Why upsc is considered the toughest exam in the whole world?
Last Updated: 28.06.2025 07:55
In my head, it was a do-or-die situation for me.
Immediately after this conversation, I left the institute.
Appeared for the exam and instantly knew I would not be making it this time!
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A gazillion thoughts running through my mind.
Searched for my roll number.
“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).”
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Worked for a marketing agency
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…
In case you are wondering, how did my story end?
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It was summertime in Delhi. I was allotted a far-off centre in Najafgarh.
“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 parked my cycle near one of the parks en route to my PG.
2016 I graduated from college. The same year I began preparing for the UPSC.
.
I did not go back to my home.
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Your credentials do not matter!
I was determined to clear the exam and then go back home.
I hurriedly opened the holy PDF.
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All the best!
I prepared for the next 3 years (2016 to 2019)
I was alone in Delhi back then
This exam has an element of probability that no one can predict.
This is the very reason you will hear IIT, IIM, AIIMS graduates failing to clear the UPSC.
Relatively in a better position after my exam failures, but a void still exists!
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So, hopefully, my answers help aspirants who need help.
I was constantly staring into the ground
.
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I looked around me
After checking the PDF, I chained my cycle to a lamp post ..
It lasted approximately 10 months.
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And, I had not made it.
And crushed myself and ‘my expectations’ on it.
I was cycling from one of my coaching institutes back to my PG.
“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.”
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.
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.
This exam has its own way of humbling you.
Cut to 2-3 months post prelims. Results were declared.
It is almost impossible.
But, then it hit me hard.
And..
2017 June - I appeared for the first time for the UPSC Prelims (after a year-long preparation)
There is no mathematical formula where you know that if the inputs are controlled, you can achieve X outcome.
I vividly remember that evening.
“Suryansh, let me tell you something. Do you feel the best of the best students from all over India prepare for this examination?”
I remember the very next day my coaching institute professor telling me -
And, now working as a digital marketing freelancer for international clients.
I lacked a mentor when I needed one.
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.
And, so I began preparing for the exam with high hopes and determination.
Thousands of students swarming in Old Rajendra Nagar.
All achievers in their own way.
I had heard rumours going around that the results had been declared.
I did not move for the next 30 minutes..
“I have more than 20+ years of teaching experience.”
A sense of grief and toil had taken over me.
If we haven’t met, my name is Suryansh Sodhani.
Also, simultaneously prepared for other exams
Anyway!
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.
I write answers on Quora that help UPSC and other government exam aspirants.
The batch sizes were huge!
Do drop in a message, would be happy to talk.
Dropped them
Nevertheless, I hustled my way through the coaching program.
Found an empty bench..
And entered the park.
I joined two coaching institutes - One for mains preparation and one for my optional subject.
Cleared multiple of them
Keep your ego aside.
The struggle was real. The teacher would non stop go through his lecture, and explain the concepts/ theory/ ideas etc.
And, after all, it was a matter of great pride and respect.
I said, “Yes! I believe so.”