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Edition 022 · connection · indianexpress.com

UPSC Topper: Grit, Not Genius

Grief-stricken UPSC topper's advice misses the point: exams favour the privileged, not the persevering.

UPSC Topper: Grit, Not Genius
FO Take · Score 10

Another success story, another myth perpetuated. Surviving UPSC is not about “the Dhoni way” or some mystical inner calm. It is about relentless privilege: access to resources, endless time, and the luxury of failure. This narrative conveniently erases the systemic barriers. Stop romanticising struggle; dismantle the system. Is grit truly the differentiator, or a convenient excuse for inequality?

The strongest counter

While privilege undoubtedly plays a role, downplaying personal resilience is disingenuous. Individual agency and the ability to manage immense pressure are crucial during high-stakes exams. The advice offers a valuable perspective on mental fortitude.

Audit trail
  • ·Privilege ignored
  • ·Systemic bias
  • ·False equivalence
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