The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year, which is one of the most competitive exams in India. Every year, over 10 to 13 lakh aspirants register for the UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam, yet data consistently reveal that around 50 to 60% of registered candidates fail to appear for the actual examination.
This phenomenon of high absenteeism raises a crucial question: Why do so many aspirants skip the UPSC Prelims after registering? In this article, we explore the key reasons behind this trend, its implications, and what it tells us about the nature of competitive exam preparation in India.
Also read - UPSC Exam: Should India reconsider multiple attempts amid low success rate?
According to the past year’s official UPSC CSE Data, lakhs of candidates register for the UPSC CSE Prelims each year. However, only half of the candidates actually appear on the exam day. This translates to a 50 to 60% absentee rate, a trend that has remained fairly consistent over the years.
While UPSC CSE Prelims absenteeism may seem like a negative trend, it also highlights the seriousness and intensity of this exam. Many register, but only a focused few take the plunge. If you're genuinely prepared, your real competition is much smaller than it appears. As the UPSC CSE continues to evolve, understanding aspirant behaviour and addressing these absenteeism trends will be essential for both policymakers and educators alike.
Year | Total No. of candidates who applied for the UPSC CSE Prelims | Total No. of candidates who appeared for the UPSC CSE Prelims | Absentees % |
2024 | 992599 | 583213 | 41.24% |
2023 | 1300000 | 550000 | 57.69% |
2022 | 1135697 | 573735 | 49.48% |
2021 | 1093948 | 508619 | 53.51% |
2020 | 1040060 | 482770 | 53.58% |
2019 | 1135261 | 568282 | 49.94% |
2018 | 1041775 | 493972 | 52.58% |
2017 | 947728 | 456625 | 51.82% |
2016 | 1128262 | 459659 | 59.26% |
2015 | 939735 | 463391 | 50.69% |
2014 | 947428 | 446623 | 52.86% |
2013 | 755103 | 318184 | 57.86% |
2012 | 550080 | 271442 | 50.65% |
2011 | 499120 | 243236 | 51.27% |
Also read - UPSC IAS application form 2026
Lack of Preparation: Many aspirants register aspirationally without having prepared adequately. As the exam date approaches, realisation of unpreparedness sets in, leading to voluntary withdrawal. Registration is easy. But facing the UPSC Prelims requires months of serious preparation.
Fear of Failure: UPSC is known for its unpredictability and toughness. The fear of wasting an attempt or scoring too low can psychologically deter candidates from appearing.
Multiple Exams & Priorities: Aspirants often appear for multiple government exams like SSC, banking, or state PSCs. If dates clash or priorities shift, many choose to skip UPSC Prelims.
Lack of Confidence in Attempt: Some candidates register simply to get a feel of the process or to experience the exam centre environment. However, they never intend to seriously attempt the paper.
Personal or Health Issues: Logistical challenges, travel problems, health concerns, or family emergencies can also contribute to absenteeism, though this accounts for a smaller share.
Also read - UPSC IAS Toppers list
Awareness Campaigns: Educating candidates on realistic expectations, the exam process, and the importance of smart preparation could reduce casual registrations.
Optional Registration Fee Refund: A partial refund for appearing candidates (already implemented in some exams) could incentivise actual participation.
Stronger Mentorship and Guidance: Improved counselling at the grassroots level, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, can prevent unrealistic aspirations and boost preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As per the reports of UPSC, every year, nearly 49 to 53 per cent of candidates are absent to appear for the preliminary examination.
As per several reports, candidates are skipping to appear in the preliminary exam because of not being well-prepared, personal & health issues and other.
Approximately 6 lakh candidates are appearing for the prelims every year.
On Question asked by student community
Hello, it’s wonderful to see such clarity at such a young age. Becoming an IAS officer requires consistent preparation, strong general knowledge, and excellent analytical skills. Right now, your main focus should be building a strong base in academics, especially in subjects like History, Geography, and Economics. Start reading NCERT textbooks from class 6 to 12 for these subjects. Make it a habit to read a good newspaper like The Hindu or Indian Express daily to improve your current affairs knowledge. Practice writing short essays on important topics it will help you in the Mains stage later. Participate in debates, quizzes, and discussions to improve your speaking and thinking skills. After 12th, choose a graduation subject that you enjoy but also overlaps with UPSC syllabus. Most importantly, stay consistent and avoid distractions. You have plenty of time to prepare, so start slowly and build steadily.
Wishing you success in your IAS dream, and thank you for sharing.
The choice of your graduation path – integrated BSc BEd (Zoology), BTech CS, or integrated BS-MS at IISER Thiruvananthapuram – to pursue the dream of becoming an IAS officer requires careful consideration.
A Bachelor of Arts degree, particularly in subjects like Political Science, History, or Economics, is often considered the most aligned with the CSE syllabus, covering crucial topics relevant to General Studies papers.
However, a science background, especially with a BTech CS degree, develops analytical and logical reasoning skills beneficial for the CSAT paper and could be advantageous for certain optional subjects like Mathematics or potentially Engineering disciplines.
Even if you choose a science or engineering stream, you can still select humanities-based optional subjects that overlap with the General Studies papers like Anthropology, Sociology, or Public Administration, which many engineers have successfully opted for.The integrated BSc BEd (Zoology) offers a strong foundation in science and a backup career in teaching, but the primary focus of the BEd component may not be directly relevant to the UPSC syllabus. The integrated BS-MS at IISER offers a strong research focus and academic excellence, potentially leading to diverse career paths in science, academia, industry, or even government agencies But still it is not connected with your ias dream.
Among all b.tech is best as many successful candidates from engineering backgrounds, have utilized their analytical skills and knowledge to crack the exam.
Hello
This is the typical schedule of the IAS Exam (UPSC CSE):
Notification Release:
February
Online Application Window:
February to early March
Prelims Exam:
May or June
Mains Exam:
September/October
As for 2025, the registration date is already gone, so you have to see for 2026 now. The registration will open most probably in February 2026 so stay tuned.
To know more about the IAS Exam: UPSC CSE
Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!
A candidate who has undergone heart surgery can be eligible for the IAS post if they are medically fit and can perform the required duties without any serious health problems The UPSC allows candidates to appear for the exam if they meet the general physical and mental fitness criteria After clearing the main examination and interview all selected candidates must undergo a detailed medical examination by a government medical board If the candidate has recovered well from heart surgery and there are no complications they can be declared fit for service However if the surgery has caused any permanent disability and if it is certified under the benchmark disability rules then the candidate may be eligible for reservation under the persons with disabilities category Final eligibility depends on the report given by the medical board during the selection process
If a person has undergone heart surgery for ASD which means Atrial Septal Defect and is now medically fit then they can apply for the IAS exam There is no restriction for such candidates if their physical and mental condition is stable and they can perform the duties required in civil services However selection to IAS also depends on passing the medical test conducted after clearing the main exam and interview If the person has any lasting disability due to the heart condition and it is certified by a government medical board then they may be considered under the benchmark disability category as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act In such cases the candidate may come under reservation for persons with disabilities in the specific category mentioned by the medical authority It is always advised to check the official UPSC notification and consult with a government hospital for proper disability certification before applying
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