Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 00:39
I was alone in Delhi back then
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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.
The batch sizes were huge!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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Anyway!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Found an empty bench..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
All the best!
And entered the park.
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
But, then it hit me hard.
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I did not go back to my home.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Dropped them
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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 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.
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…
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).
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And, I had not made it.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I looked around me
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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.
It is almost impossible.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
It lasted approximately 10 months.
.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Your credentials do not matter!
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“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).”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Worked for a marketing agency
Cleared multiple of them
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I vividly remember that evening.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Searched for my roll number.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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 was constantly staring into the ground
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
All achievers in their own way.
And..
“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.”
Keep your ego aside.