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

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

From ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash by Asian News International (ANI)

May 25, 2026 · 1h 34m · Episode 417

About this episode

Major SPS Oberoi discusses his transition from an Army officer to a UPSC mentor, addressing various societal issues related to UPSC preparation.

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…

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