Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 23.06.2025 05:26
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was constantly staring into the ground
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Dare you, peep in your neighbour's notebook. After all, it is a national-level competitive exam - people tend to be extremely competitive. Tough days…
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
You would have to be on your toes. If your mind drifts apart for even a second, you will lose your chain of thoughts and notes.
Keep your ego aside.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And entered the park.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Your credentials do not matter!
Searched for my roll number.
.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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I did not go back to my home.
All achievers in their own way.
The batch sizes were huge!
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, I had not made it.
But, then it hit me hard.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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Found an empty bench..
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I vividly remember that evening.
Worked for a marketing agency
I looked around me
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
So, yes, the UPSC is considered the toughest exam in the world because there is a ‘luck’ factor coupled with subjectivity in the exam process.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
It is almost impossible.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Dropped them
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“All of these students are great from an academic point of view. They have always scored 90%+ during their school days, some have even scored 9.6 CGPA and above during their 10th boards.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
500 students in each batch. God forbid if you were late to the class - you would have to push your way through the seats. (Old aspirants reading this know which institute I am talking about).
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“But, it is nearly impossible for one to predict who will make it to the ‘holy list’. Yes! I can say that if an aspirant who has done X, Y, and Z can increase their chances of selection, but it is just not enough. There is always a matter of luck (or, probability).”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Anyway!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Cleared multiple of them
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And..
“I, too, was an aspirant, 20 years back. I have met board toppers, state board toppers, and college toppers with more than 9+ CGPA who prepare for this exam.”
Each class used to be 2.5 hours each. Making it a total of 5 hours of coaching classes daily. The classes used to be 7 days a week.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
All the best!