Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 07:26
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And..
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
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).
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Worked for a marketing agency
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
.
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I did not go back to my home.
.
Anyway!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was alone in Delhi back then
Your credentials do not matter!
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
It is almost impossible.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Dropped them
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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I was constantly staring into the ground
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Searched for my roll number.
“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.
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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Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
All achievers in their own way.
Keep your ego aside.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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And entered the park.
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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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And, I had not made it.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
“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.”
The batch sizes were huge!
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I vividly remember that evening.
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Cleared multiple of them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
All the best!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
“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).”
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Found an empty bench..
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.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I looked around me