Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 21.06.2025 23:53
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Cleared multiple of them
I looked around me
Found an empty bench..
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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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).
Searched for my roll number.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Worked for a marketing agency
“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).”
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
The batch sizes were huge!
I was alone in Delhi back then
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.
“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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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.
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Your credentials do not matter!
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.
Anyway!
Keep your ego aside.
“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.”
.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“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.”
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
But, then it hit me hard.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
All achievers in their own way.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
All the best!
I vividly remember that evening.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was constantly staring into the ground
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And..
Dropped them
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…
I did not go back to my home.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It is almost impossible.
And entered the park.
And, I had not made it.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.