Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 09:45
Your credentials do not matter!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
Searched for my roll number.
Cleared multiple of them
But, then it hit me hard.
And, I had not made it.
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
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.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
“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.”
It lasted approximately 10 months.
“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).”
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Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I did not go back to my home.
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I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Anyway!
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
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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Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
And..
All achievers in their own way.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I looked around me
I was constantly staring into the ground
I vividly remember that evening.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
The batch sizes were huge!
Worked for a marketing agency
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
It is almost impossible.
“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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
Found an empty bench..
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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!
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
And entered the park.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Keep your ego aside.
Dropped them