Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 14:15
Searched for my roll number.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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All the best!
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
.
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Dropped them
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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I was alone in Delhi back then
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).
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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But, then it hit me hard.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I did not go back to my home.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Cleared multiple of them
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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Anyway!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
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.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
The batch sizes were huge!
“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.”
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It is almost impossible.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I looked around me
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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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Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
.
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I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
And, I had not made it.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Your credentials do not matter!
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I was constantly staring into the ground
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And entered the park.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And..
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).”
Worked for a marketing agency
Keep your ego aside.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
All achievers in their own way.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“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.”
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Found an empty bench..
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.