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

Author: Asian News International (ANI) May 25, 2026 Duration: 1:34:14

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


Conversations that shape our world often happen behind closed doors or in the quiet moments after the headlines fade. ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the minds of influential figures. Hosted by veteran journalist Smita Prakash, this series moves beyond the soundbite, creating a space where politicians, athletes, artists, and thinkers can explore the nuances of the issues that define contemporary India and global affairs. The dialogue here is driven by curiosity and a commitment to depth, allowing guests to elaborate on their perspectives, their decisions, and the personal experiences that inform their public lives. You will hear candid reflections on current events, policy debates, and cultural shifts, all through the lens of those at the center of the story. Produced by Asian News International, the podcast leverages a legacy of journalistic access and integrity, ensuring every conversation is both insightful and substantive. It’s more than an interview; it’s an opportunity to understand the motivations and narratives driving today’s news. For anyone looking to move past the surface and engage with the substance of politics, society, and human endeavor, this podcast provides a consistently thoughtful and compelling listen.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
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