Life After UPSC Failure: Online Degrees That Can Help You Rebuild

img

Isha

13 June, 2025

Life After UPSC Failure: Online Degrees That Can Help You Rebuild

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” — Confucius.

There is a life beyond UPSC, waiting for you. Every year, lakhs of students take the exam, but only a few pass it. UPSC CSE is one of the toughest exams in our country, with an approximately 0.2 per cent selection rate. However, failure at the UPSC is not your defining moment; it can be the beginning of upskilling. Today, there are a variety of online degree opportunities that you can avail. Online programmes are flexible, accessible, convenient, and affordable.

Take your UPSC preparations as a learning experience and keep moving. After UPSC, some of the top choices are an online MBA, MA, MCom, and MCA. Get a cutting-edge curriculum, high-paying income skills, and a sense of accomplishment. In this blog, we discuss the top online degrees that can help you rebuild. Don’t fear failure; rather, fear not trying.

You may also like: 

List of Top Online Degrees After UPSC Rejection

Are you also wondering what’s next? Your UPSC preparation helps you build skills that might prepare you well for the job market. These transferable skills, combined with your online degree, shall open a gateway to diverse opportunities. Here is a list of the most sought-after online degrees that you can explore:

Online CoursesFee Range (in INR)
Online Master of Business AdministrationINR 1,20,000 – INR 2,50,000
Online Master of ArtsINR 40,000 – INR 2,00,000
Online Master of CommerceINR 45,500 – INR 1,50,000
Online Master of Computer ApplicationsINR 1,00,000 – INR 3,00,000
Online Master of ScienceINR 25,000 – INR 1,00,000

Online MBA

An online MBA is a 2-year programme. It is a specially designed online course for freshers and professionals seeking a career in the business and management field. It helps you fast-track your career to managerial and leadership roles. Moreover, the course equips you with advanced knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Along with quality education, an online MBA offers you personalised learning, flexibility, affordability, and global networking.

Besides that, you can choose a specialisation according to your interests and career goals. Some of the in-demand specialisations are marketing management, finance management, HRM, operations, business analytics, and more. The curriculum includes a mix of core and specialisation subjects.

Online MBA Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the course, you must look at the eligibility criteria. It could help you make an informed decision. Please note that the eligibility criteria may differ depending on the institute. Take a look at the general criteria:


  • Must have a bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognised university.

  • Typically, online MBAs do not require entrance exam scores, however, some may require them. Some of the entrance exams include CAT, XAT, MAT, and CMAT.

  • Some Online MBAs might also require 2+ years of work experience.

Career Scope After Online MBA

An MBA is the most versatile degree. Upon its completion, you can unlock a variety of career opportunities. Please note that the salary is subject to your organisation, experience, location, and expertise. Kickstart your career with the top opportunities mentioned below:

Job OpportunitiesPay Scale (in INR)
Business AnalystINR 6.0 LPA – INR 12.8 LPA
Marketing ManagerINR 7.0 LPA – INR 20.0 LPA
Talent Acquisition ExpertINR 4.0 LPA – INR 8.0 LPA
Human Resource ManagerINR 5.0 LPA – INR 12.0 LPA

*Source: Glassdoor

Top Online MBA Colleges in India

Direct links for detailed information on the best online MBA colleges in India are as follows: 

Amity Online MBA NMIMS Online MBA
LPU Online MBA SRM Online MBA
BITS Pilani Online MBA Symbiosis Online MBA

Online MA

An online Master of Arts is a 2-year master’s degree in humanities and social sciences. Gain in-depth knowledge and specialised skills in your choice of field. An online MA is similar to a regular MA with added benefits like flexibility, accessibility, affordability, and more. You can align your existing UPSC knowledge with your interests and future aspirations.

Top online MA specialisations include sociology, psychology, history, economics, public policy and administration. Gain interdisciplinary skills with a mix of core and specialised skills. This would enhance your earning potential, job opportunities, and overall personality. On top of that, expand your network and develop meaningful relationships with a diverse community.

Online MA Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria vary depending on the institute and specialisation. It is crucial to check the criteria beforehand. This would clarify whether you are qualifying for the course or not. Here are the general eligibility criteria that are followed for the MA online programme:


  • A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from any UGC-recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks.

  • Some MA courses might have specific requirements depending on the specialisations.

Career Scope After Online MA

With an online MA, you can pursue a job across industries. Upon its completion, you can unlock a range of career opportunities. Please note that the salary is subject to your organisation, experience, location, and expertise. Here is a list of job opportunities with their pay scale mentioned below:

Job OpportunitiesPay Scale (in INR)
Content WriterINR 2.4 LPA – INR 4.2 LPA
ProfessorINR 7.2 LPA – INR 24.0 LPA
School CounsellorINR 2.6 LPA – INR 4.2 LPA
Policy AnalystINR 4.0 LPA – INR 10.0 LPA

*Source: Glassdoor

Also read: The Complete Guide to Pursuing Online MA Degree.

Online MA Colleges in India

Many renowned institutes are included in the list of online MA colleges in India. Check college-wise information in the table below.

Chandigarh University Online MA Jain Online MA
Amity Online MA Manipal Online MA
LPU Online MA Bharathiar Online MA

Online MCom

A Master of Commerce or MCom is an advanced degree in finance and commerce. It is a 2-year master’s programme. This online programme opens up opportunities for high-income job roles. It would equip you with skills and knowledge in demand by recruiters, preparing you for the current job market. Enjoy vast career prospects after completion of the degree.

Did you know that choosing the right specialisation plays a key role in your future success? For better career planning, you must select a specialisation as per your interests, industry trends, and goals. Accounting and finance, international finance, economics, and banking insurance are in-demand online MCom specialisations. This two-year programme is a culmination of basic and advanced-level subjects.

Online MCom Eligibility Criteria

If you are planning to pursue an online MCom degree, you must make sure that you meet the criteria. The eligibility criteria may depend on the college and the specialisation. However, we have created general eligibility criteria for the MCom course online.


  • Must have completed 10+2+3 from a recognised university.

  • You must have scored a minimum of 50% marks in the UG in the general category; it may differ for reserved categories.

  • There may be a requirement for specific subjects in a bachelor’s degree or 10+2. Make sure to check with the institute prior to a hassle-free enrollment.

Career Scope After Online MCom

Enter the financial world with an online MCom. Upon its completion, you can unlock a range of career opportunities in banking and financial services. Please note that the salary is subject to your organisation, experience, location, and expertise. Take a look at the list of available job opportunities with their pay scale mentioned below:

Job OpportunitiesPay Scale (in INR)
AccountantINR 2.8 LPA – INR 3.6 LPA
Credit ManagerINR 6.0 LPA – INR 10.5 LPA
Investment BankerINR 5.0 LPA – INR 18.5 LPA
Financial AnalystINR 4.0 LPA – INR 9.0 LPA

*Source: Glassdoor

Online MCom Colleges in India

Amity Online MCom LPU Online MCom
Bharathiar Online MCom Amrita Online MCom

Online MCA

Are you a tech wizard? This Master of Computer Applications is a 2-year master’s online degree. Gain in-demand skills and knowledge of computer applications and technology. Moreover, it would equip you with tools and techniques essential for career growth in the field. A mix of your skills and a master’s qualification shall help you initiate a career in the field.

The curriculum covers software development, system design, database administration, programming, and information technology. The top in-demand online MCA specialisations include artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, blockchain technology, and more. With the right specialisation, you can become an expert and build a niche.

Online MCA Eligibility Criteria

Do not forget to check the eligibility criteria before finalising your decision. The criteria may vary with every college/university, so make sure to check the information on the college website. Here are the sample eligibility criteria for MCA online:


  • A bachelor’s degree in computer applications, computer sciences, or any other relevant stream.

  • Typically, there is no entrance exam requirement for this online degree.

  • Work experience is not mandatory, but some institutes may give you prefer it.

Career Scope After Online MCA

The Indian IT industry is booming, creating a diverse range of job opportunities for skilled professionals. Due to the existing skills in the IT industry, employers are looking for IT professionals. Here are the job roles you can expect after completing your online MCA:

Job OpportunitiesPay Scale (in INR)
Software DeveloperINR 4.0 LPA – INR 12.0 LPA
Database AdministratorINR 5.0 LPA – INR 12.0 LPA
System AnalystINR 6.0 LPA – INR 15.0 LPA
Cloud ArchitectINR 10.0 LPA – INR 30.0 LPA

*Source: Glassdoor

Online MCA Colleges in India

Chandigarh University Online MCA Manipal Online MCA
LPU Online MCA Jain Online MCA
Bharati Vidyapeeth Online MCA Uttaranchal University Online MCA

Online MSc

An online Master of Science or MSc is another two-year master’s programme. The programme would equip you with industry-relevant knowledge, skills, and tools. This programme offers flexible learning opportunities for professionals and freshers. Upskill in any particular field of science from the comfort of your home at your convenience.

The curriculum includes chemistry, physics, technology, economics, biology, and mathematics. Furthermore, this degree can be your gateway into a diverse range of industries like finance, retail, IT, e-commerce, and more. You can align your future with your degree by choosing the right specialisation. The different specialisations available today are mathematics, economics, physics, psychology, finance, AI & ML, and more.

Online MSc Eligibility Criteria

Before you start this flexible yet rigorous journey, it is suggested that you check the eligibility criteria. This would help you understand whether you meet the minimum requirements for the MSc online course. Each college has its own eligibility criteria, please check before applying. Here are the sample eligibility criteria:


  • You should have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent from a UGC-recognised institute.

  • Some universities also require specific subjects in a bachelor’s degree.

Career Scope After Online MSc

After your master’s degree, you can get a variety of career opportunities. Your expertise in the field would open job roles across industries. From a research assistant to a financial analyst, you can join any role of your choice. Let’s take a look at the top job role with its pay range:

Job OpportunitiesPay Scale (in INR)
Research AssistantINR 2.4 LPA – INR 4.8 LPA
Financial AnalystINR 4.0 LPA – INR 9.0 LPA
IT ConsultantINR 6.0 LPA – INR 16.0 LPA
ProfessorINR 7.2 LPA – INR 24.0 LPA

*Source: Glassdoor

Also read: Top 8 Online Courses You Can Pursue While Preparing for UPSC: Backup Plan.

A Final Takeaway

UPSC failure is just another chapter of your life, not life itself. When one chapter closes, another is bound to open. Online degrees are a powerful tool to prepare for the upcoming chapters. These programmes provide you with high-income skills, helping you build your career trajectory. In this blog, we have discussed the most sought-after online degrees such as online MBA, MCA, MA, MCom, and MSc. These courses offer flexibility and accessibility to study anytime, anywhere.

It is difficult to navigate the pain of rejection, and we get it. Facing consistent failure can be challenging, but it makes you a strong-willed and determined individual. Embrace it as a learning opportunity and move on to building life once again. Remember to take one day at a time and never undermine your potential.

FAQs

1. What can I do after failing in UPSC?

After failing the UPSC, you must acknowledge rejection and process it. As you try to move forward, you can either directly apply for jobs or enroll for a master’s degree. Another option is to acquire high-paying skills through short online courses and get ready to grab opportunities.

2. Which degree is best for UPSC backup?

Typically, students enroll in those degrees that might support them in their preparation or future career aspects. Some of the options are LLB, MBA, MA, BA, LLM, MCom, and more. These degrees shall prepare you for a variety of roles beyond civil services.

3. Is an online degree valid for UPSC?

Yes, an online degree has similar validity as a traditional degree. The only prerequisite to this is that the online degree should be from a UGC-recognised university. The degree must have all the mandatory approvals.

4. What to do after failed UPSC attempts?

After failed UPSC attempts, you analyse the situation and assess your choices. Whether you wish to continue the preparation or would like to prepare for a job. It is important that you take a deep look at your options, and choose what feels right for you.

5. How to restart a career after UPSC?

Opt for in-demand degrees such as an MBA. An MBA degree shall help you overcome your career gap and, at the same time, prepare you for the current job market.

Every query is necessary.

Our team of experts, or experienced individuals, will answer it over online meet. Book your slot now!

Book Free Online Counselling
Isha - Author

Isha Education Counsellor / Editor

LinkedIn Profile

Isha Jain holds a Bachelor's degree in Literature along with a Diploma in Digital Marketing, bringing a strong foundation in communication and content creation. With over 7 years of hands-on experience in the education domain, she has crafted impactful content across various formats - ranging from educational blogs and news articles to video scripts, newsletters, and learner-focused campaigns. As the editorial lead at Learning Routes, Isha plays a key role in shaping content that empowers students and working professionals to make confident choices about online courses and career-building certifications. Her deep understanding of the online education space is reflected in her writing, which aims to simplify complex decisions and provide real-world clarity to learners. Beyond her professional role, Isha has also written extensively on lifestyle and digital learning trends. She is passionate about guiding students and loves engaging in conversations around career development on platforms like LinkedIn, Quora, and Reddit. Whether it's recommending the right upskilling path or demystifying online education, she has helped countless learners take confident steps toward their goals. In her spare time, you’ll find Isha reading, traveling, or playing sports to stay active and inspired.

Read more

Get Free Career Guidance

enquiry
logo
The intend of Learning Routes is to provide unbiased, precise information & comparative guidance on Universities and its Programmes of Study to the Admission Aspirants. The contents of the Learning Routes Site, such as Texts, Graphics, Images, Blogs, Videos University Logos, and other materials (collectively, 'Content') are for information purpose only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for in any form on offerings of its academia partners. Infringing on intellectual property or associated rights is not intended or deliberately acted upon. The information provided by Learning Routes on www.learningroutes.in is for general information purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith with accuracy and to the best of our knowledge, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of any information on the Site. Learning Routes & its fraternity will not be liable for any errors, omissions, damages, or losses resultant, if any, from the usage of fit information.
Contact Us:
Get Free Counselling
+91-9228165349