“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is not a test of knowledge alone — it’s an endurance test of stamina, discipline, and emotional toughness. More than 10 lakh aspirants strive to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers annually. But only a fraction less than 1% reach the final list.
For those who don’t find their name there, it tends to feel like a very personal loss. The burden of self-doubt, societal pressure, and years of dedication can be crushing. We understand your pain and we are here to
But let’s look at a vital truth we tend to lose sight of in the mad race:
- UPSC is one way to serve and succeed — it is not the only way.
- This entry is for those who are going through failure — not as a death certificate of dreams, but as a guide to find purpose, grit, and fulfilling success after one exam.
Coping with the Burden of UPSC Failure
UPSC exam failure lands hard because:
- It takes years of sustained preparation and sacrifices.
- Aspirants usually invest their identity and ego in the outcome.
- Social and emotional pressure becomes crushing.
- But here’s the question that really matters: Why did you fail?
- And more importantly — what’s next?
What To Do After Failing UPSC
- Emotional Healing:
Before you make any moves:
- Give yourself time to cry. It’s normal.
- Take a brief holiday — travel, get back to hobbies.
- Spend time with family and people who remind you of your worth in life outside of ranks.
- If you find some time, you can visit La Excellence office and meet our mentors. We are always open for you. We can guide you on what’s next.
- Reflective Assessment:
- Was it a strategy problem?
- Was it burnout?
- Was UPSC ever really in line with your fundamental desires?
Pro Tip: Keep a Post-Exam Journal. Record lessons, sentiments, and possible next steps.
Actual Vignettes: UPSC Failures Who Succeeded Elsewhere
Let’s get to know some inspiring people who didn’t clear UPSC (or left it behind) but constructed remarkable careers.
- Chetan Bhagat — Author & Motivational Speaker
Failed in UPSC. Now a bestselling writer and social observer.
Gaurav Munjal — Co-founder & CEO, Unacademy
Began a YouTube channel for UPSC tutorials. Now runs India’s largest EdTech platform.
R. Balki — Filmmaker & Ad Veteran
Studied for UPSC under pressure from family. Subsequently pursued his creative passion to direct critically acclaimed films.
Ajeet Bajaj — Adventure Entrepreneur
Failed to clear UPSC several times. Went on to ski to both poles and climb Everest.
Arvind Kejriwal — Chief Minister of Delhi
Cleared UPSC, became IRS officer, then quit to start a political movement.
Lesson:
- Redirection is failure. Your interests and abilities might be somewhere much larger.
Roadmap for UPSC Aspirants After Failure: What’s Next?
Your UPSC preparation was not a waste. It hardened you, made you analytical, empathetic, and motivated — skills transferable across industries.
Here’s a detailed roadmap of worthwhile career options:
- Public Policy Fellowships & Think Tanks
If governance and policy still interest you:
Best Fellowships:
- LAMP Fellowship (PRS India)
- CMGGA, Haryana
- Teach for India
- Swaniti Initiative
- India Fellow Social Leadership Program
Next Steps:
- Follow application periods.
- Craft a strong SOP based on your UPSC experience.
- Redo your CV highlighting research, writing, and leadership.
2.State Civil Services (PSC/Group-I/II Exams)
Administrative jobs in state governments are just as noble and effective.
Examples:
Sub-Collector, BDO, DySP, Municipal Commissioner.
Next Steps:
- Look for your State PSC notifications.
- Up your UPSC GS and optional prep as a foundation.
- Emphasize state-specific current affairs and try mock tests.
3.NGOs, CSR & International Development:
For social change enthusiasts at the grassroots level:
Top Organizations:
- Piramal Foundation
- Smile Foundation
- Selco Foundation
- Oxfam India
- UNDP, UNICEF India
- Azim Premji Foundation
Corporate CSR Roles:
Tata Trusts, Infosys Foundation, HCL Foundation, etc.
Next Steps:
- Update your CV with fieldwork, public policy acumen, problem-solving.
- Network through LinkedIn and conferences.
- Begin as a volunteer or associate.
4.Content Creation & EdTech Entrepreneurship
Share your UPSC knowledge with millions.
Opportunities:
- Create a YouTube channel, blog, or Instagram handle on UPSC preparation or public affairs.
- Work with EdTech startups and top coaching institutions as content creator, reviewer, mentor.
- Create your own test series or mentorship courses.
Next Steps:
- Choose a niche: prelims, GS mains, answer writing, optional strategies.
- Create content on a regular basis.
- Work with experienced faculty members.
5. Corporate Sector (General Management, CSR, Analytics):
Your leadership, analysis, and crisis management skills are highly sought after in MNCs.
Hiring Sectors:
- Public Policy firms (Uber, Ola, Swiggy)
- CSR verticals
- Risk Consulting
- Data Analysis
Next Steps:
- Create a professional CV highlighting transferable UPSC skills.
- Take short courses (Coursera, edX, IIM/ISB).
- Network proactively on LinkedIn.
- Target companies like PwC India, Deloitte, KPMG, Tata Trusts.
6.Politics & Activism:
If public service still burns within:
How to Start:
- Become youth leader, researcher, campaign strategist in a political party.
- Volunteer with advocacy NGOs (Janaagraha, ADR, RTI movements).
- Support election campaigns and social initiatives.
Bonus Path: Academia & Legal Studies
Options:
- Plan for NET-JRF and opt for a Ph.D. in Political Science, Public Administration, Economics.
- Enroll for a 3-year LLB course and become a legal practitioner in constitutional and administrative law.
How to Select the Best Path
Ask yourself:
- Why you undertook UPSC?
- Which profession suits best that basic motive?
- Are you prepared to accept a new beginning?
- Note down your top 3 priority options and study them thoroughly.
Last Thought: The Courage to Start Over
The UPSC experience shapes you in ways that very few things can — discipline, clarity, resilience, and compassion. Those are precious, and needed everywhere.
If you didn’t clear, keep in mind:
- You are not a failure.
- The exam scrutinized your knowledge, not your value.
- Life is bigger than a hierarchy of ranks.
As Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017) said wisely:
“Even if you don’t clear it, you’ll emerge wiser, sharper, and stronger.”
Whether you do emerge again to have another try or write a new script elsewhere — be proud of your journey.
The world needs changemakers in bureaucracy, classrooms, boardrooms, villages, courtrooms, and communities.
You can watch here a motivational speech by Dr.Rambabu sir on “how to deal with success and failure”:
For more such preparation strategies, you can read here: https://laex.in/category/preparation-strategy/
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