Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 04:19
Your credentials do not matter!
“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.
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Cleared multiple of them
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Keep your ego aside.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Searched for my roll number.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Is there any new American thing?
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Worked for a marketing agency
I looked around me
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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And..
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
All achievers in their own way.
Quia quia unde harum qui quas.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And entered the park.
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.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
.
.
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But, then it hit me hard.
The batch sizes were huge!
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…
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Anyway!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
It is almost impossible.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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).
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was constantly staring into the ground
Found an empty bench..
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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.”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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, I had not made it.
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.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
All the best!
Dropped them
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I vividly remember that evening.
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.