'Interview Panel Isn't Hostile': Railways Officer Feels '12th Fail' UPSC Exam Process is Exaggerated | His Views

Following the success of the Vidhu Vinod Chopra film “12th Fail” starring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, many civil servants from across departments came forward to share their own experiences and perspectives regarding their Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) preparation days.

However, a recent post on the social media platform “X” by an Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer Ananth Rupanagudi has caught people’s attention as he not only shared his thoughts on the movie but also on IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, who is the real-life inspiration for Vikrant Massey’s role. Having known the real Manoj Kumar Sharma and Shraddha Joshi personally, Rupanagudi expressed appreciation for the couple’s kindness. However, it was his commentary on the movie’s interview sequence that became viral online.

When expressing his views about the movie, Rupanagudi acknowledged that “12th Fail” made use of ‘artistic liberties’, especially when it portrayed an exaggerated UPSC interview process. He explained that real-life interview panels are rarely as harsh or judgmental, even though the movie portrays some parts for a dramatic purpose.

“Regarding the #12thFailMovie, it’s reasonably well-made with certain ‘artistic liberties’ that slightly exaggerate the UPSC examination process and efforts. Yes, it requires a lot of effort but generally, the interview panel.  members aren’t hostile and aren’t so judgemental,” The post shared by Rupanagudi on “X” (formerly Twitter) read.

The UPSC interview, often known as the Personality Test, is the final barrier for civil service examination aspirants. The candidate’s personality, interpersonal skills, general aptitude, critical thinking abilities, judgmental equilibrium, and mental alertness, for a career in the civil services are evaluated during this interview round among other things.

The IRAS officer further mentioned in his widely circulated post thread that he met the real-life couple, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi and IPS officer Manoj Sharma, while he was posted in Mumbai. Rupanagudi in another post recalled an interaction with Sharma from when he was serving as the DCP, Zone-1, of the Mumbai Police, and appreciated his humble demeanour and sense of humour.

Thinking back to a trip to Kolhapur, where Sharma was the SP, Rupanagudi recalled Shraddha’s kind hospitality at the SP’s bungalow. “His earlier tenure was as SP, Kolhapur, and on his invitation, we had visited the city where Shraddha took us around and we even stayed over at the SP’s bungalow,” he wrote.

Rupanagudi was deeply touched by the couple’s humility, which demonstrated a side to them beyond their achievements in their respective careers.

Also Read| Amid Vikas Divyakirti’s Glory Post ’12th Fail’, Recalling Another Guru Who ‘Ditched Rs 107 Cr for the Poor’

The movie ’12th Fail’ highlights the inspiring narrative of Manoj Kumar Sharma’s path from failure to becoming an IPS officer. Several individuals may relate to the film, which emphasises the need for endurance and love in conquering the challenges that life presents one with.