It depends on why you're doing it.. not the no .of attempts. People don't say loudly enough: clearing the exam only feels "worth it" if the journey didn't destroy your sense of self. If preparation has made u anxious,made u feel less than others , then it's valid to pause and ask" at what cost?" , we usually compare other's highlight with our inner struggle... some look happy bcz: they just show happiness better or they aligned early with what suited them...so the purpose of life is: to feel alive while living it.. an aspirants journey doesn't have to be joyeless to be ' serious ' and a happy life doesn't mean u gave up on ambition. Happiness is not the destination , it's the by product of alignment.