Can I Crack UPSC in the First Attempt?

Myths, Realities, and Success Stories

Table of Contents

Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Examination with the dream of becoming an IAS, IPS, IFS, or IRS officer. Among them, many harbor a single burning question: Can I crack UPSC in the first attempt? This question often arises from anxiety, the overwhelming syllabus, peer pressure, and the high stakes involved.

The short answer is: Yes, it is absolutely possible to crack the UPSC exam in the first attempt—but it requires clarity, strategy, and dedication. Let’s explore the myths, the realities, and inspiring first-attempt success stories to give you a well-rounded understanding.

The Myth of “Multiple Attempts Are a Must”

One of the most common misconceptions is that no one cracks UPSC in their first attempt, and it always takes at least two or three tries. This myth is fueled by:

The vast syllabus
The unpredictability of the exam
Peer narratives and coaching institute propaganda
Fear of failure

But the truth is far from this. Every year, the UPSC merit list includes multiple names of candidates who cleared the exam on their first try. In fact, some of the toppers you hear about were first-attempt candidates, and they didn’t come from extraordinary backgrounds or coaching hubs—they had smart plans, dedication, and self-belief.

Also read: Best IAS Coaching in India for Hindi Medium

Why First-Attempt Success is Challenging but Achievable

Let’s be honest—cracking UPSC on your first attempt is not easy, but it is far from impossible. Here’s why it is challenging:

The UPSC syllabus is enormous. From history to polity, current affairs to ethics—you’re expected to have a wide-ranging knowledge base.
Time management is crucial. Many aspirants struggle to balance Prelims, Mains, and interview preparation in one go.
Lack of guidance and reliable study resources can lead to directionless preparation.
Mental pressure of “first attempt = golden chance” can hamper confidence.

However, here’s why it’s very much possible:

You are fresh, motivated, and less exhausted by past failures.
You have a clean slate to build your preparation strategy.
You can utilize the power of the internet, online courses, and mentorship programs.
If you plan right, even 8-10 months of consistent preparation is enough.

First-Attempt Success Stories That Will Inspire You

Let’s take a look at some real-world examples to prove that cracking UPSC in the first attempt isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality for many:

1. Tina Dabi (AIR 1, UPSC 2015)

Tina Dabi is one of the most famous UPSC toppers in recent times. She topped the exam in her first attempt at the age of just 22. A graduate in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, she had a laser-focused strategy, efficient time management, and smart answer-writing skills. Her journey proves that a well-planned approach can lead to success right out of the gate.

2. Anmol Sher Singh Bedi (AIR 2, UPSC 2016)

Anmol, an engineering graduate, cracked the UPSC exam in his first attempt as well. He relied on self-study, planned revision, and a strong command over current affairs. His advice to aspirants was to focus on consistency and clear understanding over mugging facts.

3. Roman Saini (Cleared IAS at 22)

Roman Saini became an IAS officer in his first attempt and later went on to co-found Unacademy. His story is inspiring because he came from a medical background, studied smartly, and didn’t fall into the trap of unnecessary distractions.

These success stories aren’t rare. You can find many more examples of first-time UPSC qualifiers who weren’t born geniuses—they just used their time wisely and believed in their plan.

Breaking Down the Realities

Now that we’ve busted the myth and seen inspiring stories, let’s dig deeper into what it really takes to crack UPSC on your first go.

1. Understanding the Exam Structure

Many aspirants waste their first attempt just understanding how the exam works. To avoid that:

Understand the Prelims pattern: Objective MCQs with negative marking
Know the Mains structure: 9 descriptive papers including Essay and Ethics
Prepare for the Personality Test (Interview) from Day 1

If you start with full awareness of what each stage demands, you’ll save a lot of time.

2. Creating a Smart Study Plan

A vague plan leads to vague results. Successful first-attempt candidates always have a detailed, personalized, and flexible timetable.

Prioritize static subjects first: Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Environment
Allocate daily time slots for current affairs
Keep weekends for revision and practice tests
Solve previous years’ papers (at least 5-10 years)

3. Consistent Answer Writing Practice

Mains is all about structured and time-bound answers. You can’t ace this just by reading books.

Start answer writing after your basics are covered (within 2-3 months)
Practice daily or on alternate days
Use UPSC-style mock test platforms or join a test series

4. Reading the Right Resources

More books don’t mean better preparation. Stick to the standard sources:

NCERTs (6–12th for Geography, History, Polity, etc.)
Laxmikanth for Polity
Spectrum for Modern History
Economic Survey and Budget
The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs
Vision IAS or ForumIAS monthly compilations

5. Revision is the Key

Without proper revision, you risk forgetting everything you studied. Toppers revise at least 3-4 times before the exam.

Make short notes
Use flashcards, mind maps, or one-pagers
Revise every Sunday

Also Read : Best Online IAS Coaching in India

Common Mistakes to Avoid in First Attempt

Let’s also look at what not to do during your first UPSC preparation journey:

Starting late: Waiting for “perfect time” is a trap. Start now.
Not solving enough MCQs: For Prelims, practicing mock tests is essential.
Neglecting optional subject: Choose it wisely and start early.
Over-reliance on coaching: Coaching is helpful but not mandatory.
FOMO and resource overload: Stick to a few quality sources.
Ignoring answer writing: Mains is all about writing, not just knowledge.
Skipping current affairs: These are crucial for both Prelims and Mains.

Psychological Edge: Belief in Yourself

More than strategy or resources, the one thing that all first-attempt toppers have in common is self-confidence. They treat their first attempt as their only attempt.

If you prepare with the mindset of “I’ll give this everything I’ve got,” you’re more likely to stay consistent, push through setbacks, and avoid procrastination.

Coaching or No Coaching?

A common debate among aspirants is whether one can crack UPSC without coaching. The truth is:

Coaching is helpful for direction, discipline, and test series.
But self-study is equally powerful if done smartly and with access to good resources.
Many first-attempt toppers, like Gaurav Agarwal and Srushti Jayant Deshmukh, used coaching selectively—for interview guidance or test series only.

Use coaching if you lack a mentor or are new to the syllabus. Otherwise, focus on self-discipline.

What You Can Learn From First-Attempt Toppers

Let’s recap what successful first-time aspirants do differently:

They treat the first attempt as the final attempt.
They build strong conceptual clarity before jumping into mocks.
They start answer writing early and treat it as a daily ritual.
They prioritize revision over hoarding new content.
They stay mentally strong, even during tough phases.

Final Thoughts: Can YOU Crack UPSC in the First Attempt?

Yes, you absolutely can crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam in your first attempt—if you approach it with the right mindset, plan smartly, and execute consistently.

Your first attempt is not a trial run—it’s your best shot. You’re most motivated, free from burnout, and driven by curiosity. Use that energy to channel a focused, distraction-free preparation journey.

Remember, success in UPSC is not about being a genius. It’s about being disciplined, resilient, and strategically prepared.

If others have done it, so can you.

Start today. Stay consistent. And who knows—you might just be the next first-attempt success story the world reads about.