A heated debate has taken over Indian social media after a Twitter (now X) user criticised IAS officer Neha Byadwal’s intense UPSC preparation style. The officer, who reportedly gave up her mobile phone for three years to focus on studies, is now being discussed widely — not just for her dedication, but also for what some say is a flaw in India’s bureaucratic culture.
While some netizens praised her commitment, others questioned if such extreme isolation actually prepares future IAS officers to handle real-life challenges. The debate has gone viral with over 9 lakh views and thousands of comments — making it one of the most discussed UPSC-related issues in recent times.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The controversy began when a Twitter user posted:
“This UPSC-prep cult needs to be dismantled & destroyed. Complete sociopaths with zero idea of how India runs outside of their 24*7 rote study room end up governing the public.”
The user took a direct dig at the system, claiming that UPSC toppers live in bubbles, disconnected from ground realities. She even added:
“Bureaucracy har cheez ke liye OTP maangti hai… imagine the privilege of not requiring a mobile phone for 3 years in today’s world.”
The post wasn’t just a personal attack on Neha Byadwal — it reflected a growing frustration among citizens about the perceived elitism and impractical training of India’s civil servants.
What Did Neha Byadwal Actually Do?
IAS officer Neha Byadwal comes from a small village in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where education for girls was rare and women stayed behind veils. Her journey is nothing short of inspirational:
- She cracked the UPSC in 2021.
- Became the first IAS officer from her village.
- Reportedly gave up her smartphone for three years to remain fully focused.
- On Instagram, she once wrote: “I hope I become the reason a father motivates his daughter to study, telling her ‘if she can, you can too’.”
Her success sparked local change — more parents began encouraging their daughters to study.
Arguments Against the “UPSC Cult”
Many users on X resonated with the criticism, saying that:
- Bureaucrats have no practical work experience.
- They rely heavily on coaching material instead of real-world understanding.
- They end up heading departments like electricity, aviation, or shipping with zero domain expertise.
One viral comment read:
“I simply fail to understand what an IAS will know about electricity when he is made MD of a board.”
Another said:
“Why only UPSC? It permeates our engineers (IIT/Kota Factories), CAs and the rest too.”
But Many Defended Her Too
Supporters of Neha Byadwal and the UPSC system strongly pushed back:
- “Easier said than done. Crack this exam and then we’ll hear you.”
- “She didn’t use a phone, but she surely read newspapers. That’s enough to stay connected to current affairs.”
- “Message is good, but you’re wrong here. They are well aware of how the world functions.”
One user sarcastically said:
“So, whom should we place instead of them? Influencers?”
Bigger Question: Should UPSC Reform Its Selection System?
The debate reflects a growing demand for reform in India’s bureaucratic structure. Critics argue:
- More domain expertise should be required to lead technical departments.
- Officers should have ground-level work experience before handling large-scale responsibilities.
- UPSC should encourage balanced preparation, not complete social isolation.
Neha’s Story Still Inspires Millions
Despite the controversy, Neha Byadwal’s journey remains a symbol of empowerment:
- Her story has inspired girls in rural areas to dream beyond boundaries.
- She showed that discipline, sacrifice, and consistency can change lives.
Her choice to isolate during preparation may seem extreme, but many say it was necessary for her to rise above systemic and societal barriers
The UPSC debate triggered by Neha Byadwal’s story has exposed a deep divide — between idealistic preparation and real-world governance needs. Whether or not one agrees with her method, there’s no denying her dedication and impact.
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