01/03/2026
Why Most UPSC Aspirants Fail | Brutal Truth for 2026
Welcome to Guru Mentor Podcast.
Watch full Podcast on our Youtube Channel
https://youtu.be/lb0x_pNwPZc?si=5o8lskPB0gSohWpm
In this power-packed episode, Advocate Sahban Ali, an experienced mentor for UPSC Civil Services aspirants, breaks down everything you need to know about the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).
If you are preparing for IAS, IPS, IFS, or planning to start your journey for 2026, this video is your complete blueprint.
What You Will Learn in This Podcast:
Discipline Over Motivation
Success in UPSC is not about temporary motivation. It is about daily discipline, consistency, and responsibility.
Stop Blaming, Start Owning
Winners take responsibility. Failures blame the system. Your mindset decides your result.
What is UPSC Actually?
UPSC is a constitutional body called the Union Public Service Commission.
The exam is known as the Civil Services Examination (CSE).
Eligibility Criteria:
• Graduation from any stream
• Final year students can apply
• No minimum percentage required
Age Limit:
General: 21 to 32 years
OBC: 21 to 35 years
SC/ST: 21 to 37 years
Number of Attempts:
• General – 6 Attempts
• OBC – 9 Attempts
• SC/ST – Unlimited (within age limit)
Prelims appearance counts as an attempt.
UPSC Exam Pattern Explained Clearly:
Prelims
• GS Paper 1 (Merit Based)
• GS Paper 2 (CSAT – Qualifying)
Around 5 to 7 lakh candidates appear. Only 10 to 12 thousand reach Mains.
Mains (1750 Marks)
• Essay
• GS 1
• GS 2
• GS 3
• GS 4
• Optional Paper 1
• Optional Paper 2
• 2 Qualifying Language Papers
This is a subjective exam. Writing skills decide your rank.
Interview (275 Marks)
Final Merit = 2025 Marks
Mains 1750 + Interview 275
Prelims marks are NOT added to final selection.
Myths Broken:
• No discrimination in UPSC interviews
• Merit is supreme
• You do not need genius IQ
• Strategy is more important than talent