Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 01.07.2025 13:05

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