Why a Young Aspirant Tore His UPSC Registration Card – Reflections on IAS, Bureaucracy and ‘Sanctimoney’
In 2002‑03 a bright student named Sidin (the author) registered for the UPSC civil services exam, prepared for weeks and then ripped his registration card and threw it away. He later pursued an MBA, became a journalist, and uses his story to comment on public attitudes toward the IAS and the contradictions faced by young aspirants.
Key Developments
- Sidin obtained a civil services examination registration card in 2002‑03 but never appeared for the exam.
- He chose an MBA route, completed the course, and entered journalism.
- The narrative highlights a societal paradox: admiration for successful bureaucrats before they join service, followed by harsh criticism of the bureaucracy once they are in power.
- Sidin coins the term sanctimoney to describe elders who preach morality but later solicit unethical favors from their children.
Important Facts from the Narrative
• Sidin was a diligent student, never ranking below 10th in class, strong in languages, sciences and organic chemistry.
• A family “uncle” encouraged him to join the IAS, not for public service, but to exploit his position for shady deals such as real‑estate, banking scams and passport fraud.
• The author’s decision to discard the registration card was driven by the fear of becoming a tool for such corruption.
• He uses humor and personal experience to question the ethical climate surrounding civil service recruitment.
Exam Relevance (GS Papers)
The story touches on several topics that appear in the UPSC syllabus:
- GS2 – Polity & Governance: Role and perception of the IAS, functioning of the UPSC, and the ethical expectations from civil servants.
- GS4 – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude: The concept of sanctimoney illustrates the conflict between personal morality and societal pressure, a classic ethical dilemma for future administrators.
- GS1 – Indian Society: Public sentiment towards bureaucracy – admiration before appointment and criticism after – reflects the complex relationship between citizens and the state.
Way Forward for Aspirants
1. Self‑assessment: Before committing to the exam, evaluate personal motivations. Are you driven by public service or external expectations?
2. Ethical preparedness: Familiarise yourself with the ethical framework governing civil servants. This helps resist pressures like those described as sanctimoney.
3. Seek mentorship: Connect with genuine mentors who value integrity, not those who see the service as a gateway to personal gain.
4. Alternative pathways: Remember that leadership can also be exercised through other professional routes such as management (MBA) or journalism, as demonstrated by the author.
By reflecting on Sidin’s experience, UPSC candidates can better understand the societal expectations, ethical challenges, and personal choices that shape a career in the Indian bureaucracy.