20/04/2025
UPSC Success Rate Percentage:The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive exams in India, with a success rate of less than 1%. Here’s a breakdown based on available data:Application and Appearance: Every year, approximately 10-13 lakh candidates apply for the UPSC Prelims, but only about 50% (5-6 lakh) actually appear for the exam. For instance, in 2023, around 13 lakh candidates appeared for the Prelims, out of which 14,624 qualified for the Mains (a selection ratio of ~0.11%).Mains and Interview: From the Mains, only about 2,800-3,000 candidates are selected for the Personality Test (Interview), and ultimately, around 900-1,000 candidates are recommended for various services (e.g., IAS, IPS, IFS). In 2023, 1,016 candidates were finally selected, resulting in an overall success rate of approximately 0.078%.Stage-wise Success:Prelims: Around 25% of serious candidates (those well-prepared) clear the Prelims, but the overall pass percentage is ~1-2% of those who appear.Mains: About 15-20% of Mains candidates qualify for the Interview.Interview: Roughly 50% of candidates who reach the Interview stage are selected for the final merit list.This low success rate is due to the exam’s rigorous three-stage process (Prelims, Mains, and Interview), vast syllabus, and intense competition for a limited number of vacancies (e.g., 1,255 vacancies in 2023).Fate of Unsuccessful Candidates:While the UPSC exam is a dream for many, the majority of candidates do not clear it. However, failure in UPSC does not mean the end of opportunities. Here’s what happens to unsuccessful candidates:Multiple Attempts:Candidates can attempt the UPSC CSE multiple times until they exhaust their attempts (6 for General category, 9 for OBC, unlimited for SC/ST, with age limits). Data shows that 90% of successful candidates clear the exam after more than one attempt, with the highest success probability around the 3rd or 4th attempt.Many unsuccessful candidates continue preparing, learning from past mistakes, and improving their strategy. Stories like Kunal R. Virulkar, who attempted the exam 12 times without success, highlight the resilience of aspirants.Alternative Career Paths:State PCS Exams: Many candidates shift to State Public Service Commission exams (e.g., UPPSC, BPSC), which are similar to UPSC but less competitive and offer roles like Deputy Collector or DSP.Other Government Jobs: Unsuccessful candidates often appear for exams like SSC CGL, IBPS PO, RBI Grade B, or CAPF, which provide stable government jobs.Private Sector: Some leverage their UPSC preparation (which enhances general knowledge, analytical skills, and personality) to secure jobs in corporate sectors, think tanks, NGOs, or journalism. For example, a Twitter user remarked that if Sundar Pichai had cleared UPSC, he might be a collector, implying broader opportunities outside UPSC.Teaching and Coaching: Many candidates become UPSC mentors, content creators, or faculty at coaching institutes, using their experience to guide others. Kunal R. Virulkar, despite failing, became a UPSC mentor.Entrepreneurship: Some start their own ventures, leveraging the discipline and knowledge gained during preparation.Personal Growth:UPSC preparation is a transformative journey. Even unsuccessful candidates gain skills like time management, critical thinking, and perseverance, which are valuable in any career. IPS officer Bhisham Singh noted, “Hard work never goes to waste,” emphasizing that the preparation process itself is rewarding.The process often makes candidates more informed citizens, with a deep understanding of governance, polity, and society.Challenges Faced:Emotional and Financial Strain: Repeated failures can lead to stress, self-doubt, or financial burdens, especially for those who invest years and money in coaching. Social media posts reflect the emotional toll, with one user calling UPSC a “love circle” of repeated failures.Opportunity Cost: Spending years on UPSC can delay other career opportunities, as noted by a Twitter user who said the 20s are productive years, and revising the UPSC syllabus yearly has an “infinite” opportunity cost.Social Pressure: Aspirants often face societal or familial expectations, which can add to the pressure of failure.Moving On:Many candidates eventually pivot to other fields after exhausting attempts or realizing UPSC isn’t their path. Social media platforms like Twitter show support for such aspirants, reminding them that “failure is not the end” and citing examples like Uma Harathi, who cleared UPSC after four failures.Some pursue higher studies (e.g., MBA, LLB) to enhance their career prospects.Conclusion: The UPSC success rate is extremely low (~0.078-0.2%), reflecting the exam’s difficulty and competition. However, unsuccessful candidates have numerous options, from reattempting the exam to exploring alternative careers in government, private sectors, or entrepreneurship. The preparation itself equips them with valuable skills, and stories of resilience, like those of toppers who succeeded after multiple failures, inspire others to keep pushing forward. As one Twitter user aptly said, “Struggle is another name for life.”If you’d like specific advice for UPSC preparation or career options after failure, let me know!
