Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:51
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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).
The batch sizes were huge!
“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 vividly remember that evening.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I looked around me
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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, I had not made it.
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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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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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…
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
How often do you watch the news on TV?
“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 is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I did not go back to my home.
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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.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
All achievers in their own way.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was alone in Delhi back then
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
“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.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Worked for a marketing agency
.
Cleared multiple of them
Keep your ego aside.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Anyway!
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.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
All the best!
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
But, then it hit me hard.
And entered the park.
Your credentials do not matter!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Found an empty bench..
Searched for my roll number.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
It is almost impossible.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And..
Dropped them
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.