A Comparative Study of Impostor Syndrome and Interpersonal Relationship Quality Among First-Attempt and Repeat UPSC Aspirants

Abstract

The preparation for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination involves intense academic pressure and uncertainty, which may contribute to psychological challenges among aspirants. We examined the relationship between impostor syndrome and interpersonal relationship quality among UPSC aspirants and compared first-attempt and repeat-attempt candidates. We used a quantitative cross-sectional design with a sample of 100 aspirants who completed standardized self-report measures. We analyzed the data using Pearson correlation and independent samples t-test. The results showed a significant negative correlation between impostor syndrome and interpersonal relationship quality. Repeat-attempt aspirants reported significantly higher impostor syndrome, while no significant difference was found in interpersonal relationship quality. These findings highlight the psychological challenges experienced by aspirants in highly competitive examination environments.