Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 11:30
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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).”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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).
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I vividly remember that evening.
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I looked around me
All achievers in their own way.
.
Keep your ego aside.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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Searched for my roll number.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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“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.”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Have you ever been spanked in front of a group of people?
And, I had not made it.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
And..
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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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.
Worked for a marketing agency
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Found an empty bench..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And entered the park.
Dropped them
I was alone in Delhi back then
Cleared multiple of them
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
It is almost impossible.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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…
Your credentials do not matter!
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
“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.”
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
But, then it hit me hard.
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.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Anyway!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
All the best!
The batch sizes were huge!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I did not go back to my home.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!