Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 02:30
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Found an empty bench..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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And entered the park.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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.”
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
All achievers in their own way.
And, I had not made it.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Cleared multiple of them
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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!
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Worked for a marketing agency
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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But, then it hit me hard.
.
Searched for my roll number.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Dropped them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Keep your ego aside.
“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 is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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.”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Anyway!
I looked around me
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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.
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 did not go back to my home.
I vividly remember that evening.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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.
All the best!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
The batch sizes were huge!
It is almost impossible.
And..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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).
.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!