Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 23:55
I was alone in Delhi back then
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And entered the park.
The batch sizes were huge!
Dropped them
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
But, then it hit me hard.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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).
“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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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.
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It is almost impossible.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Keep your ego aside.
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, I had not made it.
In bed, not in music, which is better, a drummer or a bass player?
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Searched for my roll number.
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.
Your credentials do not matter!
I did not go back to my home.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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…
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Found an empty bench..
I looked around me
“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 was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
All the best!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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 vividly remember that evening.
“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.”
All achievers in their own way.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Anyway!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Cleared multiple of them
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And..
Worked for a marketing agency
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.