Clearing the UPSC Civil Service Examination (CSE) and becoming an IAS, IPS, IFS, etc officer is a dream of countless individuals across the country.
The prestige, influence, and opportunity to serve society drive many aspirants to work on this challenging yet rewarding journey.
However, clearing UPSC CSE is tough and has lots of challenges. Most people who try for it end up feeling disappointed.
In this article, we have provided several common reasons that can lead to failure in this competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Also read: Why UPSC CSE is Considered the Toughest Exam in India?
Why do most IAS aspirants fail?
As the UPSC CSE is a competitive exam, a better word to use instead of failure is ‘non-selection’. As seats are limited, UPSC cannot select all. So lakhs of candidates will get automatically eliminated by UPSC.
Nevertheless, are we mentioning that there is no failure in UPSC? No.
In our opinion, a failure is the inability of a candidate to rise to his potential.
Let’s understand the reasons why most IAS aspirants fail in this journey.
Lack of Effective Strategy
Many aspirants fail due to a lack of a well-defined study plan. A strategic approach that encompasses a balanced study routine, efficient time management, and a clear understanding of the exam pattern is important to clear this exam.
Often, aspirants may focus excessively on certain subjects or overlook specific sections, leading to suboptimal preparation. So, it is advised to create a robust and effective strategy that covers all the aspects of this examination.
Lack of proper guidance
If an aspirant gets an expert mentorship or coaching, the chance of success will improve drastically.
However, most aspirants don’t invest properly in their education and career. Many aspirants do not seek expert guidance at the right time, resulting in poor management of their time, effort, and money.
Now, in the online age, aspirants can adopt expert classes by ClearIAS at affordable pricing.
Click here to learn more about ClearIAS UPSC Coaching.
Resource Management
Access to quality study material, guidance from experienced mentors, and the right coaching institutes play important roles in an aspirantโs journey.
Inadequate resources or the absence of proper guidance can significantly impact an aspirant’s preparation, leaving them ill-equipped for the challenges posed by the exam.
Candidates are advised to focus on reliable and quality study material. Do not rush for all the material you see in the market. Choose only the reliable one that updates their study material according to the pattern of questions asked in the examination.
Also Read: How to Develop a Reading Habit for UPSC CSE
Psychological Pressure and Stress
The intense competition and the uncertainty of the exam create immense pressure on aspirants, leading to stress and anxiety.
The fear of failure and the weight of expectations, both personal and societal, can take a toll on mental well-being, affecting their performance adversely.
It is important to give mental peace the same importance as physical health. It will help you keep motivated during your preparation journey.
Also Read: Handling Stress and Anxiety During UPSC CSE Preparation
Adaptability and Dynamic Nature of the Exam
The unpredictable nature of the UPSC CSE demands adaptability and a quick grasp of current affairs and contemporary issues.
Aspirants failing to keep pace with the latest developments or lacking the ability to analyze and synthesize information might find themselves at a disadvantage.
So, always be attentive during your preparation journey and make sure you not only read the material but also understand its implications.
Lack of Persistence and Determination
The journey to becoming an IAS officer requires a lot of persistence and determination. Many aspirants falter due to a lack of perseverance, giving up after facing initial setbacks or challenges.
If an aspirant is thinking of indulging in the UPSC CSE preparations, the first thing they need to understand is that this journey is not that easy and requires determination.
Inadequate Interview Preparation
The final stage of the selection process, the Personality Test or Interview, demands effective communication skills, a comprehensive understanding of current affairs, and a composed attitude.
Inadequate preparation for this stage often leads to failure despite excelling in the written exams. So, prepare for this exam while considering all the stages of the selection process.
Lack of Consistent Revision
Failing to revise regularly leads to a decline in retention. Often, candidates focus solely on learning new information without reinforcing previously studied topics, affecting their ability to recall during the exam.
It is important to learn new information but simultaneously it is also important to retain the old one, and in this situation, only revision can help you. So, put a special focus on regular revision.
Insufficient Preparation for Current Affairs
Neglecting current affairs, both national and international, can prove fatal. The UPSC exam heavily emphasizes contemporary issues, and candidates failing to stay updated face difficulties in the exam.
So, try to cover all the important national and international current affairs. It will give you an edge not only in the prelims examination but also in the mains and interview stages of the selection process.
Ineffective Answer Writing Skills
The UPSC CSE Mains examination requires comprehensive and articulate writing. Lack of practice in answer writing, poor structuring, and presentation skills result in losing valuable marks.
So, it is important to focus on a wholesome preparation and an avoidable part of this strategy is answer writing. Focus on answer writing regularly. It will improve your writing skills and help you manage the exam hall stress and time management.
Conclusion
While failure is an inherent part of any journey, especially as demanding as the UPSC CSE it’s important to perceive it as a learning experience. Analyzing the reasons behind failure can help aspirants redesign their strategies, address their shortcomings, and emerge stronger and better prepared for subsequent attempts.
Success in the IAS examination requires a holistic approach that demands comprehensive preparation, mental resilience, adaptability, and a persistent spirit. Embracing the challenges, learning from failures, and staying dedicated to the goal can transform these setbacks into stepping stones towards eventual success in the pursuit of the coveted title of an IAS officer.
Article Written By: Priti Raj
Leave a Reply