ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

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

1 h 34 min · 25. maj 2026
episode EP-417 | UPSC Obsession, Dowry, Corruption, Bureaucracy, AI & Education System | Major SPS Oberoi cover

Description

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 – Introduction 01:08 – Childhood And Education 04:24 – Army Officer To UPSC Mentor 08:16 – UPSC Preparation Journey 12:48 – Can AI Guide UPSC Students? 16:20 – Ideal Study Time For UPSC Preparation 18:23 – UPSC Study Materials 21:33 – Digital Detox For Students 23:53 – AI In Administration Work 31:16 – Male vs Female Intelligence 36:46 – Presence of Mind & Quick Reactions 38:50 – Obsession With UPSC Preparation 40:27 – Parental Pressure In Education 45:25 – Scholastic Assessment Test 48:01 – Career Options For Youth 52:03 – Violence Against Children 53:56 – Sikhism And Marriage Rules 56:49 – Dowry In India 1:00:16 – Why Civil Servants Become Corrupt 1:06:50 – Views On Reservation 1:09:31 – UPSC Craze In Bihar And U.P 1:13:48 – Financial Independence For Graduates 1:15:56 – Army Life Vs Civilian Life 1:19:20 – Golden Rule For Study 1:25:29 – Importance Of Language In UPSC 1:30:43 – Learning From Students

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