Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 10:48
I was alone in Delhi back then
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
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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..
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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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…
Worked for a marketing agency
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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Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
And, I had not made it.
“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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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
But, then it hit me hard.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
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If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Your credentials do not matter!
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.
What are some of your shocking stories?
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
The batch sizes were huge!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
I vividly remember that evening.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
Cleared multiple of them
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“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 entered the park.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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.
And..
It is almost impossible.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Found an empty bench..
All achievers in their own way.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Searched for my roll number.
I looked around me
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
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).
All the best!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Keep your ego aside.
I did not go back to my home.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“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).”
Dropped them
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Anyway!
I was constantly staring into the ground