UPSC Aspirants Securing Your Future: The Importance of a Back-up Plan

If you are reading this blog, you are most likely interested in a career in the Civil Services or public service. No doubt, this is a great choice. Being part of the civil service implies status and recognition, often indicating that you have successfully managed a highly competitive and rigorous selection process. This association can open doors and provide social advantages, such as influence and a network of elite connections.

But the reality is stark: Despite the dedication, the success rate in the UPSC exam is very low. Out of the vast pool of over 13.4 lakh aspirants, around 14,627 candidates qualified for the UPSC Prelims 2024. The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is the most popular among the exams conducted by the UPSC attracting an average of 12-15 lakh applicants every year. Out of these, only approximately 1000 are selected. These are alarming statistics.

So why is the UPSC exam such a tough nut to crack?

• • Intensified competition with the sheer number of candidates applying, makes it a case of survival of the fittest. Knowledge alone doesn’t imply success. It also involves an extremely systematic approach to preparation. And this is where the challenge lies.

  • The syllabus is vast, covering a wide range of subjects from history and geography to economics, politics, the environment, and current affairs. This breadth requires you to be well-versed in multiple disciplines and to engage in comprehensive preparation, dedicating significant time and effort to mastering each topic.

  • What adds another layer of complexity is the dynamic nature of current affairs which entails staying constantly updated on national and international events. It calls for consistent reading and analysis to keep pace with changes.

  • The three-tier structure of the examination consisting of the Prelims, Mains, and the Interview is rigorous and demands a distinct set of skills. The Prelims test general knowledge and awareness, while the Mains evaluate in-depth understanding and analytical abilities. The Interview assesses personality traits and decision-making skills.

  • The high standards of evaluation require you to articulate your thoughts clearly and critically, showcasing not only your knowledge but also your analytical abilities, both verbal and written.

  • Unpredictability is something you must be prepared for – ironic, isn’t it? You will be tested on your ability to apply knowledge rather than just recall facts, which means superficial knowledge will not get you far. A deep understanding of concepts and the ability to think critically under pressure is essential.

  • Finally, the emotional and psychological pressure that comes with such a long preparation period, often spanning several years, can be overwhelming. Stress and anxiety are bound to rear their ugly heads. Managing study schedules and finding that balance between learning new concepts, revising, and practicing by writing can pose time management challenges. Resilience becomes a vital trait for success.

And this makes the UPSC exam one of the toughest challenges for aspirants.

Would you need a Plan B?

Demanding and intense long hours of study, immense dedication, unwavering focus, and a proper road map for preparation— even if you tick all these boxes, sometimes the winds may not blow in your favour. Limited seats and stiff competition mean you will have to constantly level up your game. Success isn’t guaranteed at the first attempt, often resulting in a repeated cycle until you crack the exam.

The question is: Do you want to dedicate the prime years of your life to rigorous preparation, and how can you ensure that all your hard work doesn’t go in vain?

This question is crucial and requires careful consideration because:

• The preparation stage can take several years, often spanning three to five years or more. During this time, you might attempt the exam multiple times, delaying other career opportunities.

• Prolonged preparation without any parallel career planning can strain financial resources.

• The high-pressure environment and the possibility of not succeeding can take a toll on mental health. You need a psychological safety net.

If you don’t succeed despite repeated attempts, what should you do to ensure that you have not lost out on the most valuable years of your life?

Don’t place all your bets on one outcome

Abandoning the hope of cracking the UPSC is tough, but preparing for such an eventuality is necessary. Blind optimism can lead to overlooking risks, making it harder to handle setbacks. A well-thought-out Plan B (and even Plan C) can provide a resilient foundation for long-term success.

When you venture out into the job market, you will have to contend with a career gap and no work experience to show for the past several years. Many aspirants struggle with the repercussions of dedicating years solely to UPSC preparation without a backup plan. Today, career gaps are still viewed with a certain degree of scepticism. Having no work experience to show for the past few years is viewed unfavourably by employers unless you can demonstrate that you have been productive and focused during this time. A backup plan ensures that you have a parallel path that can fill this gap with relevant experiences and skills.

It’s crucial to have a solid, realistic timeline and strategy for implementing Plan B, especially at a certain age. You need to know why, when, and how to move on and choose an alternative path. Considering the volatility and the dynamic nature of the present-day job market, you will need to develop skills beyond the UPSC syllabus to enhance your employability and open up new avenues for personal and professional growth.

You stand a good chance

Due to your extensive preparation for the UPSC exam, you possess highly specialized subject knowledge and valuable skills, which also increases your prospects in other Government exams. The breadth of knowledge and understanding you possess is invaluable and can be applied in various fields. The key is to self-reflect on your personality and interests. By doing so, you can identify career paths that align with your purpose and this alignment will ensure long-term satisfaction and success.

If you are still hopeful and driven to crack the UPSC exam, devise a practical plan to move forward. Consider remote or hybrid jobs that are less stressful and help manage your financial needs while allowing you to continue your preparation.

Pursuing an online degree is another viable option. Choose a program that offers diverse career opportunities, providing you with a strong foundation even if you decide to choose an alternative career path beyond civil service. By mitigating fear and uncertainty, you can better channel your energy into UPSC preparation. Finding that delicate balance is the key.

Career Counselling with Elysian Inspires

Acknowledging potential challenges and having contingency plans ensure that you are prepared for any situation. A backup plan is not a sign of weakness; it showcases your foresight and resilience. With this mindset, you can take control of your career path with confidence and purpose.

At Elysian, we encounter many UPSC aspirants battling with the consequences of not having a backup plan and facing dejection after several failed attempts. We believe that preparing for the UPSC should include a realistic timeline and strategy for implementing Plan B. This approach ensures that all your hard work does not go in vain and that you have a fulfilling and successful career, regardless of the exam outcome.

Want to know more about the alternative career options available to you as a UPSC candidate? Do you want to have a deeper understanding of yourself, your capabilities, and what course of action is to be taken? Do you need help overcoming the stress and anxiety that come with the pressure to meet expectations?

Our experienced career counsellor at Elysian will help you explore diverse career paths, understand your strengths and interests, and develop a practical plan to achieve your goals while instilling in you the confidence to move forward. Help is just a phone call away. Contact us now!