praveen, originally from Lucknow, asserts, “Departing from Old Rajinder Nagar is not feasible for me, as I must complete the test series in which I am currently enrolled.”
Due to the subjective nature of the Mains examination, candidates participate in test series organized by different coaching institutes and have their answers evaluated by their mentors, provided they have the means to do so.
UPSC MAINS IS MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING
Many candidates prepare for Mains from home, but a considerable number move to Old Rajinder Nagar to take tests and have their papers reviewed before the exam,” Atish Mathur, a UPSC mentor based in Delhi, tells IndiaToday.In. “The entire process of the mains exam is extremely physically and mentally demanding, and being in a good mental state is absolutely essential,” Mathur adds, who supported the candidates when they took to the streets after the basement flooding claimed three lives.
Praveen, on the other hand, says he is managing his studies at his accommodation with the Mains less than two months away. “My parents are worried about my safety and have advised me against using basement libraries and navigating through waterlogged streets of Old Rajinder Nagar, as much of it remains submerged,” he adds. Torn between expressing concerns and staying focused before the Mains, Anurag says, “but you know how it is—we do manage”. The pressure to perform well in the Mains is already immense as it constitutes the majority of marks that determine the final merit and rank.
The Mains examination is, therefore, the true challenge. “Several days prior to the Mains, numerous UPSC candidates are managing their time between studying throughout the day and participating in protests during the evening,” Anurag informed IndiaToday.In. “On a personal level, each individual understands the significance of the Mains exam, which compels us to dedicate at least 5 to 6 hours daily to our studies, even while engaging in the protests,” he continued. “The truth is, if we neglect our studies, as Anurag states, ‘someone else will take our place.’”
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