Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 15:37
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Found an empty bench..
Keep your ego aside.
I looked around me
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…
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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The batch sizes were huge!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
All achievers in their own way.
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All the best!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
But, then it hit me hard.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was alone in Delhi back then
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
It is almost impossible.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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Cleared multiple of them
I vividly remember that evening.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“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.”
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 exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
Dropped them
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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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.”
I was constantly staring into the ground
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
.
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.
Searched for my roll number.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Worked for a marketing agency
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Your credentials do not matter!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And entered the park.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I did not go back to my home.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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).
Anyway!
“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).”
And, I had not made it.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.