Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 00:51
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“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.”
Cleared multiple of them
.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
I vividly remember that evening.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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I was alone in Delhi back then
And, I had not made it.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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I was constantly staring into the ground
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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…
How do I cope with the fact that I will never have a girlfriend?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
But, then it hit me hard.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
It is almost impossible.
And entered the park.
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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.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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All achievers in their own way.
I did not go back to my home.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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).
.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
The batch sizes were huge!
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“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.”
Your credentials do not matter!
Found an empty bench..
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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I looked around me
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
Searched for my roll number.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Dropped them
Anyway!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
All the best!
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Keep your ego aside.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
“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).”