Archive · 25 Aug 2026
UPSC Aspirant Sells Years of Books for Rs 464
A young man spent several years studying for the UPSC civil services examination.
He tried four times to pass it.
He reached the Mains stage three times, but his latest attempt ended in the earlier Prelims stage.
He eventually decided to stop preparing for the exam.
He sold his books and notes to a scrap dealer for Rs 464.
The books reminded him of many years of hard work and personal sacrifices.
He felt sad that all those years were being weighed like ordinary paper.
He donated the money to a temple and said there would be no next attempt.
Other aspirants said they understood his pain and wished him well.
A 26-year-old UPSC aspirant sold years of books and study materials to a scrap dealer for Rs 464.
He made four attempts, appearing in Mains in 2023, 2024 and 2025 before failing to qualify for Mains in his latest attempt.
His preparation included NCERT books, Laxmikant, test papers, mock exams and handwritten notes.
He said he had sacrificed a high-paying job, a four-year relationship and years of personal effort during his preparation.
He donated the Rs 464 to a temple, saying he would not make another UPSC attempt; his post drew supportive responses online.
- Who
- A 26-year-old UPSC aspirant who had made four civil services examination attempts.
- What
- He sold his UPSC books and study materials for Rs 464 and announced that he was leaving the examination journey.
- When
- After his latest attempt, which followed Mains appearances in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
- Where
- He described the experience in a Reddit post; the books were sold to a scrap dealer and the money was donated at a temple.
- Why
- He decided to stop after years of preparation, sacrifices and repeated attempts, with the latest ending at the Prelims stage.
- Aspirant's age
- 26
- Number of attempts
- Four UPSC attempts
- Mains appearances
- Three consecutive appearances in 2023, 2024 and 2025
- Latest result
- He failed to qualify for Mains after the latest Prelims attempt
- Scrap-sale amount
- Rs 464
- Career sacrifice
- He declined a high-paying job in 2022 to pursue civil services
- Final action
- He donated the Rs 464 at a temple