Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 30.06.2025 03:43
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Dropped them
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
Found an empty bench..
.
It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
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I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
And, I had not made it.
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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.
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And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
Would you join a gym or workout at home and why?
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
I looked around me
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
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I said, “Yes! I believe so.”
I was alone in Delhi back then
“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.”
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“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
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.
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
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I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
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.
But, then it hit me hard.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Keep your ego aside.
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
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All achievers in their own way.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
.
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I was constantly staring into the ground
I parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
The batch sizes were huge!
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
All the best!
Cleared multiple of them
I did not go back to my home.
If one says, they can help you crack the exam with X AIR, it is difficult to do so.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
It lasted approximately 10 months.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
“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 move for the next 30 minutes..
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).
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And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Searched for my roll number.
And..
So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
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…
And entered the park.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
Your credentials do not matter!
It is almost impossible.
I vividly remember that evening.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
“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 was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
Anyway!