Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 26.06.2025 00:12
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And..
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, I had not made it.
Cleared multiple of them
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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.
Searched for my roll number.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Keep your ego aside.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
I looked around me
The batch sizes were huge!
It is almost impossible.
“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 lasted approximately 10 months.
And entered the park.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Dropped them
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
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.
What habits do happy couples have?
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Anyway!
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
All the best!
I was constantly staring into the ground
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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Your credentials do not matter!
All achievers in their own way.
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.”
I did not go back to my 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…
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
Found an empty bench..
But, then it hit me hard.
.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I vividly remember that evening.
“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).”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!