Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 09:17
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).
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
All achievers in their own way.
And entered the park.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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Searched for my roll number.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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Dropped them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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 want to touch my sister’s boobs. What do I say?
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Cleared multiple of them
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It is almost impossible.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
The batch sizes were huge!
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“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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
But, then it hit me hard.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Found an empty bench..
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..
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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“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.”
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“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.”
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.
.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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.
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All the best!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Keep your ego aside.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I did not go back to my home.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I looked around me
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Your credentials do not matter!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I vividly remember that evening.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Worked for a marketing agency
Anyway!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was alone in Delhi back then
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was constantly staring into the ground
.
And, I had not made it.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It lasted approximately 10 months.