Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 01:16
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
“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.”
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I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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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 prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
And..
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Found an empty bench..
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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Searched for my roll number.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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…
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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
But, then it hit me hard.
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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
I was constantly staring into the ground
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
The batch sizes were huge!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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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.”
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.
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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The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Anyway!
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I was alone in Delhi back then
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
And entered the park.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I looked around me
All the best!
All achievers in their own way.
Your credentials do not matter!
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 was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“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, I had not made it.
I vividly remember that evening.
I did not go back to my home.
Keep your ego aside.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It is almost impossible.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Cleared multiple of them
.
Dropped them
Worked for a marketing agency
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”