The Guru-Shishya Parampara, a beautiful tradition from the past, is well-known to us, but nowadays, hardly anyone practices it. This tradition involved teachers sharing knowledge directly with students, which not only helped them learn but also made them better people.
However, if we observe our surroundings, we can see that excessive commercialization has led to a more transactional relationship between teachers and students. There's a noticeable disconnect between them. The fear of asking questions has hindered the learning process, which should ideally be the opposite. The fast-paced way of life and easy access to numerous resources have diverted many students from the valuable mentorship that could have been the crucial first step towards success in life.
But take a moment to ponder... The tales of teachers like Vishvamitra, Sandinapani, and Drona, along with the stories of brilliant students like Ram, Krishna, and Arjun, are woven into the fabric of our life journey, aren't they ?
One wonderful day, as the team was thinking about how we could best support the veterans who have been in this field but haven't yet achieved their long-awaited success, an idea struck us - we pondered whether we could bring back the old tradition!
The process of making decision seemed like...
We understood that these aspirants must have taken classes and participated in test series before. They were working hard but still falling short of success. Some of them might even be grappling with self-doubt and frustration. So, how could we design a program for these experienced individuals that addresses their challenges and provides something exceptionally effective and proven to lead to success?
Interestingly, our team promptly identified three fundamental principles on which this program should be built, and we all unanimously agreed to them.
First Pillar: Intensive
It was a must. These individuals had been stuck for 2-3 years, so we needed to make a significant impact. It was time to push their limits and refine their skills.
Second Pillar: Tough Tests
We couldn't stick to the basics. We had to challenge their minds and move beyond easy questions. We needed tests that really made them think and created moments of significant progress.
Third Pillar: Mentor-Guided Program
As the saying goes, "The quickest way to reach a destination is to ask someone who's already been there!" Wisdom can come from various sources, and for many, it's found in the ancient tradition of the 'Guru-Shishya' Parampara. This is a spiritual relationship and mentorship tradition where knowledge is passed from a guru, a teacher (गुरु), to a śiṣya, a disciple (शिष्य).
Is Mentorship Crucial for Success in UPSC and GPSC Exams?
As the saying goes, "The quickest way to reach a destination is to ask someone who's already been there!"
The word "Guru" can be understood as a combination of "Gu," meaning darkness, and "Ru," meaning light. So, "Guru" can be roughly translated as someone who leads from darkness to light, or a guide who helps one move from ignorance to wisdom and enlightenment.
In essence, mentorship encompasses many things. For some, wisdom can come from various sources. For others, it's found in the timeless tradition of the 'Guru-Shishya' Parampara. This tradition represents a spiritual relationship and mentoring process where knowledge is passed from a guru, a teacher (गुरु), to a śiṣya, a disciple (शिष्य).
Why Does Mentorship Matter in UPSC and GPSC?
Think of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore—a character cherished worldwide. When J.K. Rowling created Dumbledore, she probably didn't realize she was giving the fiction world one of the finest mentors it could ever have.

"What truly matters is not how someone is born, but what they become!"
If there's one central theme in the Harry Potter books, it's that your choices matter far more than your place of birth, your family background, or the circumstances you find yourself in.
No matter what life throws at you, the key is your choice—to be a good person, to put in hard work, and to seize every opportunity to serve your fellow citizens.
Consider this: Without the mentorship of Professor Dumbledore, could Harry have mustered the courage, knowledge, and experiences needed to defeat Lord Voldemort?
The point is, the journey is never easy, but with a mentor, it becomes more focused, disciplined, and consistent. Your entire approach transforms, from how you start preparing to the day you begin your IAS training.
Preparing for the UPSC GPSC is like running a marathon, not a 100-meter sprint. Racing too quickly can drain your energy. The goal is to maintain consistency. Your mentor's role is to channel your energy and guide your efforts effectively.
"Harry, it's the decisions we make that reveal our true selves, not just our abilities."
"Starting with Knowledge, Sustaining with Wisdom
As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, 'Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.' When you start getting ready for the UPSC-GPSC exams, you might not have a clear understanding of the difficulties ahead. Your objectives might also be a bit unclear.
Having a mentor at your side means you won't just start on the right path; you'll also tap into a treasure trove of knowledge that will accelerate your progress and shrink that steep learning curve. From your approach to your mindset, the UPSC GPSC journey is filled with obstacles and a few moments of joy. Your mentor plays a pivotal role in setting the stage right from the very beginning."
Mentors sometimes notice more of our mistakes than we do, but that's how we learn and become better.
Let's talk about George Lucas, the movie director, for a moment. He made a very important observation.
Mentors, like him, give you honest feedback and use their experience, especially when it comes to UPSC GPSC. They help you find the best path for you. A mentor also sets goals and keeps an eye on your progress from a distance to see how your efforts help you get better. Staying motivated is really important to keep UPSC aspirants on the right path.
Think of mentors as your GPS on the road to UPSC-GPSC success.
They're like the kind of love that sets strict rules, but it's all for your good.
Mentors are like those wise guides who set important boundaries we might not set for ourselves. Your mentor might give you some tough love at times. Why? Because they get the challenges you face on this journey, and they know that self-motivation and discipline can be tough. This tough love helps solidify your work habits, sharpen your focus, and prioritize your goals, taking you closer to success step by step.
Having a mentor isn't just about motivation. It also transforms the way you read, learn, answer questions in the Mains, tackle the Prelims, and present yourself during the Interview stage. It's a deep transformation guided by your mentor's expertise.
The Key to Success
Think of your mentor as the one steering you towards success. In this partnership, money is just a transaction. The true exchange of energy happens through the mentor's guidance and the mentee's effort. A mentor isn't driven solely by money; they do it for YOU.
They tailor their guidance not just to what works for everyone but specifically to what works best for you. A mentor helps you build on your strengths and works on improving your weaknesses. From managing your time to enhancing your answer writing, revising effectively, and reading newspapers with purpose, a mentor ensures your performance keeps improving at every stage.
Introducing Mentorship in the 'Guru-Shishya' Tradition for UPSC-GPSC in India
At BJSONS CAREER ACADEMY, we noticed something missing for UPSC-GPSC aspirants. So, we decided to fill that gap. This year, we're stepping up our game in personal mentorship to help you excel in UPSC-GPSC exams.
When we began, we were confident that students would appreciate our approach, and we believed it would become the most effective program in UPSC/IAS coaching. The results from the first batch were even better than we expected!
Yes, it's true!
We're changing the way teachers and students work together to give UPSC GPSC aspirants a focused learning experience with close guidance from a mentor.
While it might be hard to expect the same level of dedication and discipline in today's modern world, we're committed to creating an environment where the benefits of Guru-Shishya Parampara can be adapted for today's students.
"Foundation: A New Beginning for Beginners"
Going Beyond Ordinary Coaching...!
Eligibility Criteria
The Foundation program is designed for aspirants who are starting from scratch, with no prior knowledge of the syllabus, but who are committed and dedicated to clearing the exam on their first attempt.
The Foundation program is open to all candidates, subject to a screening test.
Students are chosen based on their performance in a screening test, which includes a basic aptitude assessment and an interview.
It's important to note that prior knowledge of the UPSC GPSC syllabus is not necessary. The screening test is used to ensure that only dedicated aspirants are selected and to create a high-quality peer group.
After you've finished filling out the Registration Form, which includes a brief screening test, expect to receive a call from us within the next 24 hours.
REGISTER NOW / SCREENING
ADVANCED FOR EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES
An Intensive Program with Rigorous Testing and Personalized Mentorship.
Eligibility Requirements
We have limited seats available, as one-on-one mentorship can only accommodate a select number of highly dedicated students. The selection process mirrors UPSC standards and includes the following:
1. Preliminary Test (50 Multiple Choice Questions - 100 marks): Covers current affairs from the past year, static GS topics, and objective CSAT questions.
2. Mains Test (150 marks): Involves writing an essay on current issues and analyzing ethics through case studies to evaluate candidates' approaches.
3. Personality Test: Conducted to assess candidates' dedication and their understanding of current issues.
We aim to select students who demonstrate unwavering commitment and dedication through this rigorous process.
REGISTER NOW
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Feel free to reach out to us by calling 8320059339 or emailing us at support@bjsonsacademy.com.
You can also visit our centers in person.
We wish you the best of luck in making the right decision!
Warm regards,
Team BJSONS