EP-417 | UPSC Obsession, Dowry, Corruption, Bureaucracy, AI & Education System | Major SPS Oberoi

Major SPS Oberoi (Retd.) served as an Artillery Officer in the Indian Army for 11 years. He is currently a UPSC mentor and Academic Director at Ekam IAS Academy, Hyderabad.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Major SPS Oberoi (Retd.) shares his journey from serving in the Army to becoming a UPSC mentor. He challenges the popular belief that the UPSC is the toughest exam in India and explains the obsession surrounding it. He also discusses the issue of dowry, often associated with civil servants, and the social prestige attached to government jobs.He speaks candidly about discipline, success, AI, coaching industry, and the mental health challenges faced by UPSC aspirants.00:00 – Introduction01:08 – Childhood And Education04:24 – Army Officer To UPSC Mentor08:16 – UPSC Preparation Journey12:48 – Can AI Guide UPSC Students?16:20 – Ideal Study Time For UPSC Preparation18:23 – UPSC Study Materials21:33 – Digital Detox For Students23:53 – AI In Administration Work31:16 – Male vs Female Intelligence36:46 – Presence of Mind & Quick Reactions38:50 – Obsession With UPSC Preparation40:27 – Parental Pressure In Education45:25 – Scholastic Assessment Test48:01 – Career Options For Youth52:03 – Violence Against Children53:56 – Sikhism And Marriage Rules56:49 – Dowry In India1:00:16 – Why Civil Servants Become Corrupt1:06:50 – Views On Reservation1:09:31 – UPSC Craze In Bihar And U.P1:13:48 – Financial Independence For Graduates1:15:56 – Army Life Vs Civilian Life1:19:20 – Golden Rule For Study1:25:29 – Importance Of Language In UPSC1:30:43 – Learning From Students