Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 27.06.2025 04:35
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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 vividly remember that evening.
And..
“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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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
.
How do you raise well-behaved children?
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Cleared multiple of them
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
And, I had not made it.
But, then it hit me hard.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Searched for my roll number.
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 batch sizes were huge!
Found an empty bench..
What is truer than that which is true?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
Dropped them
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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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I looked around me
What did someone say to you that instantly made you realize their life was in danger?
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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Anyway!
I was alone in Delhi back then
Your credentials do not matter!
What does it mean if you dream your dad died?
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
It is almost impossible.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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.
Worked for a marketing agency
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
Keep your ego aside.
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.
“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.”
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I was constantly staring into the ground
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
All achievers in their own way.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
And entered the park.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
All the best!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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).”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
“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.”
I did not go back to my home.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.