The first episode of the new TVF web series Aspirants begins with a man dressed in formals explaining the right way to dispose of a Bisleri water bottle to a group of people at a bus stand. We know he is a government official as he leaves in an Uttar Pradesh government vehicle with heavy protection.

In the next scene, we are taken to a classroom setting. The teacher tells the students that to make a difference for the country, either you have to work on the lowest level as a farmer, labourer, or a revolutionist, or at the top level as an IAS, IRS or IPS officer. The students are IAS aspirants. He asks everyone to ponder what is unique in them that they should end up being in IAS. After a bunch of responses, the teacher states that the person who has maximum patience, perseverance and dedication will end up becoming an IAS officer. He compares the journey of an aspirant to the speed of a tortoise. He mentions that in this marathon the rabbit will not win but the tortoise will. 

The teacher recalls that in the city of Rajinder Nagar, where they currently are, there are multiple stories of hopes and disappointments. Some stories began and ended quickly, but some ended up creating history. He warns the students that UPSC preparation is not only physically draining but also takes a toll on your mind. He mentions how quickly six years of someone’s life passes by while chasing that one seat. He tells the students that 99.9% of them won’t be able to make it through. Only one might have a chance. In saying so, he is aware that these are demoralizing words, but he highlights the importance of pressure while preparing for the UPSC exam. It is one of the toughest exams in order to make the students worthy aspirants, who inculcate the habit of living with pressure in their lifestyle. Becoming an IAS is a job of great responsibility. It gives the power to handle the world’s biggest and the most complex democracy. Therefore, only the wisest will get selected.

In the next scene, we see two students sitting near a tea stall and talking about SK Sir, their professor at the preparation institute. He is popularly known as ‘Neeli Batti’ amongst the students because he has a blue light on his bike. On another bench near them, an older man is sitting. He overhears their conversation and smiles. He is watching the video of this officer explaining the right way to dispose of a Bisleri bottle. He is joined by SK. SK and this man, Guri are friends from college and used to reside in Rajender Nagar when they were preparing for the exam. They are meeting after a long time.

SK tells him about the institute his uncle has started for underprivileged students. He teaches there three hours a day and is enjoying it. Guri talks about his shoe business and the new NGO he has started. He wonders if all IAS officers take bribes. SK is curious about this abrupt change in subject and asks Guri if their friend Abhilash does that. Guri is annoyed and doesn’t want to talk about Abhilash. We realize that Abhilash is that officer in the video. Abhilash has not stayed in contact with the two of them for six years which has left Guri highly disappointed with him.

In a flashback from 2012, we see SK discussing Abhilash’s optional subject with him. He wants to change it to History. SK is apprehensive and doesn’t approve of this. History is not a scoring subject and the competition is immense. SK suggests that Abhilash go for Hindi literature instead because it is a high scoring subject and not as popular with other students. Abhilash has failed in his previous attempts because of his wrong choice of the optional subject. He is very keen on the switch because he doesn’t want to repeat the same mistake again.

Abhilash goes around the place and asks multiple UPSC aspirants for their take. Everyone has varied opinions. Some mock him for changing the subject last minute. Others suggest going for the subject with easily available notes. Abhilash is extremely confused.  

Abhilash enters his newly rented room. The loud noise of TV news can be heard. He goes downstairs to ask the landlord to play television at low sound. The landlord refuses to lower the volume instead asks Abhilash to join him.

Presently, SK and Guri are chilling at a restaurant. Guri tells SK the real reason for coming to Delhi is that he is getting married. SK congratulates him and declares that the whole UPSC gang will come. He mentions Abhilash but Guri does not want to invite his old friend for his wedding. 

Back in the flashback, Abhilash and Guri speak on the phone and plan to meet in the evening. The door of the room next to Abhilash’s is open. He enters and introduces himself to Sandeep Bhaiya, who is trying to fix his radio. Abhilash is awestruck by the way Sandeep bhaiya’s room has been arranged. The walls are covered with notes end to end. Abhilash asks Sandeep why he avoids looking up news on the phone. Sandeep responds by saying that the phone offers less news and more distraction. Abhilash feels that Sandeep is smart and will definitely crack the exam, as he had already heard about. He asks if Sandeep will guide him as well. Sandeep turns him down and suggests that he take guidance from his coaching institute. However, Abhilash hasn’t joined any institute yet. 

While chilling with SK and Guri, Abhilash is still very confused about his optional subject. He is not able to make up his mind. He goes up to the terrace. Sandeep Bhaiya is also there. He asks Abhilash if everything is alright. Abhilash tells him that everyone now, including his friends, are questioning his capability of becoming an IAS officer. His indecisiveness with respect to the optional subject is disturbing him. Then the two have a thoughtful conversation about the reason behind Abhilash choosing to become an IAS officer. Sandeep tells him that the training to become an officer begins with the preparation itself, and then continues in LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration).

Abhilash asks Sandeep if his radio is fixed. Then we see Abhilash fixing the radio in Sandeep’s room. Abhilash mentions that he is an electrical engineer, therefore is able to do these things. He hesitantly asks Sandeep about his optional subject. Sandeep learns that it’s Abhilash’s last attempt. Abhilash tells him about his past attempts and the reason behind his failure in them. Therefore he is clear he wants to change his optional subject. He wants to go with History but varied opinions have left him extremely confused. 

Sandeep bhiaya uses an analogy of a girlfriend. He says that a subject is like your girlfriend. If you like your girlfriend passionately, you will spend more time with her and the relationship will flourish. In the same way, if you put your hardwork and dedication towards the subject you have chosen, you will excel in that. He advises Abhilash to have confidence in himself, and who knows, he might turn out to be one of the geniuses who have taken the risk of changing their subject in their last attempt. Abhilash is sure now. He will choose History.

Back in the present day, SK forms a Whatsapp group for Guri’s marriage. He adds Abhilash as well. Guri is annoyed by this. SK asks Guri to take the first step towards reconciliation with Abhilash. Guri is not interested. He claims that Abhilash won’t even reply on the group. SK opens the chat and sees Abhilash typing. He gets excited. He says he always knew Abhilash is not a bad person, despite what happened between them. I wonder what did happen. However, Abhilash leaves the group instead. 
 

Episode Rating: 4/5

Episode 2 Recap: Teacher Sahi Hona Chahiye