Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 04:33
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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Anyway!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Found an empty bench..
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I was alone in Delhi back then
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I did not go back to my home.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Your credentials do not matter!
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Keep your ego aside.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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.
Cleared multiple of them
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Worked for a marketing agency
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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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“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 have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
The batch sizes were huge!
All the best!
.
I was constantly staring into the ground
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
“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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And entered the park.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And, I had not made it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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 looked around me
It is almost impossible.
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).
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All achievers in their own way.
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 vividly remember that evening.
Dropped them
Searched for my roll number.
And..
.
“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.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.