Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:44
Found an empty bench..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I vividly remember that evening.
And..
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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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…
Searched for my roll number.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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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).
And, I had not made it.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
But, then it hit me hard.
.
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Dropped them
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
And entered the park.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Anyway!
I looked around me
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).”
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was alone in Delhi back then
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cleared multiple of them
All the best!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“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.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
It is almost impossible.
The batch sizes were huge!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Your credentials do not matter!
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 achievers in their own way.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
“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.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I did not go back to my home.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Keep your ego aside.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Worked for a marketing agency