Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 12:42
I was constantly staring into the ground
“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.
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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All achievers in their own way.
Your credentials do not matter!
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
Worked for a marketing agency
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
All the best!
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
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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This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
.
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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And, I had not made 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).”
I did not go back to my home.
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I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
It is almost impossible.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
But, then it hit me hard.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
The batch sizes were huge!
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
I vividly remember that evening.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Cleared multiple of them
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
“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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Dropped them
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Found an empty bench..
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I was alone in Delhi back then
Searched for my roll number.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“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.”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Anyway!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I looked around me
And..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
.
Keep your ego aside.
And entered the park.
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).