CHANDIGARH: Two special lectures were organised by PU centre for IAS and other Competitive Examinations, where two doctors from PGIMER, Chandigarh namely, Dr Akhilesh Sharma, Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dr Rahul, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry addressed the IAS aspirants. Jyoti Rattan, Honorary Director, welcomed and introduced the Guest Speakers to the attendees. She conveyed her heartfelt thanks to him for his gracious presence.
Dr Akhilesh Sharma, have expressed his concern over the growing levels of exam stress among UPSC Civil Services and Judiciary Service aspirants, calling it a significant public health challenge that requires immediate attention.
With lakhs of students competing for limited vacancies, aspirants are experiencing intense academic pressure, prolonged preparation cycles, performance uncertainty, and substantial family expectations. These stressors frequently lead to anxiety, burnout, sleep disturbances, irritability, depressive symptoms, and, in some cases, thoughts of hopelessness.
Dr Rahul highlighted that the vast syllabus, year-round study demands, and the fear of losing multiple years of effort contribute to chronic psychological strain. Many aspirants report difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, fatigue, and heavy caffeine use.
To address this growing issue, mental health specialists are urging institutions and families to provide supportive environments and to recognise early signs of distress. Simple preventive strategies, including structured study routines, regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, mock test exposure, balanced sleep cycles, and healthy peer interaction, play a crucial role.
Importantly, the Government of India’s Tele-MANAS platform is being highlighted as a key resource for aspirants. Aspirants facing stress, anxiety, panic, or emotional overwhelm can call the Tele-MANAS 24×7 mental health helpline at 14416 for free, confidential psychological support. Tele-MANAS provides immediate counselling, crisis management, and referral pathways, making it a vital tool for prevention and early intervention.
“Competitive exams should not come at the cost of mental wellbeing, ” clinicians emphasise. With support systems like Tele-MANAS, timely intervention is accessible to anyone who needs it. We must ensure aspirants have the emotional and psychological tools to prepare safely and effectively. The lecture ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof Madhuri, coordinator, PU, IAS Centre.