Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 02:13
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
“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.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
I was constantly staring into the ground
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
The batch sizes were huge!
All achievers in their own way.
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This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
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).
It is almost impossible.
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I looked around me
Cleared multiple of them
Worked for a marketing agency
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
I was alone in Delhi back then
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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And, I had not made it.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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I did not go back to my home.
Anyway!
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
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This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
.
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
Searched for my roll number.
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And..
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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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Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
Keep your ego aside.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
But, then it hit me hard.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Dropped them
All the best!
Found an empty bench..
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Your credentials do not matter!
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
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.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
And entered the park.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
I vividly remember that evening.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for 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.
“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 remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
“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.”