Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 04:32
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I was alone in Delhi back then
All the best!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Worked for a marketing agency
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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…
The batch sizes were huge!
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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I was constantly staring into the ground
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I looked around me
“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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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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.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Anyway!
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
All achievers in their own way.
Searched for my roll number.
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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).
“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).”
.
“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.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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And, I had not made it.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And..
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Your credentials do not matter!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
How can couples reverse the buildup of resentment once they notice it?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Cleared multiple of them
Found an empty bench..
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I did not go back to my home.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
.
Dropped them
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)
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Keep your ego aside.
It is almost impossible.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I vividly remember that evening.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
But, then it hit me hard.
And entered the park.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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 said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -