Didn’t Clear UPSC — But Found Something Greater: 2 Stories That Will Change How You See Success

Every year, over a million students attempt the formidable Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, aspiring to join elite services like the Indian Administrative Services or the Indian Police Services. Despite their dedication, only a fraction make the cut.

While we often celebrate the success stories, it’s equally important to spotlight those who, despite not clearing the exam, went on to succeed on their own terms. This National Civil Services Day, we celebrate the stories of two former UPSC aspirants who made it big in their lives without clearing the examination.

1. Kajal Srivastava, founder of Swadesi Sports Wear

On 24 October 2020, Kajal faced a profound personal crisis after failing the UPSC exam in her sixth and final attempt. She stood on her balcony, contemplating an unimaginable step — taking her own life.

“I was too tired to prove myself. I wanted peace instantly,” she recalls. Her sister’s timely intervention pulled her back from the brink, reminding her that failing UPSC didn’t mean failing in life.

Despite her best efforts, including high scores in mock tests, Kajal had faced repeated setbacks. “By then, everybody started telling my parents that I was wasting their time and money.”

The turning point came in 2017 when she discovered Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art. “Practising this art was healing the broken me. It was miraculous,” she says. 

Lo and behold, Kajal excelled at the discipline. She went on to launch the TAVASI movement, under which she conducts workshops to promote the art and has helped more than 2,000 people living with trauma find solace.

Alongside this, she ventured into entrepreneurship and founded Swadesi Sports Wear, a homegrown brand focused on natural activewear. This new path brought fulfilment and a renewed sense of purpose to Kajal’s life.

Reflecting on her journey, she says, “I am proud of myself and of the fact that I did not give up. I restarted my life, and today, I am glad that I didn’t clear the exam.”

2. Veda Gogineni, founder of Earthful

Veda was working at a lucrative position at Deutsche Bank in Mumbai, with the opportunity to move to London right in front of her. Still, in 2015, she made a life-changing decision — she resigned to pursue her UPSC dreams.

She moved from Hyderabad to Delhi and began preparing with all sincerity.

“I survived on savings in a cramped 10 ft room that I shared with a roommate. It cost me Rs 15,000 a month. The living conditions for aspirants are extremely poor in Delhi. I would spend most of my day at the library,” she recalls.

Despite four sincere attempts and having dedicated three and a half years to preparation, Veda could not clear the UPSC exams.

“Sometimes, I would miss the cutoff by a mere one mark. The whole exam takes one year. So, even if you fail at any point — in prelims, mains, or the interview, it means you have to restart. The exhaustive cycle of preparing, failing, and restarting drained me,” Veda adds.

Recognising the toll on her well-being and prompted by her mother’s advice, she decided to step back.

In 2019, Veda pivoted to entrepreneurship and co-founded ‘Earthful’, a plant-based supplements company, along with her sister, Sudha. The startup gained notable recognition on Shark Tank India, where it secured a Rs 75 lakh investment. This marked a significant milestone in her journey as a co-founder.

Reflecting on her UPSC experience, Veda sees no regrets. She emphasises viewing perceived failures as stepping stones rather than endpoints.

“It’s easier said than done. It takes time to come out of that phase of failures and to accept that it is not a failure. You can achieve your final goal in whichever way you want to, but you, as a person, should bounce back from that,” she advises.

Kajal and Veda didn’t crack the UPSC. But they cracked something far more valuable — the courage to rewrite their own stories. And that, in itself, is a success worth celebrating.

Edited by Khushi Arora

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