Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 07:47
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I looked around me
I was alone in Delhi back then
Have you been with a stranger yet?
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I vividly remember that evening.
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And, I had not made it.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
All achievers in their own way.
Cleared multiple of them
The batch sizes were huge!
Illum autem fuga doloremque est quod delectus id.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Searched for my roll number.
“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.”
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“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).”
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.
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).
Found an empty bench..
Anyway!
.
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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And entered the park.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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.”
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
It is almost impossible.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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 move for the next 30 minutes..
But, then it hit me hard.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I did not go back to my home.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Your credentials do not matter!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
All the best!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Worked for a marketing agency
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.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
And..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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 an element of probability that no one can predict.
.
I was constantly staring into the ground
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Keep your ego aside.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Dropped them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.