Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 11:31
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
And..
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
Cleared multiple of them
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Would you let your partner cheat on you every now and again?
I was constantly staring into the ground
I was alone in Delhi back then
And, I had not made it.
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
“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.”
.
All achievers in their own way.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
All the best!
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
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.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
“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).”
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
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Searched for my roll number.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
It is almost impossible.
I vividly remember that evening.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
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But, then it hit me hard.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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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 had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
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The batch sizes were huge!
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
Dropped them
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After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Found an empty bench..
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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.”
I did not go back to my home.
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 hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
I looked around me
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
Worked for a marketing agency
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
And entered the park.
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Your credentials do not matter!
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Anyway!
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
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…
Keep your ego aside.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”