Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 00:25
I vividly remember that evening.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Why would the United States need a fleet of the F-47 fighter jet fielded in the 2030s?
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
How can a person develop advanced brain power?
I was alone in Delhi back then
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
All the best!
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.
All achievers in their own way.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Searched for my roll number.
Your credentials do not matter!
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The batch sizes were huge!
It is almost impossible.
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I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
But, then it hit me hard.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Cleared multiple of them
And entered the park.
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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).
.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
And, I had not made it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I looked around me
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Anyway!
Found an empty bench..
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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.”
Dropped them
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.
I did not go back to my home.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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…
Keep your ego aside.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”