Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 08:13
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
.
Cleared multiple of them
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).
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
It is almost impossible.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Dropped them
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Found an empty bench..
“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).”
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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Searched for my roll number.
The batch sizes were huge!
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.
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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.
But, then it hit me hard.
Anyway!
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Your credentials do not matter!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling 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…
All achievers in their own way.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And..
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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And entered the park.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, I had not made it.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Worked for a marketing agency
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“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.”
Keep your ego aside.
All the best!
I did not go back to my home.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“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 vividly remember that evening.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I looked around me
.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.