Failed in UPSC exam but..
When UPSC Says “No”: The Beginning of Your Real Journey
So, you poured your heart into UPSC exam. You lived with books as your best friends, sacrificed
weekends, and dared to dream big. But the result? Not qualified. Maybe not once, but twice,
or even more. The world suddenly feels smaller, your future uncertain. If you’re reading this
with a heavy heart, let me tell you: your story is far from over. In fact, it might just be
getting interesting.
The UPSC Exam Isn’t the Destination-It’s Just a Turn in the Road
Let’s step back and look at some real lives-people who stood where you stand now, feeling
lost after UPSC, only to find themselves on paths they never imagined.
From Rejection Letters to Red Carpets: Amitabh Bachchan (failed in UPSC exam)
Did you know Amitabh Bachchan, the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, once dreamed of being a civil servant? He didn’t clear UPSC exam. He faced rejection after rejection, not just from the exam
but from All India Radio and film producers too. But he kept going. Today, he’s not just a superstar-he’s a symbol of resilience. His story shouts: sometimes, failure is just the universe nudging you toward your real destiny.
The President Who Didn’t Make the Cut: Ram Nath Kovind (failed in UPSC exam)
Imagine failing UPSC three times. Most would give up. Not Ram Nath Kovind. He became a lawyer, then a politician, and eventually, the President of India. His journey proves that the desire to serve the nation can take many forms-and sometimes, the most meaningful service happens outside the exam halls.
When Law and Leadership Beckon: Kapil Sibal (failed in UPSC exam)
Kapil Sibal, one of India’s most respected lawyers and politicians, also faced UPSC disappointment. But he didn’t let that stop him. He built a legendary legal career, served as a Union Minister, and shaped national policy. His life is proof that a single exam cannot define your potential.
The Voice of the Voiceless: Ravish Kumar (failed in UPSC exam)
Ravish Kumar, the journalist who holds power to account and speaks for the common man, also tried for UPSC. He didn’t clear it. Instead, he found his calling in journalism, winning the
Ramon Magsaysay Award and becoming a beacon of hope for millions.
From Aspirant to Architect of Policy: Arvind Subramanian (failed in UPSC exam)
Arvind Subramanian, former Chief Economic Adviser, took the UPSC exam three times and didn’t clear it. Yet, he became a globally respected economist, shaping India’s economic future from outside the bureaucracy.
Modern Heroes: Today’s Aspirants Who Refused to Give Up
Now, let’s talk about people from our generation-those who faced UPSC setbacks, but wrote
their own success stories.
The Mentor Who Never Gave Up: Kunal R Virulkar (failed in UPSC exam)
Kunal R Virulkar attempted UPSC 12 times, clearing multiple mains and interviews but never making the final list. Did he give up? No. He became a mentor and engineer, inspiring
thousands with his honesty and grit. He teaches us that perseverance is a success story in itself.
Turning Knowledge into Power: Amit Kilhor (failed in UPSC exam )
Amit Kilhor reached the UPSC interview stage twice but didn’t clear the exam. Instead, he became a star educator at Study IQ, guiding thousands of aspirants. His journey shows that the knowledge you gain never goes to waste-it can become a torch for others.
Banking on a New Dream: Priya Meena (failed in UPSC exam )
Priya Meena attempted UPSC five times. She didn’t make it, but she cracked the RBI Grade B
exam and is now a respected officer at the Reserve Bank of India. She proves that there are
many prestigious ways to serve the nation.
From UPSC to WWF: Priyamvada’s Green Revolution (failed in UPSC exam)
Priyamvada faced five unsuccessful UPSC attempts and battled depression. She didn’t let this
define her. She pursued further studies, then joined the World Wildlife Fund, working for
conservation in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Her story is a reminder that your passion can
lead you to make a real difference.
Comedy Born from Setback: Anubhav Singh Bassi (failed in UPSC exam)
Anubhav Singh Bassi, now a household name in stand-up comedy, didn’t clear UPSC. Instead, he transformed his failures into laughter, connecting with millions through his
relatable stories.
From Aspirant to Influencer: Avadh Ojha (Ojha Sir) (failed in UPSC exam )
Ojha Sir didn’t clear UPSC but became a beloved mentor and entrepreneur, inspiring lakhs of students through his academy and social media. He proves that teaching and mentorship can be just as impactful as administration.
Corporate Climber: Harsh (failed in UPSC exam )
Harsh gave four UPSC attempts, reached the interview stage three times, but didn’t clear.
Today, he’s a senior leader at Trident, showing that success in the private sector can be just
as fulfilling.
Sprouting New Opportunities: SAI Selects Nearly 20 UPSC (failed in UPSC exam)
Interviewed Candidates
Here’s a remarkable recent example: the Sports Authority of India (SAI) recognized the
potential of UPSC aspirants and recruited nearly 20 candidates who had reached the UPSC
interview stage for the post of Assistant Director. These candidates, who narrowly missed the
civil services, are now serving Indian sports administration at a high level-proving that your
UPSC journey can open doors you never imagined.
Grassroots to Politics: Usha Dasari (failed in UPSC exam )
Usha Dasari, an IIT Kharagpur graduate, prepared for UPSC but returned home to work at the
grassroots. Her dedication led her into politics, where she became a candidate for the
Bahujan Samaj Party and later joined BRS. Her story shows that UPSC preparation can be a
springboard for leadership.
The Real Lesson: Your Life Is Bigger Than Any Exam
If you’re feeling lost after UPSC, remember:
“You are not your result. You are your resilience.”
The discipline, knowledge, and courage you’ve built are your real assets. Your journey is
unique-and it’s far from over. Like Amitabh, Kovind, Ravish, Priyamvada, Priya Meena, Ojha
Sir, Kunal, and so many others, you have the power to rise, reinvent, and shine in ways you
never imagined.
“UPSC is for your life, but your life is not just for UPSC.”
So, take a deep breath. Stand tall. Your next chapter is waiting-and it might just be the most
exciting one yet.
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