Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 09:15
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
The batch sizes were huge!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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Cleared multiple of them
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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.
Why do nice guys rarely or never win?
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Why is it that women are stronger than men nowadays?
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It is almost impossible.
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But, then it hit me hard.
And entered the park.
“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.”
How much should one budget to travel for 1 month generally?
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I looked around me
Dropped them
.
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I was alone in Delhi back then
I did not go back to my home.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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Anyway!
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.
Found an empty bench..
Keep your ego aside.
I vividly remember that evening.
Worked for a marketing agency
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If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
All achievers in their own way.
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…
And, I had not made it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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).
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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.”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
Your credentials do not matter!
Searched for my roll number.
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 the best!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“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).”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
And..
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -