Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 00:28
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
All the best!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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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.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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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.”
It is almost impossible.
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
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…
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
What does the Bible say about the Antichrist? How will we know when he arrives on the scene?
Your credentials do not matter!
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I looked around me
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And..
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“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
The batch sizes were huge!
I vividly remember that evening.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was constantly staring into the ground
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And entered the park.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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.
Cleared multiple of them
And, I had not made it.
.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
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.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Dropped them
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
All achievers in their own way.
Anyway!
Found an empty bench..
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Searched for my roll number.
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 write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I did not go back to my home.
But, then it hit me hard.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
“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.”
Keep your ego aside.
“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).”
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.