Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 29.06.2025 13:43
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
And..
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I vividly remember that evening.
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Anyway!
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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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.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Searched for my roll number.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
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Keep your ego aside.
“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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
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It lasted approximately 10 months.
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…
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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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?”
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
The batch sizes were huge!
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Worked for a marketing agency
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I looked around me
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And entered the park.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
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2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
All the best!
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And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
“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.”
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Cleared multiple of them
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
But, then it hit me hard.
Dropped them
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
Found an empty bench..
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
All achievers in their own way.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
It is almost impossible.
And, I had not made it.
.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
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).
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
I did not go back to my home.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
I was constantly staring into the ground
“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).”
.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
Your credentials do not matter!