The Impact of Clearing the IES Exam on My Life
The road to success is often paved with challenges, and clearing the IES (Indian Engineering Services) exam is no exception. The impact of passing this rigorous examination can be felt in various aspects of one’s life. From a sudden influx of public attention to unexpected changes in career prospects, the noteworthy life transformation that follows is truly profound.
Introduction to Resilience and Adversity
“Adversity introduces a man to himself.” These words by Granville Blossom succinctly capture the essence of facing difficult situations and the growth that comes from them. In my case, clearing the ESE 2020 with an All India Rank (AIR) of 39 in Civil Engineering was a significant turning point in my life, particularly after the results were announced.
Post-Result Celebrations and Recognition
Increased Visibility: The moment the results were out, my WhatsApp and Facebook accounts were inundated with congratulatory messages. I've even accumulated thousands of pending friend requests, which I admit, takes some effort to manage. This public recognition was overwhelming and a testament to the hard work and dedication I put into the exam.
Relatives Praise and Public Awareness: After the news of my success, my relatives couldn't stop praising me. Meanwhile, the general public started asking for the difference between UPSC CSE and UPSC ESE. These exams are less known, with UPSC primarily recognized for its prestigious Administrative Services (IAS, IPS, etc.), rather than the Engineering Services.
Career Opportunities and Job Proposals
Shift in Career Path: With the ESE result, came numerous job offers and marriage proposals from respectable families. I received so many marriage proposals that I couldn't count, and a few became real. Some friends even suggested partying to celebrate, but I preferred focusing on my career.
Media Attention: Being the only boy from Assam and one of the few from the North-East in the list, I garnered significant media attention. Local newspapers and blogs published stories about me, which exposed me to a wider audience. These media stories can be seen in several blogs, such as this one:
Academic Life and Workload
Academic Adjustments: Despite the success, I didn't have much academic work assigned. In fact, I asked my seniors if they had any work as I was not overloaded with tasks. This situation brought to light the intense preparation and effort required for the ESE exam.
Uncertainty About Joining: The question of when I would join haunts me, adding a layer of anxiety to my life. The pressure to decide on a career path and the questions from friends and family about when I would start working kept me on my toes.
Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Future Outlook
While the ESE exam is undoubtedly one of the most challenging engineering exams in the country, the journey has been transformative. It has not only brought about significant personal and professional changes but also deepened my understanding of resilience and perseverance.
“Life is not about reaching the end but about the journey you take along the way.”
~Vikash Yadav
~ Thank you for following my journey.