The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is often seen through a narrow lens—rank lists, toppers’ strategies, and study schedules. But for many who walk this path, the journey is far more layered. It is as much about internal change as it is about academic preparation.
Purvi Nanda Vijay, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS-IT) officer from the 2021 batch currently serving as Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax in Delhi, attempts to capture this deeper dimension in her book Behind the Scenes. Rather than offering another preparation manual, she presents something more personal and enduring—a reflection on transformation shaped by the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).
A STORY BEHIND THE EXAMINATION
At its core, Behind the Scenes is not about clearing UPSC. It is about what happens to a person while preparing for it. The book steps away from conventional narratives and focuses instead on emotional growth, discipline, and self-awareness.
“It is less about cracking an examination and more about what a demanding pursuit teaches you about yourself when you choose not to give up,” Purvi shared in an exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds.
This perspective is what sets the book apart. While most resources in the UPSC ecosystem focus on “what to study” and “how to study,” Purvi shifts attention to the often-overlooked question—what does the journey do to you as a person?
WRITING WHAT ASPIRANTS FEEL BUT RARELY SAY
UPSC preparation can be isolating. Long hours of study, repeated setbacks, and the uncertainty of outcomes often create a silent struggle that many aspirants hesitate to articulate. Purvi’s intention was to bridge that emotional gap.
“More than strategies or lessons, I wanted readers to feel understood,” she explains. “I wanted them to feel a sense of companionship, hope, and the reassurance that vulnerability and self-doubt are part of the process.”
Her writing reflects lived experiences rather than idealised success stories. It acknowledges the emotional turbulence that accompanies preparation—loneliness, confusion, and the pressure to stay consistent over long periods.
FILLING A MISSING GAP IN UPSC LITERATURE
There is no shortage of UPSC preparation material in India. However, IRS officer Purvi identified a critical gap—authentic storytelling.
“Very few talk honestly about what it feels like to live through the process—the emotional turbulence, difficult choices, and internal evolution,” she says.
Behind the Scenes attempts to document this lived reality. It explores the part of the journey that remains invisible—the battles that happen beyond mock tests and strategy discussions.
THE MOMENT THAT SPARKED THE BOOK
The idea for the book emerged during Purvi’s own preparation phase.
“I found that many narratives were either overly polished or exaggerated. When I came across a few honest accounts, they gave me comfort,” she recalls.
That experience stayed with her. It led to a personal commitment—to share her own story if she succeeded, in a way that could offer genuine reassurance to others.
If one thread runs consistently through Behind the Scenes, it is resilience—not the dramatic kind, but the everyday act of continuing despite uncertainty.
“Resilience, for me, is about showing up every day despite fear, failure, and self-doubt,” Vijay notes.
This idea is central to the book. It does not romanticise struggle but presents it as a necessary and often transformative part of the journey.
RETHINKING THE NATURE OF UPSC
One of the most common misconceptions about UPSC, according to Purvi, is that it is purely an academic challenge.
“In reality, UPSC CSE is as much a psychological and emotional test as it is an intellectual one,” she explains. “Managing your mind and consistency often determines whether you sustain the journey long enough to succeed.”
This insight is particularly relevant in an era where preparation is increasingly strategy-driven. Purvi emphasises that knowledge alone is not enough; emotional stability and self-discipline play an equally critical role.
THE COMMON THREAD: TRANSFORMATION
The book brings together multiple journeys, each unique in its approach and outcome. Yet, Purvi identifies a common theme across all of them—change.
“Each story reflects some form of transformation. The examination changes people by shaping their character, clarity, and perspective,” she says.
This transformation is not always visible in marksheets or ranks, but it leaves a lasting impact on individuals.
AN UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH ASPIRANTS MUST FACE
In a preparation ecosystem filled with shortcuts, hacks, and formula-based approaches, Purvi presents a more grounded reality.
“The uncomfortable truth is that there are no shortcuts,” she states. “Sustainable success comes from consistency, self-awareness, and disciplined effort.”
This message challenges the popular belief that the “right strategy” alone can guarantee success. Instead, the book highlights the importance of trial, error, and continuous learning.
LEARNING FROM DIVERSE JOURNEYS
One of the most striking aspects of Purvi’s experience was observing how differently individuals approached the same examination.
“Some succeeded while working full-time, some after repeated failures, and some through unconventional methods,” she notes.
This diversity reinforces a key takeaway—there is no single correct path to success. What matters is aligning preparation with one’s own strengths and circumstances.
LESSONS THAT GO BEYOND UPSC
While rooted in the UPSC journey, the book speaks to a broader audience. Its themes—uncertainty, discipline, self-doubt, and growth—are universal.
“UPSC taught me that outcomes matter, but who you become in pursuit of an outcome matters far more,” she reflects.
This idea resonates with anyone navigating a demanding goal, whether academic, professional, or personal. The book becomes less about an exam and more about life itself.
When asked to summarise Behind the Scenes in one line, IRS officer Purvi Nanda Vijay offers a perspective that captures its essence.
“It is not a story about clearing UPSC CSE. It is a story about becoming the person capable of clearing it.”
LOOKING AHEAD
For Purvi, writing Behind the Scenes was not just a one-time effort but the beginning of a larger engagement with storytelling.
She expresses interest in writing again, possibly exploring themes of public service, personal growth, and life beyond examinations.
Her approach remains rooted in honesty—telling stories that reflect real experiences rather than idealised versions of success.
WHY BEHIND THE SCENES MATTERS TODAY
At a time when UPSC preparation is increasingly commercialised and performance-driven, Behind the Scenes offers a refreshing shift in focus. It reminds aspirants that the journey is not only about clearing an exam but also about understanding oneself.
For readers, especially those preparing for competitive exams, the book provides something often missing—emotional clarity. It does not promise shortcuts or guaranteed results. Instead, it offers perspective, relatability, and a more balanced understanding of what success truly means.
In doing so, Purvi Nanda Vijay has contributed not just a book, but a narrative that many aspirants may finally see themselves in.
