In this Open Letter blog we are going to get info on various UPSC and Civil Services related scams and figure out that is there any need of UPSC & Civil Services in India.
You are also going to get info of students committing suicides after UPSC and UPSC alternatives.
Here are some of the Civil Services and UPSC scams List in India :
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier agency responsible for conducting examinations for recruitment into various civil services. Over the years, while the UPSC itself has maintained a reputation for integrity, several issues have emerged in the broader context of competitive examinations and related coaching industries in India.
Allegations of Discrepancies in UPSC Selections
In 2020, the UPSC Civil Services Examination results sparked controversy when the commission recommended 829 candidates for appointment against 927 reported vacancies, leading to allegations of a “UPSC Scam.” However, this discrepancy was attributed to the standard practice of maintaining a reserve list to fill vacancies that may arise due to candidates not joining or other unforeseen circumstances. This reserve list system is a routine procedure and does not indicate any malpractice.
Misleading Claims by Coaching Institutes
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken action against several IAS coaching institutes for publishing misleading advertisements. Investigations revealed that some institutes inflated their success rates by claiming association with candidates who had only participated in mock interviews, rather than completing full courses. In response, the CCPA issued notices to 17 major institutes and imposed fines on three others for such deceptive practices.
Exam Paper Leaks and Cheating Scandals
India has faced significant challenges with exam paper leaks and organized cheating in various state-level examinations. Notably, the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh involved large-scale rigging of entrance exams for medical colleges and recruitment tests for government jobs. The scam included practices such as impersonation, bribery, and manipulation of exam processes, leading to numerous arrests and several reported deaths.
These incidents underscore the importance of robust oversight and transparent processes in India’s examination and recruitment systems. While the UPSC has largely upheld its integrity, the broader ecosystem, including coaching institutes and state-level examinations, requires continuous monitoring to prevent and address fraudulent activities.
Stats showing Students suicides due to UPSC :
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations are among the most challenging and competitive in India, leading to significant stress among aspirants. However, specific statistics detailing the number of student suicides directly attributed to UPSC exam pressures are not readily available.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 13,000 students died by suicide in 2021, averaging more than 35 daily. This represents a 4.5% increase from the 12,526 student suicides reported in 2020. Of these, 864 cases were linked to “failure in examination.”
While these figures encompass all academic examinations, they highlight the intense pressure faced by students across various competitive fields, including those preparing for the UPSC exams.
It’s essential to recognize the broader issue of academic-related stress and its impact on mental health. Addressing this concern requires a multifaceted approach, including mental health support, counseling services, and systemic changes to reduce undue academic pressure.
Misuse of UPSC & Government Posts is too Much :
Corruption within government positions in India, including those secured through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), remains a significant concern. While specific statistics detailing the misuse of UPSC posts are limited, broader data highlights the prevalence of corruption in the public sector:
- Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023: Transparency International ranked India 93rd out of 180 countries, with a score of 39 out of 100, indicating a perception of widespread corruption. newindianexpress.com
- Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Report 2023: The CVC received 74,203 corruption complaints against various government officials and employees, disposing of 66,373 and leaving 7,830 pending. visionias.in
These figures underscore the challenges India faces in combating corruption within its government institutions. Efforts to address these issues include strengthening anti-corruption laws, enhancing transparency, and promoting accountability among public servants.
Message to Aspirants For UPSC and Civil Services :
My message to UPSC and Civil Services aspirants is that there are many alternatives already to UPSC.
The real thing is that when you are going for UPSC or Civil Services, what do you really want to achieve.
There are many people going for Civil Services to gain power and positions which is going to make the system lesser transparent. The motive after going for Civil Services exams should be service to the people and the nation.
There are already many alternatives like IIM, IIT or becoming a good employee in a small tiny happy company also can make you happy in your life. There is no need to take UPSC and Civil Services Exams seriously and die for it. 🙂
The real thing is that the corruption and misuse of Positions is too much that UPSC and Government Posts are misused even by those people who are not directly related to the Government.
Whenever you are going for the Government Competitive Exams you need to be very assure in your mind that you want to protect the nation and the people of nation with that position. You want to serve the people rather than ruling them.
Don’t fall for Coaching scams and other things which are costing you so much amount of money. Look for other things which are going to make you money even when you are unemployed. For Example : Look for Farming Business and other things which are going to make you money.
The real thing is that don’t lose your heart only for one thing or Civil Services. There are many things in life which are going to give you happiness and you should not be disheartened.
Look into the Internet and here you get most of the things to learn for free. For example here at W3schools you can learn coding for free.
So, there are many things you can do in your life even when you are not successful with Civil Services. You can do whatever you like, you can do start ups with your friends, Prepare for IIM or Foreign studies or even a small happy Job at the McDonald’s can bring joy in your life.
The thing is that UPSC and Civil Services also needs new generation which is lesser corrupt and which is free from Caste and Religions based politics.
Try for your Civil Services exams with more joy and Lesser pressure and always be calculative of your steps. Keep plans in your mind that what do you want to do in your life next.
Keeping and planning and looking for alternatives in your life will make your life more happy and satisfying. Do not fall for anyone direction or Aim and look for more Aims which makes the life more interesting and satisfying.
Here are More Career Options which are Better than UPSC & Civil Services :
UPSC is a prestigious career path, but there are many other great options that offer better work-life balance, higher salaries, or faster career growth. Here are some alternatives:
Government & Public Sector
- RBI Grade B Officer – High salary, work-life balance, and excellent perks.
- State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams – Similar to UPSC but for state-level administrative roles.
- SEBI/NABARD/IRDA Exams – Regulatory body jobs with high pay and stability.
- PSU Jobs (NTPC, ONGC, BHEL, etc.) – High-paying jobs without the extreme pressure of UPSC.
Corporate & Finance
- Investment Banking – Extremely high salaries in firms like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan.
- Management Consulting – McKinsey, BCG, Bain offer great pay and career growth.
- Chartered Accountant (CA) – Respected, stable, and well-paying profession.
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – Highly valuable in the finance industry.
- Stock Market Trading & Analysis – Requires skill but offers unlimited income potential.
Technology & IT
- Software Engineering (FAANG companies) – Google, Amazon, Meta offer ₹1+ crore salaries for top engineers.
- Cybersecurity Expert – High demand globally with lucrative salaries.
- Data Science & AI/ML – Growing field with ₹20-50 LPA potential.
- Blockchain Developer – High demand with salaries over ₹30 LPA.
Entrepreneurship & Startups
- Building a Startup – Potential for financial freedom & impact.
- Freelancing (Tech, Design, Writing, etc.) – No boss, unlimited income.
- E-commerce (Amazon, Shopify, etc.) – Passive income & scalable business.
Other High-Paying Careers
- Commercial Pilot – ₹1-2 crore salaries in international airlines.
- Doctor (MBBS + PG) – Long-term stability and prestige.
- Law (Corporate Lawyer, Judiciary Services) – ₹50L-₹1Cr in top law firms.
- International Relations (UN, IMF, World Bank Jobs) – Prestige and global exposure.
Concluding The Article :
The world is changing, and so are the opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Civil services are a noble path, but they are not the only way to contribute to society or find fulfillment. If you aspire to join the government, let your purpose be public service, not just the title. And if success in this path doesn’t come, remember—life is vast, beautiful, and filled with endless possibilities. There are countless ways to create value, find happiness, and leave a lasting impact. Your worth is not defined by an exam but by the passion and purpose you bring to whatever you choose to do.
Don’t get disheartened for civil services because world is changing and there are many alternatives that will make you happy as mentioned earlier, world is changing and the thing is that you should be joining government for public service purpose and at the same time don’t feel bad if you don’t see success because is life is beautiful even without UPSC and Civil Services success.