The reasons for the failure are as follows :
1. The struggle remained limited to the Northern part and it did not spread all over India at the same time.
2. Its intensity was severe in North India but Rajputana, Punjab but parts of Bengal and North-west India remained aloof.
3. Many princely states remained loyal to the British which reduced its intensity.
4. The majority of the rulers of the Indian states and the educated Indians kept away from the struggle.
5. Though the soldiers were brave they did not use military tactics.
6. As there was no commonly accepted leader to fight the British, there was no uniformity of the struggle.
7. On the other hand, the British had economic strength, experienced generals, disciplined army, latest weapons and modern means of transport and communication which made movements of the British swift.
8 The naval strength of the British was vast, while rebels were isolated.