Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 03:23
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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).
Cleared multiple of them
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
.
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2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Your credentials do not matter!
I looked around me
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And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Anyway!
And entered the park.
And, I had not made it.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Why did my ex-narcissist move so fast with his new supply marriage engagement moving in, etc.?
Keep your ego aside.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Found an empty bench..
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
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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.”
And..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
All achievers in their own way.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
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.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Searched for my roll number.
I did not go back to my home.
I vividly remember that evening.
The batch sizes were huge!
“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).”
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It is almost impossible.
Dropped them
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
All the best!
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
“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 was alone in Delhi back then
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
But, then it hit me hard.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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…