A 28-year-old middle-class UPSC aspirant seeking guidance on whether to continue preparing or give up.
Bro, at 28 you’re not late, you’re just tired — and tired is normal in this journey. UPSC feels like a long, lonely tunnel, especially when you’re from a middle-class family where every year has weight. But before thinking of “giving up,” ask yourself one honest thing: Is the fire still there, or are you just exhausted?
If the fire is there, restructure your prep, fix your weak spots, and give yourself one disciplined, well-planned attempt. Many toppers cracked it at 28–30 because they made their preparation smarter, not longer.
If the fire isn’t there, it’s okay. Real courage is not stubbornness — it’s choosing a future that respects your mental peace and financial reality. There are lakhs of good careers outside UPSC, and your age still gives you flexibility.
Whatever you choose, choose with clarity, not fear. The world doesn’t end with one exam. You’ve still got time, and options.
Since I myself is a UPSC Aspirant,
My take on this is like, there is more to be done in this world, apart from struggling/fighting in a competitive exam and with loneliness. So, I would have moved on after let's say 3-4 attempts and started to settle with my Plan B. Also, since Plan B will take some time to get into place so I will move on but putting my journey with a beautiful end.
I know saying this is easy, and practically ending it is difficult, but yeah it's important for my future which is yet to come. Also, its important for me to handle other responsibilities that I have in my life apart from doing only this prep. like I do have to give my parents a more comfortable and safer life ahead, which will be only possible by moving on.
what a wonderful conversation, thank you so much for your honest answer it will help me a lot. it will help me to find my actual strength
As everyone else suggested, don't give up. Study smart, not long. I know you might be stressed after such a LONG journey with a heap of failures but no bro. Keep on.